Land Rover’s fifth-generation Range Rover is now undergoing dynamic testing phase at the Green Hell before its official launch.
Jaguar Land Rover’s new generation flagship SUV is well into its development programme ahead of a 2021 launch. Now, the upcoming Range Rover has been sighted at the Nürburgring.
The Mk5 Range Rover is seen being pushed to its limits at the German racetrack during the usual manufacturer pool, where makers bring prototypes of all shapes and sizes to be put through their paces.
The fifth-gen model has been seen in disguise before, with a street parked prototype giving us a more detailed view of its design behind the usual wrapping. Featuring a wider stance aided by what looks like a more pronounced shoulder line, wider wheel arches and an imposing front end, the new SUV appears to balance a styling evolution with the tradition that customers expect.
We can also see that Land Rover has chosen to stick with classic-style door handles rather than the flush-fitting items used on the Velar. At the rear, the shape of the bootlid appears to show that the beloved split-tailgate design is retained. Underneath that, quad tailpipes indicate this is a more powerful variant, although we’re unable to verify the specific engine used.
JLR is also apparently benchmarking the new model against a Mercedes-Maybach GLS, one of its prime competitors along with the BMW X7.
The company’s new flagship will replace the current Range Rover, which was launched in 2012, and should give JLR a much-needed high-profit-margin boost just as the global economy is expected to begin to emerge from the effects of the current lockdown.
It’s based on the latest-generation MLA platform, which offers the flexibility of accommodating internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and full battery electric powertrains. You can read our full 2021 Range Rover scoop for more information.
Lawrence Allan