Legends never die. They just need to be reborn from time to time. Meet the all-new 2022 Land Rover Range Rover. The first generation was launched way back in 1970 but was a very different animal compared to today's fifth-gen model. Ultra-luxury was nowhere to be found, though it's off-road and general utility qualifications were solid. Over the decades, the Range Rover has grown in size, equipped with more advanced technologies, and become a status symbol among the world's wealthiest car buyers.

Jaguar Land Rover knew not to mess too much with it winning formula, but the Range Rover faces tough new competition. Redesigning the famed SUV was no simple task but the end result is quite something. The 2022 Range Rover certainly looks familiar but it rides on a new architecture. Refinement inside and out was the name of the game, as well as setting a long list of new segment standards. Looking further ahead, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants are due in 2023 and 2024, respectively. For now, the combustion-engined model is here to enjoy.

Fresh But Familiar Exterior

The new Range Rover can't be mistaken for anything else, but there are some significant exterior styling differences. JLR describes the new styling as "clean, reductive, and free from excessive line work." There are two versions released today: standard- and long-wheelbase. The former's wheelbase measures at 118 inches and the total length comes to 199 inches. The LWB is eight inches more for both measurements. Up to 23-inch wheels are available.

The more aerodynamic styling allows for an impressive drag co-efficient of only 0.30. Taking a closer look at some of the finer details, notice the unbroken waistline and rising sill line. The short front overhang is a familiar feature and we especially like the new boat tail rear complete with the split tailgate.

Plenty of fine attention to detail can be found at the rounded edge of where the doors meet the glass, which creates a clean overall look. The new Range Rover is also the first Land Rover to be offered with Power Assisted Doors. Yes, this feature is for all four passenger doors.

Exquisite Interior

Depending on wheelbase choice, buyers can have four, five, or seven-seat interior layouts. But that's not the biggest deal here. No, that would be the sheer amount of tech. There's a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster with a configurable display. A 13.1-inch central curved touchscreen runs the carmaker's own Pivi Pro operating system that includes haptic feedback when users touch and press the screen, thus reducing the need to take one's eyes off the road. Alexa integration and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

Rear seat passengers benefit from a Rear Seat Entertainment system featuring 11.4-inch HD touchscreens mounted on the rear of the front seatbacks. Seven-seaters get second-and third-row power-folding seats. The latter isn't just for small kids with its 34-inches of legroom.

The Autobiography and First Editions receive the exclusive 1600-watt Meridian sound system that includes noise cancellation technology and 35 speakers. There's even an optional cabin air purification system capable of filtering SARS and Covid pathogens. The four-seat SV gets a fixed full-length center console that houses a deployable table. Eco-conscious buyers will be happy to see luxurious leather alternatives like a new textile that blends Ultrafabrics and a wool blend.

Power And Performance

At launch, two engines will be offered: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid technology for a total output of 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft is optional. Note: The Autobiography and First Editions are V8-only. Land Rover says V8 models can reach 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

A plug-in hybrid variant, consisting of the inline-six Ingenium engine and a 38.2-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 141-hp electric motor will arrive for 2023. Total output will be 434 hp with 62 miles of pure-electric range. The pure EV is set for 2024 but no details are available yet.

The 2022 Range Rover's heavily reworked Modular Longitudinal Architecture offers improved on- and off-road driving experiences. New and upgraded systems include Chassis Control, a fully independent air suspension, and intelligent all-wheel drive. The latter distributes torque between front and rear axles when deemed necessary. The SUV is the automaker's first vehicle to have the 48-volt electronic roll control system called Dynamic Response Pro. This replaces the old hydraulic system with a torque capacity of over 1,000 lb-ft that's directed into the rollover protection system to better control body movements.

Pricing And Competition

Once again, the Land Rover Range Rover doesn't come cheap. US pricing will begin at $104,000 for the SE SWB, $110,000 for the SE LWB, while the Autobiography starts at $152,000. The First Edition can't be had for anything less than $158,200 for the SWB and $163,500 for the stretched version. First Edition models further receive a Sunset Gold Satin finish to help them stand out from the pack. Jaguar Land Rover says 2022 Range Rover deliveries will begin in spring 2022.

The competition in the ultra-luxury SUV segment has become quite competitive in recent years. The Range Rover will face off directly against big players like the BMW X7, Audi Q8, and the all-new Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Although they're more expensive, JLR certainly wouldn't mind poaching some Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan customers, too.

This will be the final generation to have internal combustion engine technology. The Range Rover's evolution continues in fine style.