15 Fascinating Facts About the Range Rover

 

The Range Rover is a name that commands respect and admiration in the automotive world. Since its debut in 1970, this iconic British luxury SUV has captivated the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. Known for its exceptional off-road capabilities, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge technology, the Range Rover has earned its place as one of the most coveted vehicles worldwide. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a story of innovation, performance, and refinement that spans over five decades. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fascinating facts about the Range Rover that every car enthusiast and off-road adventurer should know.

1. The Range Rover Was the First Luxury 4x4

The Range Rover made history as the first luxury four-wheel-drive vehicle. Before the Range Rover, off-road vehicles were generally utilitarian and focused solely on performance and durability. While the Land Rover and Jeep were the go-to choices for rugged off-road adventures, they lacked the luxury and comfort features associated with high-end vehicles. The Range Rover changed all that, combining impressive off-road capabilities with a refined interior that offered leather seating, wood accents, and modern conveniences. This fusion of rugged performance and luxury marked the beginning of a new genre in the automotive world—the luxury 4x4.

2. It Was Initially Designed as a Utility Vehicle

Although the Range Rover is now synonymous with luxury, its roots are deeply tied to utility. The vehicle was initially conceived as a more refined and capable alternative to the Land Rover, which was primarily used for farming, military, and industrial purposes. Land Rover's engineers set out to create a vehicle that could handle the harshest off-road conditions but also provide comfort for long journeys. In its early form, the Range Rover was far more utilitarian than luxurious, but over the years, it evolved into a symbol of opulence.

3. The Range Rover Was Inspired by the "Velar" Prototype

Before the Range Rover was officially launched in 1970, it was known as the “Velar” during its development phase. The Velar was a prototype created by the engineers at Land Rover to test the vehicle's off-road capabilities. The name "Velar" is derived from the Latin word velare, meaning "to cover" or "to veil," a nod to the fact that the vehicle was still in its experimental phase. The Velar prototype was tested rigorously in various terrains, and its successful performance ultimately led to the production of the first Range Rover. Interestingly, the name "Velar" was revived by Land Rover in 2017 as the name of a new luxury SUV, the Range Rover Velar.

4. It Was the First Vehicle to Feature Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive

The Range Rover was the first production vehicle to feature a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Before this, many four-wheel-drive vehicles were equipped with part-time systems, meaning the driver had to manually engage the four-wheel drive when needed. This innovation was a game-changer, allowing the Range Rover to automatically distribute power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability on rough terrain. This feature set the Range Rover apart from its competitors and established it as a leader in off-road performance.

5. The Range Rover Was the First SUV to Offer Air Suspension

In 1992, the second-generation Range Rover (the P38A) became the first vehicle to feature air suspension as standard equipment. Air suspension uses air-filled bags to adjust the ride height of the vehicle, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially over rough terrain. The system also allows the driver to adjust the ride height for different driving conditions, such as raising the vehicle for off-road use or lowering it for highway driving. This technology became one of the key selling points of the Range Rover and helped to solidify its reputation as the ultimate luxury SUV.

6. It Was the First SUV to Be Fitted with an Advanced Onboard Computer

The Range Rover was also one of the first vehicles to be equipped with an advanced onboard computer. Introduced in the 1980s, this computer system allowed the vehicle to monitor and control various functions, including the suspension system, braking, and traction control. The system also provided real-time data to the driver, such as tire pressure, engine performance, and oil levels. This level of technological integration was groundbreaking for its time and was one of the many ways in which the Range Rover pushed the boundaries of innovation.

7. The Range Rover Has Been a Favorite Among Celebrities and Royals

Over the years, the Range Rover has become a symbol of wealth, status, and sophistication. It has been a favorite of high-profile individuals, including celebrities, business moguls, and royalty. In fact, the Range Rover is often seen in the driveways of the world's elite, from Hollywood stars to the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II, for example, is known to use a specially modified Range Rover for public appearances and off-road trips. Other notable celebrity owners include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kim Kardashian, all of whom have been seen driving various Range Rover models.

8. The Range Rover Was the First Vehicle to Be Tested in the Sahara Desert

The Range Rover’s off-road capabilities have been tested in some of the world’s most extreme environments, including the Sahara Desert. In 1979, a team of Land Rover engineers took a Range Rover across the desert in an attempt to prove its durability and off-road prowess. The expedition was grueling, with temperatures soaring to over 120°F (49°C), but the Range Rover performed admirably, cementing its status as one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the world. This remarkable journey was one of many tests that helped to shape the Range Rover’s reputation as the ultimate adventure vehicle.

9. The Range Rover Has Evolved into a Global Luxury Icon

While the Range Rover’s initial target market was primarily focused on the British countryside, the vehicle’s appeal quickly spread worldwide. Today, the Range Rover is a global luxury icon, recognized in countries around the world as a symbol of high status and premium quality. It is sold in over 100 countries and remains a top choice for luxury SUV buyers in markets such as the United States, China, and the Middle East. The Range Rover’s combination of off-road capability, luxury features, and stylish design has made it an international success.

10. The Range Rover Was the First to Offer a Full-Sized SUV with Three Rows of Seats

In 2017, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover LWB (Long Wheelbase) with an option for a third row of seats. This made the Range Rover the first luxury SUV to offer a full-sized cabin with seating for up to seven passengers. This move was part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, where luxury SUVs were being designed to accommodate larger families and groups. The addition of a third row of seats helped to make the Range Rover more versatile, allowing it to compete with other full-sized SUVs that offered similar configurations, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7.

11. The Range Rover Has Been Through Several Generations of Design Evolution

Since its debut, the Range Rover has undergone several generations of design evolution. The vehicle's first-generation model (1970-1996) featured a boxy, utilitarian design that was both practical and rugged. The second-generation model (1994-2001) introduced a more refined and modern appearance, with smoother lines and more luxurious features. The third-generation Range Rover (2002-2012) marked a more significant shift toward luxury, with a focus on advanced technology and comfort. The fourth-generation model (2012-2022) was notable for its aluminum body, which helped to reduce weight and improve performance. The fifth-generation Range Rover (2022-present) continues the legacy of its predecessors, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, luxury, and off-road prowess.

12. The Range Rover Was the First to Offer a Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

In 2018, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover P400e, which became the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid. The P400e combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 398 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system allows the Range Rover to travel short distances on electric power alone, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The introduction of the P400e marked a significant step toward sustainability for Land Rover, and the company has continued to develop hybrid and electric powertrains for the Range Rover lineup.

13. The Range Rover Was the First Luxury SUV to Cross the Arctic Circle

In 2010, the Range Rover became the first luxury SUV to cross the Arctic Circle. A team of Land Rover engineers drove a fleet of Range Rovers through the harsh, icy conditions of the Arctic region, testing the vehicles' ability to withstand extreme cold, snow, and ice. The Range Rover’s impressive off-road capabilities were put to the test in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C), and the vehicle’s performance was exceptional. This Arctic adventure helped further solidify the Range Rover’s reputation as one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the world.

14. The Range Rover Has Won Numerous Awards

Over the years, the Range Rover has earned numerous awards for its design, performance, and luxury. It has been consistently recognized as one of the best luxury SUVs on the market by automotive critics and organizations worldwide. The Range Rover has won accolades for its off-road capabilities, safety features, and innovative technologies. It has also been named one of the best luxury vehicles by various publications, including AutoTrader and Car and Driver.

15. The Range Rover Is Part of the Jaguar Land Rover Group

Since 2008, the Range Rover has been part of the Jaguar