The Land Rover Series I, II, and III , or simply the Land-Rover (commonly referred to
, produced by the Rover Company since 1948 to 1985 and later by British Leyland. Inspired by the, it was the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car with doors, and an available hard roof. Contrary to conventional car and truck chassis, it used a sturdier fully box-welded frame. Furthermore, due to post-war steel shortage, and aluminium surplus, Land Rovers received non-rusting aluminium alloy bodies, favouring their longevity. In 1992, Land Rover claimed that 70% of all the vehicles they had built were still in use
Most Series models feature leaf-spring suspension with selectable two or four-wheel drive (4WD), however Ser7ies I’s produced between 1948 and mid-1951 had constant 4WD via a freewheel mechanism, and the Stage 1 V8 version of the Series III featured permanent 4WD. All three models could be started with a front hand crank and had the option of front & rear power takeoffs for accessories. After adding a long wheelbase model in 1954, Land Rover also offered the world’s first four / five door, 4WD off-road station wagon in 1956. Series Land Rovers and Defenders continually excelled in space utilization, offering (optional) three abreast seating in the seating rows with doors, and troop seating in the rear, resulting in up to seven seats in the SWB, and up to ten seats in the LWB models, exceeding the capacity of most minivans, when comparing vehicles of the same length
Development.
The Land Rover was conceived by the Rover Company in 1947 during the aftermath of World War II. Before the war Rover had produced luxury cars which were not in demand in the immediate post-war period and raw materials were strictly rationed to those companies building construction or industrial equipment, or products that could be widely exported to earn crucial foreign exchange for the country. Also, Rover’s original factory in Coventry had been bombed during the war, forcing the company to move into a huge “shadow factory” built just before the war in Solihull near Birmingham, previously used to construct Bristol Hercules aircraft engines. This factory was now empty but starting car production there from scratch would not be financially viable. Plans for a small, economical car known as the M Type were drawn up, and a few prototypes made, but would be too expensive to produce.
Maurice Wilks, Rover’s chief designer came up with a plan to produce a light agricultural and utility vehicle, of a similar concept to the Willys Jeep used in the war, but with an emphasis on agricultural use. He was possibly inspired by the Standard Motor Company, who faced similar problems and were producing the highly successful Ferguson TE20 tractor in their shadow factory in Coventry. More likely, he used his own experience of using an army-surplus Jeep on his farm in Anglesey, North Wales. His design added a power take-off (PTO) feature since there was a gap in the market between jeeps and tractors (which offered the feature but were less flexible as transport). The original Land Rover concept (a cross between a light truck and a tractor) is similar to the Unimog, which was developed in Germany during this period.
The first prototype had a distinctive feature – the steering wheel was mounted in the middle of the vehicle. It hence became known as the “centre steer”. It was built on a Jeep chassis and used the engine and gearbox out of a Rover P3 saloon car. The bodywork was handmade out of an aluminium/magnesium alloy called Birmabright, to save on steel, which was closely rationed. The choice of colour was dictated by military surplus supplies of aircraft cockpit paint, so early vehicles only came in various shades of light green. The first pre-pr
oduction Land Rovers were being developed in late 1947 by a team led by engineer Arthur Goddard
Tests showed this prototype vehicle to be a capable and versatile machine. The PTO drives from the front of the engine and from the gearbox to the centre and rear of the vehicle allowed it to drive farm machinery, exactly as a tractor would. It was also tested ploughing and performing other agricultural tasks. However, as the vehicle was readied for production, this emphasis on tractor-like usage decreased and the centre steering proved impractical in use. The steering wheel was mounted off to the side as normal, the bodywork was simplified to reduce production time and costs and a larger engine was fitted, together with a specially designed transfer gearbox to replace the Jeep unit. The result was a vehicle that didn’t use a single Jeep component and was slightly shorter than its American inspiration, but wider, heavier, faster and still retained the PTO drives.
Main Range Rover Models (Under the Land Rover Brand)
⚙️ Powertrain Options across Models
Petrol
Diesel (limited availability in newer models)
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Fully Electric (EV) – launching first with Range Rover Electric
First Generation Range Rover (Classic)
Production Years: 1970 to 1996 Model Name: Range Rover Classic Nickname: “Classic Range Rover” (especially after 1994 when the second-gen launched)
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📌 Key Features & Highlights:
Body Style:
Initially launched as a 2-door SUV (1970)
4-door version introduced in 1981
Design Philosophy:
Designed by Charles Spencer King
Created as a dual-purpose vehicle — capable off-road and comfortable on-road
Unlike other 4x4s, it had coil-spring suspension and permanent four-wheel drive, which gave it a smoother ride
Construction:
Aluminium body panels on a steel frame to reduce weight and prevent rust
Basic interior (vinyl seats, hose-down floors) in early models
⚙️ Engine Options:
Initially powered by a 3.5L V8 petrol engine, derived from Buick
Over the years, other versions were added:
3.9L and 4.2L V8 (Petrol)
2.4L and 2.5L Turbo Diesel (later models)
🚘 Key Variants/Updates (During 1970–1996):
Year
Variant/Update
1970
Launch of 2-door Range Rover
1981
Factory-built 4-door version
1984
Introduction of automatic gearbox
1986
Turbo Diesel engine introduced
1989
ABS brakes offered – a world-first for 4x4s
1992
Introduction of Electronic Traction Control and Air Suspension
1994
Second-gen Range Rover launched, this version renamed “Range Rover Classic”
1996
End of production for the Classic model
🏁 Legacy:
The first-gen Range Rover is considered a revolutionary SUV — combining off-road ability with on-road comfort and style.
It became a symbol of prestige and ruggedness.
Today, classic models are highly collectible and restored by enthusiasts worldwide
📋 Key Variants / Models in the First Generation
Model / Edition
Years Available
Notes
Range Rover (Original 2-Door)
1970–1981
Launched with basic interiors and manual windows. V8 engine.
Range Rover 4-Door
1981–1996
Became the standard layout from the 1980s onward.
Range Rover EFI
1985–1990
Electronic Fuel Injection V8 engine introduced.
Range Rover Vogue
1981–1996
Luxury trim. Became popular in UK/Europe.
Range Rover Turbo D / Turbo DSE
1986–1996
Diesel versions introduced with 2.4L VM and later 2.5L engines.
Range Rover CSK
1990 (Limited: 200 units)
2-door, sportier version named after Charles Spencer King (Range Rover designer).
Range Rover LSE / County LWB
1992–1996
Long wheelbase version with air suspension and extra luxury.
Range Rover County
US version
Marketed under this name in the US; high-spec models.
Range Rover 25th / 35th Anniversary Editions
1994–1996
Special editions toward the end of production
2. Second-Generation Range Rover (P38A)
Production Years: 1994 – 2001 Model Code:P38A (named after the building where it was developed at Land Rover’s Solihull plant)
📌 Overview:
The second-generation Range Rover was a complete redesign after the long-running original model. It offered improved luxury, technology, and refinement — while still retaining excellent off-road capabilities.
✅ Key Features:
Design:
More rounded and modern look than the boxy original
Retained the classic Range Rover style (tall stance, clamshell hood, floating roof)
Interior:
Much more luxurious than the previous generation
Real wood trim, leather seats, digital climate control
Optional TV screens, sat-nav, and CD changers for the first time
Suspension:
Electronic Air Suspension (EAS) standard – adjusts ride height automatically
Improved ride quality and off-road ground clearance
⚙️ Engine Options:
Petrol:
4.0L V8 (BMW-derived)
4.6L V8 (more powerful version)
Diesel:
2.5L inline-six turbo diesel (BMW-sourced)
Note: BMW owned Land Rover during this period (1994–2000), so many components and engineering input came from BMW.
🧠 Technology & Innovations:
Air Suspension (auto ride height adjustment)
Electronic Traction Control
ABS brakes
On-board diagnostics system (OBD-II)
Advanced heating & cooling system (dual-zone climate control)
🛠️ Variants & Trims:
Variant
Features
Range Rover 4.0 SE
Base petrol version, leather & wood interior
Range Rover 4.6 HSE
High-end luxury trim with more power and features
Range Rover 2.5 DT/DSE
Diesel variants (mostly in European markets)
📉 End of Production:
Production of the P38A ended in 2001
It was replaced by the Third-Generation Range Rover (L322), which was more advanced and modern
🏁 Legacy:
The P38A is remembered for being a bridge between the classic utilitarian Range Rover and the modern luxury SUV.
While it was sometimes criticized for electronic reliability issues, it still holds a cult following today.
Collectors admire it for its rugged charm with premium ambition.
📋. Key Models / Trims of Second Generation (P38A)
Variant / Model Name
Years Available
Notes
Range Rover 4.0 SE
1994–2002
Entry-level petrol V8, 4.0L engine
Range Rover 4.6 HSE
1994–2002
More powerful V8 with more features
Range Rover 2.5 DT / DSE
1995–2002
BMW-sourced 2.5L turbo diesel engine
Range Rover Westminster
1998–2002 (UK only)
Luxury special edition trim
Range Rover Vitesse
UK/Europe only
Sportier, high-performance version
Range Rover Holland & Holland
2000–2002
Ultra-luxury limited edition (made with Holland & Holland gunmakers)
Range Rover Linley Edition
1999
Very rare, black-on-black luxury version (only ~10 made)
Range Rover 30th Anniversary Edition
2000
Celebrating 30 years of Range Rover
Range Rover County
US market name
US versions were called “County” with SE/HSE trims
3. Third-Generation Range Rover (L322)
Production Years: 2001 – 2012 Model Code:L322
📌 Overview:
The third-generation Range Rover marked a major leap forward in design, technology, and luxury. It was more refined, spacious, and modern — truly earning the title of a luxury SUV rather than just a premium 4×4.
🏭 Development:
Initially developed under BMW ownership
Launched under Ford ownership after BMW sold Land Rover in 2000
Engine and electronics transitioned from BMW to Jaguar powertrains over time
✅ Key Features:
Design:
Modern and elegant body design
Signature Range Rover elements retained: clamshell bonnet, floating roof, tall stance
All-new monocoque (unibody) construction for better strength and comfort
Interior:
Premium luxury cabin with leather, wood, and metal finishes
Inspired by luxury yachts and first-class airline seating
High seating position (“command driving position”)
Engine Options: Mild Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and V8
🏁 Best For:
Those who prioritize luxury, comfort, serene driving, and personalization.
⚡ Range Rover Supercharged – The Powerful Beast
First Introduced: 2005 (with a 4.2L V8 Supercharged engine)
Positioning: Known for power and high performance
Key Features:
5.0L Supercharged V8 Engine: Produces approximately 518–575 horsepower
0–100 km/h: In just 4.3 to 5.4 seconds (depending on model)
Dynamic Ride: Adaptive Dynamics, Sport Mode
Exterior Design: More aggressive styling, dual exhaust
All-Wheel Drive & Electronic Active Differential: Ready for any terrain
🏁 Best For:
Those seeking a powerful SUV that delivers top performance both off-road and on-road.
📊 Autobiography vs Supercharged: Comparison Table
Feature
Autobiography
Supercharged
Focus
Luxury and comfort
Power and sporty performance
Engine Options
PHEV, V8, Mild Hybrid
Only Supercharged V8
Interior Amenities
Executive Seating, Ambient Lighting
Sporty touches, standard luxury
Offered Features
SV Bespoke, Massage Seats
Powerful acceleration, Dynamic Drive
Price
Higher (top-end variant)
Slightly lower than Autobiography
🏁 Any Special Variants?
Range Rover SV Autobiography (Long Wheelbase): Ultra-luxury model built especially for VVIPs
Range Rover Sport Supercharged SVR: The sportiest variant in the Supercharged family
💡 If you let me know whether you prefer more luxury or a sportier driving experience, I can recommend the most suitable model for you.
🚙 Third Generation Range Rover (2002–2012)
Model Code: L322 Production: March 2002 – October 2012 Ownership:
2002–2007: Developed under BMW
2008–2012: Owned by Ford / Tata Motors
📋 Key Variants / Trims (L322)
Model / Trim Name
Years Available
Description
Range Rover HSE
2002–2012
Base petrol or diesel trim, well-equipped
Range Rover Vogue / Vogue SE
2002–2012
Premium trim (Vogue: UK/India)
Range Rover Supercharged
2005–2012
High-performance 4.2L / 5.0L V8 supercharged
Range Rover Autobiography
2005–2012
Top-tier luxury trim with custom interior options
Range Rover TD6 / TDV8
2002–2012
Diesel variants (BMW 3.0L & later 3.6L / 4.4L TDV8)
Range Rover Westminster Edition
2012
Final special edition before L405 launch
Range Rover 40th Anniversary Edition
2010
Celebrating 🔧 Engine Options (Petrol & Diesel)🔧 Engine Options (Petrol & Diesel)40 years of Range Rover
Range Rover Autobiography Black
2011–2012
Ultra-luxury, bespoke interiors
🔧 Engine Options (Petrol & Diesel)
🔹 Petrol Engines:
Engine Type
Years
Notes
4.4L V8 (BMW M62)
2002–2005
Initial engine, smooth but underpowered
4.2L V8 Supercharged (Jaguar)
2005–2009
More power, used in Sport too
5.0L V8 NA & Supercharged
2010–2012
Latest and most powerful petrol options
🔹 Diesel Engines:
Engine Type
Years
Notes
3.0L I6 TD6 (BMW)
2002–2006
Not very powerful, replaced later
3.6L TDV8 (Ford/LR)
2007–2010
Better torque and performance
4.4L TDV8
2011–2012
Final diesel engine with 8-speed ZF gearbox
🏁 L322 Timeline Summary
Year
Major Update / Event
2002
L322 launched with BMW engine & tech
2005
Interior facelift, Jaguar V8 introduced
2007
TDV8 engine added, better ride & torque
2010
Major facelift – new front, LED lights, iDrive-style nav
🎨 Interior & Tech Upgrades Over Time
Touchscreen infotainment (from 2006 facelift)
Rear seat entertainment (dual screens)
Terrain Response system (from 2007)
Heated/Cooled seats, adaptive cruise control
Premium Harman Kardon / Logic 7 / Meridian sound systems
🇮🇳 Indian Market L322 Variants
Variant
Price (Ex-Showroom, Approx)
Range Rover HSE
₹85–90 Lakh (initial years)
Range Rover Supercharged
₹1.0 – ₹1.2 Cr
Autobiography
₹1.3 – ₹1.5 Cr
Would you like the L322 generation list translated into Gujarati, or want a photo timeline of all three generations so far?
4. Fourth-Generation Range Rover (L405)
Production Years: 2012 – 2021 Model Code:L405
📌 Overview:
The fourth-gen Range Rover (L405) was a major step forward in design, weight reduction, and technology. It was the first luxury SUV with a full aluminum body, making it lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
✅ Key Features:
Lightweight Construction:
All-aluminum monocoque chassis
Up to 420 kg (925 lbs) lighter than the previous L322
Design:
Sleeker and more aerodynamic shape
Modern Range Rover styling: floating roof, clamshell hood, smooth lines
Longer wheelbase option introduced for the first time
Interior:
Ultra-luxurious, minimalist, and tech-rich
Available with reclining rear seats, massage function, refrigerator, and panoramic roof
“Executive Class” rear seating in LWB versions
⚙️ Engine Options:
🔹 Petrol:
3.0L V6 Supercharged
5.0L V8 Supercharged (up to 565 hp)
2.0L Turbocharged PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
🔹 Diesel (mainly in international markets):
3.0L TDV6
4.4L SDV8
🔋 Hybrid Options:
3.0L Diesel-Electric Hybrid (Europe/Asia)
2.0L Petrol Plug-in Hybrid (P400e – introduced in 2018)
Active noise cancellation, surround-view cameras, air suspension
🧾 Trims & Special Editions:
Variant/Trim
Highlights
Vogue / SE
Base luxury trims with full features
Autobiography
Ultimate luxury trim with premium options
SVAutobiography
Performance-luxury flagship with 565hp V8 and opulent details
LWB Models
Extra rear legroom, executive seating
Range Rover PHEV
Plug-in hybrid introduced in 2018
Special Editions
Holland & Holland, Westminster, Fifty Edition (50th anniversary in 2020)
📆 Major Updates (Facelifts):
2017–2018 Facelift:
Updated front and rear design
Touch Pro Duo infotainment
Introduction of PHEV (P400e) model
🏁 End of Production:
L405 production ended in 2021
Replaced by the all-new Fifth-Generation Range Rover (L460) in 2022
🏆 Legacy:
The L405 solidified Range Rover’s place in the ultra-luxury SUV segment
Preferred by royalty, celebrities, and world leaders
Offered unmatched blend of comfort, capability, and presence
🚙 Fourth Generation Range Rover (2012–2021)
Model Code: L405 Production: 2012 – 2021 Highlight: First luxury SUV with an all-aluminum monocoque body, reducing weight by ~420 kg compared to the L322
📋 Main Models / Trims of the Fourth Generation (L405)
Variant / Trim Name
Years Available
Description
Range Rover Vogue
2012–2021
Base luxury variant (India/UK)
Range Rover Vogue SE
2012–2021
Mid-level luxury with more tech features
Range Rover HSE / HSE Luxury
2012–2021
Global base model (mostly outside UK/India)
Range Rover Autobiography
2012–2021
High-end luxury trim, most popular premium model
Range Rover Autobiography Black
2014–2016
Ultra-luxury interior + exclusive colors
Range Rover SVAutobiography
2015–2021
Flagship ultra-luxury model by SVO (Special Vehicle Operations)
Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic
2017–2021
Short wheelbase performance-luxury model
Range Rover First Edition
2012, 2018
Launch and facelift special edition
Range Rover Fifty Edition
2020
50th anniversary limited edition (based on Autobiography)
Range Rover Sentinel
2015–2021
Armored security version (bulletproof)
5. Fifth-Generation Range Rover (L460)
Production Start: 2022 – Ongoing Model Code:L460
📌 Overview:
The fifth-gen Range Rover represents the most modern and technologically advanced version ever made. It’s built on a new platform, offers electrified powertrains, and combines minimalist design with ultra-luxury and advanced tech.
✅ Key Highlights:
Platform:
Built on the MLA-Flex platform (Modular Longitudinal Architecture)
Designed to support ICE, Hybrid, and Fully Electric powertrains
Design:
Clean and smooth exterior, flush door handles, hidden tail lights
Sleek rear design with vertical tail light strip hidden in black glass
Available in 4, 5, and 7-seater configurations (first time ever)
⚙️ Engine & Powertrain Options (2022–2025):
Type
Options
Petrol
3.0L Inline-6 MHEV (P400)
Petrol
3.0L Inline-6 MHEV (P400)
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| 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo (P530, BMW-derived) |
| Diesel | 3.0L D300 / D350 (Mild Hybrid – selected markets) | | Plug-in Hybrid| P440e / P510e – 2.9L petrol + electric motor (up to 70–100 km EV range) | | Fully Electric| Range Rover Electric (Expected late 2024–early 2025) |
🧠 Advanced Technology:
Pivi Pro infotainment with 13.1″ curved touchscreen
13.7″ digital driver display
Amazon Alexa voice assistant built-in
All-wheel steering (improves turning radius)
Electronic air suspension
Terrain Response 2
Active noise cancellation via headrest speakers
Over-the-air software updates
🧾 Trims & Variants:
Variant
Highlights
SE
Base luxury trim with full features
HSE
Mid-luxury, with premium interior and more driver assistance
Autobiography
Signature luxury – upgraded materials and interior refinement
SV (Special Vehicle)
High-performance, ultra-luxury (hand-finished by SV Bespoke)
LWB Versions
Available in all trims (SE to SV) for enhanced rear passenger luxury
7-Seater Configuration
Introduced for the first time in LWB version
⚡ Range Rover Electric (Coming 2025):
Fully electric model with expected 400–500 km range
Dual motors, AWD
Competes with Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX, Tesla Model X
🏆 Legacy and Market Position:
The L460 continues Range Rover’s legacy as a global symbol of power, luxury, and all-terrain ability.
Competes with Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan in ultra-luxury segment
🔹 Land Rover is the brand/company
Land Rover is a British automobile manufacturer.
It produces several SUV models.
Owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which is now part of Tata Motors (India).
All Range Rovers are Land Rovers, but not all Land Rovers are Range Rovers.
🔸 Range Rover is a luxury model line under the Land Rover brand
It represents the high-end luxury SUVs made by Land Rover.
Range Rover is like a sub-brand or family of models.
📌 Think of it like this:
Land Rover = The brand (like “Toyota”)
Range Rover = A specific luxury model line (like “Lexus” is Toyota’s luxury brand)
🛻 Land Rover Models (Overall):
Range Rover (Flagship luxury SUV)
Range Rover Sport
Range Rover Velar
Range Rover Evoque
Defender (More rugged, off-road)
Discovery (Family and off-road utility)
Discovery Sport
Here’s a detailed comparison table between the Range Rover L405 (Fourth Generation) and L460 (Fifth Generation) — covering design, technology, engines, trims, and market legacy:
📋 Main Variants / Trims of the Fifth Generation (L460)
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