The original Land Rover Range Rover redefined off-road vehicles upon its launch because it was the first vehicle that combined off-road abilities with luxury features. Hence, it went on to become the choice vehicle for the rich and the royals.


Over 40 years on, the Range Rover still holds firm to its core values, as a new 2013 model is about to hit the Canadian market.

The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover has been reengineered from the ground up to improve on its own formula. Not only will the new model sport a new look, tying it to the smaller Evoque model, it will also get a new interior that will have a much more modern look than the outgoing model.

At 196.8 inches in length, it is roughly the same size as the outgoing model, however, the new model does have more interior space, especially for rear-seat occupants who will now enjoy an extra 4.7” of legroom. The extra space comes courtesy of a longer wheelbase, which grew by 1.65 inches.

At 196.8 inches in length, it is roughly the same size as the outgoing model. (Photo: LAnd Rover)

Front seat or back, all occupants will get to enjoy a Meridian sound system developed exclusively for the Range Rover, which now comes as standard. However, those who want more can opt for the Signature Reference by Meridian sound system, which pumps out 1,700 Watts of sound through its 29 speakers.

Cosmetics and luxuries, however, play a very small part in this redesigned 2013 Range Rover. The big story is its weight, or a lack thereof. This new model features an all-aluminum unibody structure that is 39% lighter than the all-steel construction of the previous model.

This lighter structure of the 2013 Range Rover will not only help the vehicles ride and handling characteristics, but also improve its fuel consumption. Just how much less does it weigh over the old model? In Canadian spec, the base model weighs in at 2,200 kg, that is 318 kg less than the outgoing model -- which is truly very impressive.

The lack of weight will also help its performance. For example, the new Range Rover Supercharged with its 5.0L, supercharged V8 motor, which produces 510 hp, can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in just 5.1 seconds; that is 0.8 seconds quicker than the outgoing model, despite having the same power. Base engine for this new 2013 Range Rover will still be the normally aspirated, 5.0L V8, producing 375 hp, which is also carried over from the outgoing model. New, however, is its 8-speed automatic gearbox developed by ZF.

The base model weighs in at 2,200 kg, that is 318 kg less than the outgoing model. (Photo: Land Rover)

To ensure that the new 2013 Range Rover will work every single day, Land Rover put it on a tough testing regiment. A fleet of test vehicles covered millions of miles over an 18-month period that took these vehicles in over 20 countries and not only were they subjected to on- and off-road tests, but also hot and cold weather extremes. They do want to get this model right and shake off their image of being unreliable.

The lighter and smarter 2013 Range Rover will be on sale in Canada by December 2012. No pricing information has been released at this point.