Publications
- A new platform, cutting edge technology and the ability to drive in silence up to 140km/h.
- 2022 Range Rover is expected to leave competitors behind regarding luxury and features.
- Expect active noise cancellation, air purification and advanced suspension tech that "sees into the future".
- For motoring news, go to Wheels24
In 2022, an all-new Range Rover arrives at South African dealerships. The new model is expected to elevate things, moving into a more luxurious territory occupied by vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan - more than likely with a price to match this opulence.
While we are waiting for the official launch dates and pricing for South Africa, as things are slightly challenging for all automakers due to the semiconductor shortage regarding stock availability, we thought we'd take a closer look at the key features and specs Land Rover will be offering with its flagship SUV.
All-new platform
At the core of the all-new Range Rover is a next-generation platform and body structure that provides the foundations for "transformational refinement", as they're calling it.
Dubbed Flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (or MLA-Flex for short), it's said to deliver heightened levels of body stiffness and noise isolation compared to the predecessor.
The Flex portion of the platform's namesake and capabilities refers to Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs with various powertrains, including a V8 petrol engine built in collaboration with BMW and Land Rover's Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. Also, expect Extended Range plug-in hybrids (and a pure-electric version within the next four years).
Read: DRIVEN | Celebratory Toyota Land Cruiser 79 still the godfather ruling SA's bakkie market
Land Rover says that by using unique materials for each of the new Range Rover's design elements, its engineers have optimised weight and stiffness, creating three rings within the body structure at the A, C, and D pillars.
"The intelligent use of high-strength steels – for example, in a fourth strengthening ring around the front door openings – and innovative casting techniques delivers torsional stiffness up to 50% higher than before, even with a full-length panoramic roof," they note.
Future-focused features
Advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology in the new Range Rover is said to build on the fundamental refinement provided by the MLA-Flex platform to deliver one of the quietest cabins of any road vehicle.
This third-generation Active Noise Cancellation system monitors wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds transmitted into the cabin and generates a cancelling signal played through the system's 35 main speakers.
It has five times the noise cancellation range of previous designs, up to 1kHz, thanks to the pair of 60mm diameter speakers in the headrests for each of the four main cabin occupants, creating personal zones throughout the vehicle using technology similar to that found in noise-cancelling headphones like your Apple AirPods Max, essentially.
Read: These are the 5 most expensive naturally aspirated petrol cars in South Africa
Other cool features are coming, too, including advanced cabin air purification and pre-emptive suspension systems that monitor the road ahead to set the vehicle up for a sublime ride regardless of the driving situation.
If you are particularly prone to allergies, or if you want to ensure that you are breathing the cleanest air possible while on the move, you'll be pleased to know that the SUV's ultra-fine cabin air filtration features an active carbon layer to remove unpleasant odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While some features have appeared before, Land Rover is confident that you'll notice the differences when upgrading to the new model.
Range of powertrains
To ensure there's a flavour for everyone, expect thumping V8 models, frugal inline-six engines with hybridised tech, and further down the line, an all-electric model. The V8 that will arrive first will pack 390kW of power. 750Nm of torque will help you accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
Read: WATCH | Gordon Murray Automotive lights the fuse on its new screaming V12 T.33
If you're more interested in luxury and want to reduce your impact on the environment before going all-electric in future, you'll appreciate the PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles) with 323kW or 375kW outputs. They come with a 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery (with a usable capacity of 31.8kWh) and a 105kW electric motor integrated within the transmission. Together, the powertrain provides up to 100km of near-silent pure-electric driving. With instantaneous electric torque, the new P510e (375kW) accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
PHEVs can reach up to 140km/h in electric-only mode, allowing drivers to enjoy zero-emission journeys in town and country.
Subscribe to our free newsletter, 'LET'S DRIVE', to keep up to date on the latest Range Rover, as we'll bring you local pricing and the exact line-up for our market.
