2022 Range Rover Makes Spy Debut In LWB Guise, Will Offer EV Variant

Earlier this month we brought you what we thought were the first spy photos of the next-generation Range Rover Sport luxury SUV.

Well, things turned out to be a bit more complicated than that. Our photographers have confirmed from a safe source that the prototype you see here undergoing winter testing is the new Range Rover flagship and not the Range Rover Sport.

This makes sense as the Range Rover was always revealed before the Sport in earlier iterations. Mind you, if that’s not a valid enough argument for you, the fact that this prototype is a long-wheelbase model should convince you.

That’s because the Range Rover Sport has never been available as a long-wheelbase model, with only the flagship Range Rover offering two wheelbase configurations. The fact we’re looking at a LWB model is obvious as the rear doors are longer than the front doors, and the distance between the axles is generous.

The extensive camouflage keeps the design details of the all-new Range Rover hidden from view but it’s easy to see that the distinctive shape of the bodywork will not change. It looks as if this prototype features the production body and headlights, which should be inspired by the Velar. There’s a good chance the final version of the taillights is also hidden underneath the camo.

While the fifth-generation Range Rover will continue to look familiar, big changes will take place underneath its imposing bodywork. The flagship luxury SUV will adopt an all-new platform, the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) shared with the next-generation Range Rover Sport and the upcoming Jaguar XJ.

The new platform will allow the 2022 Range Rover not only to get up to speed with the latest technological advancements but also to shed a significant amount of weight thanks to the extensive use of aluminum.

The upcoming Range Rover is expected to offer mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants, including a PHEV with an EV driving range of around 31 miles (50 km). The Range Rover EV is expected later on, at least one year after the rollout of the usual assortment of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains.

Expect a BMW-supplied 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol unit to replace the current supercharged 5.0-liter V8, with the Bavarians also rumored to offer other engines and electric drive units to their former brand. The all-new Range Rover is expected to arrive in dealerships in 2021, which means the auto show debut could happen later this year.