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Forty years on, the latest Range Rover is like a Bentley that can go anywhere! It has become much more luxurious inside, but offers a go-anywhere capability that other luxury sedans cannot even dream of. It is much more ecologically correct without losing out on the things that rich fat cats around the world are accustomed to. The new Rangie was unveiled in the UK in early September and India is scheduled to get it by the end of the year. With competition like the Mercedes-Benz GL, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, it was not easy for the last-gen Rangie. But this one? See for yourself.
1. Evolution not Evoqution
All the classic design cues are present and accounted for: the clamshell bonnet, the floating roof (with different colour options), split tailgate and the side vents – oh, but the latter now is just a design flourish on the door rather than functioning vents on the fender. But it’s clear that the design is an evolution – Land Rover has played it safe with its flagship SUV. If you want something funky, then there’s always the Evoque, right?
2. Let’s do lounge
It’s longer by 27 mm, but the wheelbase has gone up by 42 mm and leg room and knee room are up by 118 mm and 50 mm respectively. What, however, is important for us in India is that Land Rover is not denying the possibility of making a long wheelbase version of the new Rangie. For us backseat regulars (and, of course, the Chinese and the West Asians), this can be a good deal.
3. Switch off
Inside, the big story is that there are half as many switches as before. In keeping with Apple-like simplicity, the buttons and switches have been consolidated. Now that’s something no one can argue with. Of course, it reeks of British craftsmanship. And comes with a humongous choice of interior fitments.
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