History of Range Rover: How have things changed?
The Range Rover is an icon of British motoring. Encompassing off-road driving with that signature premium finish, it’s a car which many have tried to copy but few have managed to eclipse.
Here at UK Carline, we’re incredibly fond of the Range Rover, as well as some of the other variants that it has led to. Let’s take a little walk through history to see how things have changed for this pioneer of motoring.
1970 – The original
The original Range Rover exploited a gap in the market for an off-roader that could still deliver an upmarket experience. Since the late 1940s, the original Land Rover had set the tone for off-road vehicles, but the Range Rover responded to a demand for more upmarket features.
With its boxy styling, the Range Rover provided a comfortable amount of space, yet could still be relied upon to tackle poor conditions when needed.
1981 – Vogue takes the Range Rover up a notch
There was quickly a need for an even more luxurious Range Rover and this was sorted with the Vogue. It was initially launched as a limited-edition model, bringing features such as bespoke metallic paint, air conditioning and even a picnic hamper.
Before long, the Vogue became a core part of the Range Rover line-up.
1994 – Second-generation car brings more tech
The second-generation Range Rover introduced some serious revisions. Highlights included upgraded air suspension and a brand-new Autobiography service, which allowed customers to delve further into the world of customisation.
It would kickstart a long-running ability to deliver whatever a buyer wanted from their Range Rover.
2001 – Terrain Response takes the third-generation Range Rover further
The Range Rover was always known for its off-road abilities, but in 2001 they took a step forward with the innovative Terrain Response system. Allowing a quick and easy way to tailor the car’s dynamics to a variety of conditions, Terrain Response meant that drivers could get the best from their new third-generation Range Rover with the turn of a control.
Terrain Response would go on to become a cornerstone of how future Range Rovers were set up.
2005 – Range Rover Sport arrives
The Range Rover was once again tailored to a new market with the Sport. With more of an on-road focus, the Range Rover Sport was an instant hit and soon became the go-to vehicle for celebrities, footballers and music stars.
Today, the Sport remains a core part of the Range Rover family.
2010 – Range Rover Evoque showcases a new side to the brand
It was in 2010 that we saw what would become one of the most popular Range Rover models of all time – the Evoque. Compact and appealing to a new type of driver, the Evoque was defined by its classy looks and upmarket interior.
Quickly, the Evoque was a common sight on the UK’s roads, while a Convertible added a certain level of quirkiness. Today, the Evoque remains one of the most popular Range Rover models.
2012 – Fourth-generation Range Rover arrives
The fourth-generation Range Rover may have had the same boxy design as its predecessors, but underneath it was radically different. In fact, it was the world’s first aluminium SUV, utilising the lightweight material to help make the whole car more agile.
The fourth-generation car was also available with a hybrid engine for the first time, helping to reduce emissions.
2017 – Velar makes the Range Rover experience even classier
The standard Range Rover was always an upmarket affair, but the Velar – first launched in 2017 – took that feeling and ran with it. With a sleek, coupe-esque style, the Velar showcased a new look and feel for Range Rover while filling a gap between the dynamic Sport and ‘regular’ model.
Today, the Velar remains a great buy and one that we’ve seen proving very popular here at UK Carline.
2021 – Fifth-generation Range Rover is launched
It was in 2021 that the bold new fifth-generation Range Rover was launched, heralding a suite of new technologies and an even more upmarket look and feel than before. As with previous generations, this Range Rover could also be specified in long wheelbase specification, bringing a first-class experience to those sitting in the rear.
Soon, we’ll be getting the first electric Range Rover, which is expected to deliver a range of over 300 miles from a charge. But if you can’t wait, then check out our current Range Rover deals here at UK Carline.
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