Just this week, we got our first look at the new V8-powered Land Rover Defender hammering around the Nurburgring. Turns out this wasn't the only model Land Rover has been testing at the famous German racing circuit, because our spy photographers also spotted the next-generation Land Rover Range Rover getting a workout at the Ring.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Range Rover, so the time seems right for the luxury off-roader to get a redesign for a new generation. Competition is also fierce with new rivals such as the opulent Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan setting new standards for luxury SUVs, so Land Rover really needs to step up its game.

Unfortunately, not much camouflage has dropped since our first look at the next-generation Range Rover prototype back in February, but we can see the overall shape won't be drastically different to the current-generation model so it will still be instantly recognizable. Redesigned headlights and taillights and what looks like a larger grille will help freshen up the otherwise familiar design. Unlike the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque that have pop-out door handles, the new Range Rover appears to have conventional door handles but this could change as development evolves.

At the back, we can also see a quad exhaust system, suggesting a powerful V8 is lurking under the hood as part of Land Rover's recent deal with BMW. Our source believes the Range Rover prototype was powered by a V8 as it made a "really nice sound."

If so, the new Range Rover could use BMW's 4.4-liter V8 that powers the BMW X7 and BMW M8. This unit produces up to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the X8 and 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the BMW M8 Competition. The new Range Rover will ride on Jaguar Land Rover's MLA platform that can accommodate combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will be offered initially, but a fully electric version is reportedly in development. The new Range Rover is expected to launch in late 2021 or early 2022. It's going to have to be very special if Land Rover wants the Range Rover to reclaim its title of the definitive luxury SUV.