Fifth-generation Range Rover arrives in Singapore. Now electric-ready, but range still retains V8 muscle

Singapore - If you feel that a luxobarge sedan is too mainstream, you would probably be looking at an SUV. We got to catch a preview of the 2022 Range Rover late last year, when we were invited to Seoul, South Korea for a viewing of the pre-production car. At the Wernes Showroom at 45 Leng Kee Road, we get to the “proper production” fifth-generation in the flesh.

We appreciate that, while designers were given carte blanche to style the new Range Rover, it still carries many of the previous car’s design cues, including its signature blacked-out pillars and a sloping roof. The new car is best described as restrained-yet-instantly identifiable. The reductive design concept for the new car results in cleaner and uncluttered lines.  

There are two body styles available, a SWB (Standard Wheelbase) and a LWB (Long Wheelbase) variant. The latter can be optioned as a full seven-seater. The first variant on sale here, is the 3.0P Autobiography SWB, which gets power from a twin-charged 3.0 in-line six. LWB variants will be available at a later date, and receive a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, sourced from BMW. The new MLA-Flex (Modular Longitudinal Architecture) is up to 50% stiffer than its predecessor, and is designed to accommodate electrification; with the first fully-electric Range Rover slated to be released on this platform in 2024, that is when Land Rover embraces its new Reimagine strategy… scary electric future stuff.

Innovations to the new flagship include standard rear-wheel steering for added high-speed stability, and improved small-space manoeuvrability. The Electronic Air Suspension, which is an integral part of the Integrated Chassis Control with Dynamic Response Pro, is designed to provide improved ride comfort, by priming the vehicle for corners, using eHorizon data.

There is now a 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display instrument cluster, which brings more display information flexibility to the table, while a new curved 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen offers users improved system navigation, with the Privi Pro operating system.

For added ride refinement, the Range Rover is equipped with the brand’s latest generation of Active Noise cancellation tech, with 35 speakers fitted around the cabin, including two on the boot door, and four into each headrest. LWB model owners can opt for the SV Signature Suite (previously SVAutobiography), which features 24-way adjustable seats with massage function, and an electrically deployable Club Table. Adding further to the opulence, the SV Signature Suite Range Rovers are also fitted with unique white ceramic switchgear and badges.

The fifth-generation Range Rover is manufactured exclusively at Land Rover’s historical Solihull Manufacturing Facility in the UK. Orders are now open, with the 3.0P Autobiography SWB as the first car available. Prices start at $765,999, inclusive of COE.

PHOTOS Clifford Chow & Land Rover Singapore

Range Rover P400 - 3.0L 400PS MHEV Petrol

Engine: 2,996cc, inline6, 24 Valves, Electronic Control, Direct Injection
Power/rpm: 400hp
Torque/rpm: 550Nm
Transmission: 8spd auto
0-100km/h: 5.8secs
Top speed: 242km/h
Kerbweight: 2,454kg
CO2: 213g/km

Range Rover P530 - 4.4L V8 530PS Twin Turbo Petrol

Engine: 4,395cc, V8, 32 Valves, Electronic Control, Direct Injection
Power/rpm: 530hp
Torque/rpm: 750Nm
Transmission: 8spd auto
0-100km/h: 4.6secs
Top speed: 250km/h
Kerbweight: 2,585kg
CO2: 275g/k