New Range Rover brings decadent luxury

There are plenty of luxury four-wheel-drive options on the road today. But the original machine might still be the best.

Range Rover customers have always been rich.

And they’ll need to be richer than before to get hold of a fifth-generation flagship priced about $20,000 upstream of the previous machine.

On sale from an eye-watering $220,200 to $312,500 plus options and on-road costs, the fifth-generation Range Rover is a particularly decadent choice.

But that might not bother loyal owners who regularly park in football stadiums, royal residences and concert halls around the world.

The big machine started the trend for luxury SUVs, going on sale decades before the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 or Rolls-Royce Cullinan hit the streets.

Range Rover chose to subtly update the model’s styling.

Combining understated exterior design with a decadent cabin, genuine off-road capability and a surprising turn of performance, the machine is a favourite for seriously wealthy motorists around the world.

The latest version looks to continue on that path.

The interior has a clean look, and can be had with high-end sustainable materials.

It’s the most luxurious Range Rover yet, with clever touches such as wrap around headrests fitted with built-in noise reduction speakers similar to high-end headphones.

You can have it with four, five or seven seats – the latter promised to fit adults in the third row, not just kids.

Posh versions have a pair of reclining seats in the rear.

A fold-out seat in the tailgate has a padded backrest, along with special lights and speakers so that you can have impromptu car park parties.

A wide range of accessories includes a handy ramp for spoiled dogs who refuse to jump down from the cargo area.

There is every chance this pup lives a more decadent life than we do.

It has everything we’ve come to expect from Range Rover, including multi-mode four-wheel-drive systems, air suspension and clever driver aids.

Four-wheel-drive comes in handy when touring your country estates.

Customers will be able to choose between petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions at first, followed by an all-electric version in 2024.

The cheapest option is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel with 221kW/650Nm.

Green buyers will lean toward the hybrid, which combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with electric power and a 31.8kWh battery capable of propelling the car for 100 kilometres at speeds up to 140km/h – without using a drop of fuel.

Powerful engines should deliver effortless performance.

The combination is good for a stout 375kW and 700Nm, returning a spritely 5.3 second dash to 100km/h.

A BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 replaces Range Rover’s old supercharged V8 in flagship models, delivering 390kW, 750Nm and a 4.6 second sprint to the highway speed limit.

Full details surrounding the electric model will emerge closer to its official debut.

Fold-out seats in the tailgate help make the Range Rover feel special

Originally published as New Range Rover brings decadent luxury