Don't always believe what you read on the internet, kids. A mysterious video appeared on Facebook yesterday that set tongues wagging as it was believed to show off leaked footage of the all-new 2021 Land Rover Range Rover. The timing couldn't have been better, as after celebrating its 50th anniversary in style, we've already spied the new model testing in the snow as it gears up to take on the freshly-facelifted Bentley Bentayga. But while the timing was perfect and the visuals looked appealing, a tiny detail at the end of the video let slip that the stunning visuals were not those of Land Rover designers, but rather an automotive enthusiast and designer by the name of Shijie Yu. The Range Rover Nouvel is their interpretation of the fifth-generation model.
The video and accompanying images show something truly majestic, calling on all the hallmarks of classic Range Rover design such as large side strakes and a familiar body shape, but pairing it all with a futuristic design that we'd love to see in the sheet metal. Sleek and minimalist, the LED lighting follows recent Land Rover design trends but is super slick and futuristic in its approach. However, it's only when the suicide doors open to reveal the cabin that we truly see how majestic the Range Rover Nouvel is.
In there, the modern concept of a digital instrument cluster has been reimagined entirely with a massive pane of floating glass spanning the dashboard. When the SUV is turned on, all instrumentation and infotainment functionality is projected onto the pane in stunning fashion. There's clearly been a lot of thought given to the design, though, as the interior features clever storage solutions and upmarket ideas that perfectly fit with the Range Rover's luxurious intent.
The current, fourth-generation Range Rover has been on the market since 2012 and a new one is firmly on the way. While we've only seen test mules so far, we expect to see the all-new model unveiled sometime early in 2021, if not before then. The new model will retain familiar styling and impressive off-road capability, but to rival ultra-luxury machines from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, we're expecting it to take massive strides in terms of its interior.
From an engineering perspective, it is expected to make use of hybridization in the form of both 48-volt mild-hybrid models and plug-in hybrid derivatives. Expect a range of engines including 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged inline-six motors, and, if rumors are to be believed, a BMW-sourced V8 engine.