The Range Rover, launched in 1970, invented the idea of a vehicle that could cross rough terrain with Land Rover capability and still be comfortable on the highway — the ancestor of every luxury SUV. It began as a relatively simple two-door car and became, over five generations, one of the most prestigious vehicles in the world, favored by royalty, celebrities and executives. The current generation, the L460, arrived in 2022, and an electric Range Rover is part of the brand’s plans.

At a glance

Generation Years Notes
Classic 1970–1996 Two-door, then four-door from 1981; coil springs and V8
P38A 1994–2002 More luxurious; air suspension
L322 2002–2012 Monocoque body, developed under BMW
L405 2012–2021 All-aluminum body
L460 2022–today Plug-in hybrids; electric version planned

The original

Engineers Spen King and Gordon Bashford designed the Range Rover to combine Land Rover toughness with comfort. It used long-travel coil springs instead of leaf springs, permanent four-wheel drive and a light aluminum V8. Early prototypes carried the name “Velar” to disguise them. The design was so admired that a Range Rover was exhibited at the Louvre in Paris as an example of industrial design.

Going upmarket

The Classic was initially utilitarian, with plastic and vinyl. As customers used it as a luxury vehicle, Land Rover added four doors (1981), automatic transmission, air conditioning and leather. By the late 1980s it was a luxury car in its own right, and the Range Rover arrived in the U.S. in 1987.

Modern generations

The P38A introduced air suspension as standard. The L322 (2002), developed while BMW owned Land Rover, moved to a stiff monocoque body and a much more luxurious interior. The L405 (2012) used an all-aluminum body, cutting weight significantly. The L460 (2022) brought a minimalist design, plug-in hybrids and a long-wheelbase seven-seat option.

The royal Range Rover

Range Rovers have long been used by the British royal family, and Land Rover holds royal warrants. Their mix of capability and understatement suits country estates and public duties alike.

A family of Range Rovers

The name now covers a family: the flagship Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Velar and Evoque. The ultra-luxury SV versions sit at the top — see the Range Rover SV.

Range Rover vs rivals

Compare it with its American and German rivals in Escalade vs Range Rover and Range Rover vs G-Class.