Fourth Generation, Over 40 Years of History, Arrives in Japan

As previously reported on OPENERS,Announcement News,Report from the Paris Motor Show,Interview with Designer Gerry McGovernandTest Drive Reportthe new "Range Rover" has now landed in Japan. This new king of the SUV world has arrived.

With a history spanning over 40 years since 1970, the "Range Rover" has consistently balanced exceptional off-road capability, surpassing other Land Rover models, with the comfort of a luxury passenger car. This marks its fourth generation.

Externally, the design remains conservative, aiming not to disappoint the expectations of existing "Range Rover" owners, while incorporating numerous modern elements. To cater to family use, the wheelbase has been extended by 40mm, creating an additional 120mm of legroom and 50mm of knee room in the rear seats. The front windshield is more raked, and the roofline is lower. This not only modernizes the design but also offers aerodynamic benefits. Indeed, the Cd value has improved by 10 percent over the previous model, to 0.34. However, the lower roofline necessitated changes to the seat structure to maintain the traditional commanding view from a high seating position.



Beyond these exterior changes, the most significant feature is the adoption of an all-aluminum body – a world-first for an SUV – and a thorough weight reduction. The body alone is over 180kg lighter than a steel equivalent, resulting in an overall weight reduction of 420kg compared to the previous generation.

The models introduced in Japan will include a 5-liter V8 direct-injection supercharged engine producing a maximum output of 510ps, and a naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 direct-injection engine producing 375ps. The supercharged model will also be available in the more luxurious Autobiography trim, offering three grades in total. Both engines are all-aluminum units from Jaguar.

The transmission is a ZF 8-speed automatic. The interior features half the number of switches, lavishly appointed with leather, wood, and carbon fiber panels. A "Rear Executive Class Seat" configuration, dividing the rear seats into two independent seats, is also available. The audio system is from Meridian.

As reported by Yasuhisa Shimashita, the "Range Rover" rivals premium saloons worldwide in its quietness. In terms of off-road capability, it features the latest version of "Terrain Response," called "Terrain Response 2," which can automatically select from five modes: General (on-road), Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl.
The maximum wading depth has also been increased by 200mm, from 700mm to 900mm.

Thus, the fourth-generation "Range Rover," true to its name, achieves modernization by balancing comfort and off-road performance. Pricing starts at 12.3 million yen for the naturally aspirated "5.0 V8 VOGUE," 14.9 million yen for the 5.0-liter supercharged model "5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE," and 16.7 million yen for the "Autobiography." Sales begin March 2nd.

Land Rover Range Rover
Body Dimensions | Length 5,005 x Width 1,985 x Height 1,865 mm
Wheelbase | 2,920 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 1,695 / 1,690 mm
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 1,690 / 1,685 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 220mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 6.1 meters
Trunk Capacity | 909-2,030 liters + 550 liters under floor cover
Weight |
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 2,350 kg
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 2,520 kg
Engine |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 4,999cc V8 DOHC Supercharged, with Variable Valve Timing
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 4,999cc V8 DOHC, with Variable Valve Timing
Maximum Output |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 375kW (510ps) / 6,500 rpm
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 276kW (375ps) / 6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 625Nm / 2,500-5,500 rpm
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 510Nm / 3,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Front Suspension | Cross-link electronic air suspension, MacPherson struts
Rear Suspension | Cross-link electronic air suspension, Double wishbones
Tires |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 275/45R21
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 255/55R20
(Autobiography) 275/40R22
0-100km/h Acceleration |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 5.4 seconds
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 6.8 seconds
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 5.3 km/L
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 5.8 km/L
CO2 Emissions |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 322g/km
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 299g/km
Price |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 14.9 million yen
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 12.3 million yen
(Autobiography) 16.7 million yen
*Items not specified are the same as the 5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE for the Autobiography.