The current Land Rover Range Rover might not seem too old, especially since the electric version was just revealed and looks just like the combustion one. However, the first year for this generation was 2023, so it’s due for a little update. We only just started seeing the updated model a couple of months ago, and Land Rover had the front well-disguised.
This time, Land Rover left off some of the coverings, giving us our best look yet at the brand’s freshened flagship.
What’s most surprising about this updated Range Rover, especially in contrast to Jaguar’s extreme makeover, is that it looks basically unchanged. We’re not sure why the automaker bothered with covering the nose more a few months ago.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the front three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
Zooming in, the grille, headlights, and bumper design look identical to the current model. We just don’t see anything that we haven’t seen before.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
The sides and rear show some subtle differences, though. The side skirts look thicker and are pushed out wider than on the current Range Rover.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
Those side skirts are matched by a wider lower section on the rear bumper. Of course, the bumper and the skirts still fit the lines of the current SUV, so it’s not clear to us the point of tweaking just these small parts of the body.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
The wheels are also unique, as they’re not offered on any current Range Rovers. Zooming in, though, the markings on the tires suggest they’re a currently available size of 285/45R22.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the rearCarBuzz / Valnet
Behind the front wheels, we can also make out a Brembo logo on the calipers, so this could even be a sporty version of the Range Rover. The fact the tires are fairly grippy Pirelli P Zeros would also fit the bill.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the frontCarBuzz / Valnet
Finally, this seems to be a purely combustion-powered Range Rover. It has no charging door on the left side that would give it away as either an EV or plug-in hybrid.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
If we had to guess, we’d say the updated Range Rovers will show up for the 2028 model year. They’ll likely be quite similar to the current one, not just styling-wise, but also with powertrains. So expect the current straight-six, V8, straight-six plug-in hybrid, and full EV to all be available, potentially with improvements to power.
Land Rover Range Rover prototype from the rearCarBuzz / Valnet
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
The Range Rover is to Land Rover what the 911 is to Porsche or the Wrangler is to Jeep. People buy it because they want the specific feeling and look the vehicle provides. So it’s not something that Land Rover would, or should, change radically. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to do anything crazy.
Unlike Jaguar’s current situation, Land Rover actually has multiple model lines. As such, it can stay the course with the Range Rover, and try wild things with other models. In fact, Land Rover has a bold new Range Rover variant on the way called GT, which has a sporty fastback roofline and sits low. It’ll be available as an EV, and apparently will even get some combustion engine options.
With all that in mind, a super subtle update for the core Range Rover should be the perfect move for the model and the brand.
