Previewing the 2018 Range Rover
Coming up on its next model year, the 2018 Range Rover promises to be all about a raise in refinement and comfort level.
As we approach the mid-cycle of the Range Rover product cycle, its time for a refresh. Range Rover tells us their customers don’t want change, but they do want better.
To that end, the exterior differences on the 2018 Range Rover are quite subtle, but also quite effective. Drawing inspiration from the Velar, there’s new LED headlights with the running lights squared off. The front bumper isn’t as busy and the new pattern grill adds to the elegance of the front end.
All 2018 Range Rover models are to come as standard with air suspension and a range of useful ride heights whether you’re loading shopping, long hauling on the freeway or roughing around off-road.
Inside the 2018 Range Rover:
The interior takes even more inspiration from the Velar. A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster will replace the analog dials. Controls in the centre stack are displayed on two 10-inch touchscreen displays, but it’s worth noting the new steering wheel still has tactile buttons.
For driver comfort and refinement, there’s optional 24-way adjustable seats that will both heat and massage. New seat frames feature wider and deeper foams as well as heated arm rests. On top of that, there’s now gesture control for controlling the sunscreen.
Driver aids such as parking sensors, automatic lane departure warning, and automatic braking are standard features across the range. However, advanced aids are available through different packages. Options include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a surround view camera and traffic sign recognition. There’s even a tow assist feature that allows the driver to guide a trailer using a center console based controller.
The 2018 Range Rover will also feature the Activity Key. It’s a wearable transponder in the form of a wrist strap that uses transponder and proximity sensors to allow you to lock and unlock the vehicle. We first saw this technology debut on the 2016 Jaguar F-Pace, and for action sport heroes, it’s both waterproof and shockproof.
The back of the cabin is a heady mixture of business and luxury. There’s up 17 connection points available including USB, HDMI, a 12-volt socket and, if you need it, a home power socket. Up to 8 devices are supported by a 4G network and when all the work is done, the reclining seats have 25 different massage programs.
The Autobiography models:
The keyword for Autobiography models is opulence. Range Rover’s Executive Seating is standard on all Autobiography models. That includes the 24-way adjustable seats with heated armrests in the front and 40-degree reclining seats in the rear. Those also feature cooled and heated cushions and arm rests as well as foot rests. Range Rover is also making sure rear passengers have finite control over their environment using their smartphone app.
The powertrain:
We’ll have to wait for the next generation for any real upgrades in the powertrain. The only change to power comes with the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic and its 5.0-liter supercharged V8. That gets a bump from 550 to 557 hp.
Pricing for the 2018 Range Rover starts at $88,345, including the destination charge. It’s available to order now and should be in showrooms early next year.
2018 Range Rover pricing:
| TRIM | POWERTRAIN – OUTPUT | MSRP1 |
| SE | 3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 340hp | $87,350 |
| HSE | 3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 380hp | $94,050 |
| SE Td6 | 3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp | $89,350 |
| HSE Td6 | 3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp | $96,050 |
| Supercharged | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp | $104,850 |
| Supercharged LWB | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp | $108,895 |
| Autobiography | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp | $141,995 |
| Autobiography LWB | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp | $148,295 |
| SVAutobiography Dynamic | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 557hp | $177,200 |
| SVAutobiography (LWB) | 5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 557hp | $207,900 |
