The Range Rover, Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) flagship SUV, is set to receive its first major design update in four years. This refresh comes as the company prepares to unveil its highly anticipated all-electric Range Rover, marking the brand’s first entirely new model since 2022.
Market Context and Sales Performance
The current fifth-generation Range Rover (L460), launched in 2022, has been a consistent top seller for JLR. In 2025, the Range Rover, Defender, and Range Rover Sport combined accounted for 74% of the company’s total sales. This highlights the crucial role the Range Rover plays in JLR’s overall performance. While the model has seen incremental improvements to its powertrains (such as increased hybrid efficiency for the 2026 model year), it has avoided a full facelift – a standard industry practice for vehicles after two to three years on the market.
Design Changes Spotted
Recent spy photos from Autocar reveal a test mule undergoing trials near the Arctic Circle. The vehicle sports notable design changes, including:
– Revised headlight design
– New front grille
– Redesigned bumper with larger air intakes
– A fully camouflaged interior, suggesting significant interior updates.
The rear of the vehicle appears largely unchanged.
Powertrain Expectations
Given this is a facelift rather than a ground-up redesign, the Range Rover is expected to retain its current engine options. This includes:
– Plug-in hybrid powertrains (both diesel and petrol)
– Mild-hybrid powertrains (diesel and petrol)
– The high-performance 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine (producing 607 bhp in SV trim).
JLR has declined to comment on future product plans.
Electric Model Consistency
JLR has confirmed that the design language of the upcoming electric Range Rover will align with the facelifted gasoline models, ensuring a consistent brand identity across all powertrains. This move emphasizes JLR’s commitment to maintaining a unified aesthetic regardless of whether a vehicle is powered by combustion or electricity.
The arrival of the Range Rover facelift alongside the electric version is a strategic move by JLR, signaling the brand’s dedication to both traditional luxury and future-proof innovation.
