Models Year Varients

2002 - 2005 BMW ownership

In 2002, the third-generation model was introduced which saw the model move further up-market. Planned and developed under BMW ownership the third generation was to share components and systems (electronics, core power units etc.) with the E38 7 Series. It was designed to accommodate BMW's M62 V8 engines for future models. The manual transmission was dropped entirely, leaving only the automatic transmission. The E38 7 Series electronics system were being phased out during the development the third-generation Range Rover and replaced with the electronics from the BMW E39 5-series. The entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems, as well as th automotive computer bus system) are identical with the BMW E39 5-series. The third-generation model Range Rover can be upgraded with the newest BMW technologies.

The new design used monocoque (unibody) construction with 4-wheel independent air suspension. Air suspension allowed variable ride height and achieved similar axle articulation to the previous live axle design. This retained off-road abilities while improving on-road performance.[9][10][11] The new Range Rover's introduction in late 2002 as a 2003 model for the North American market resulted in the Range Rover and Expedition (also new for 2003) being the only two SUVs in the full-size sport utility class with 4-wheel independent suspension systems at that time.

By the time of the launch, Land Rover had been sold to Ford in 2000, as part of the splitting up of the Rover Group. As a result, these further engine derivatives were not included in the sale.

The initial years of Range Rover production, now known internally as L322, came with the BMW M62 V8 petrol with 290 bhp (216 kW) and BMW M57 6-cylinder diesel engines, although only the former was offered in North America.

At launch, standard features of the US-specification Range Rover included air conditioning w/tri-zone climate controls with interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, memory system, leather upholstered 12-way power driver seats, 10-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, a premium sound system with 6-disc CD changer, navigation system w/voice activation, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, and outside-temperature indicator. Options included 14-way power heated/cooled front seats, DVD entertainment system, and upgraded leather upholstery.

2006

The Range Rover's exterior was updated for 2006 along with the BMW V8 replaced with a Ford unit. The new engine choices were Jaguar's AJ-V8, with 4.4 litre 300 hp (227 kW) or 4.2 litre 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged variants. This new Range Rover was officially presented at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and released in summer 2005.

From the diesel engine of the 2006 model (at this time still the BMW 6-cylinder unit) to the supercharged V8, the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) from 14.8 seconds or as little as 6.5 seconds and has a top speed from 110 mph (180 km/h) to approximately 130 mph (210 km/h) (governed), respectively.

In addition to the engine change, the 2006 Range Rover is equipped with an updated "infotainment" system. This includes a touch screen with on and off-road navigation, radio, CD, Satellite Radio (US), telephone, rear view camera, a wireless video camera system and other additional features all accessed via the same user interface. The audio system is Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound. Also available is a DVD rear seat entertainment which is fully integrated.

This system is linked by an industry-standard fibre optic network known as Media Oriented Systems Transport or MOST and an electronic network system known as CAN. A similar system is also used on Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport.

Suppliers for the 2006 Range Rover's components include Continental Automotive for the complete cockpit module which incorporates the DENSO Corporation touch screen navigation unit. Continental also supply the centre console unit. Other suppliers include Alpine car audio for integrated head unit rear seat entertainment. Connaught Electronics Limited (CEL) provides the rear view camera (RVC) and wireless camera (VentureCam) systems and PTI telephone capabilities are provided by Nokia.

Most importantly the audio system was co-developed with Harman Kardon. The premium offering gives a 720 Watt, 14-speaker system and was the first OEM vehicle to use the discrete Logic 7 surround algorithm.

2007

For 2007, all of the Range Rover's changes were mechanical or interior.

On the inside, the hidden folding cup holder that popped out of the centre console in previous models was replaced by a simpler and more durable in-console design with sliding covers — similar in concept, but higher quality, to those in the Range Rover Sport. The ignition switch was moved from the lower-part of the centre console up to the dashboard, next to the steering wheel and the Range Rover received the Range Rover Sport / LR3's Terrain Response system as well as a redesigned four-wheel drive control panel.

The handbrake is now electronic. Additionally, the seats differ from the old style, slightly resembling the new Range Rover Sport with cooling fans optional on the HSE and standard on the Supercharged. Heated seats are standard across the board and the premium seats from the BMW era are no longer available. The HVAC system was also updated with more vents and quieter operation. That, along with the acoustic laminated windscreen lower noise. An increase in interior storage is mainly attributed to the new split-dual glovebox. And then in a return to original Range Rover styling, more wood inserts have been added to the doors and centre console. Mid-way through production of the 2007 model (around production date of January 2007) the style of the key was changed from the BMW design to Land Rover's current "switchblade" type.

The BMW M57 diesel engine was replaced for 2007 with a Diesel engine developed by Peugeot(PSA) and Ford. The 3.6 litre AJD-V8. This engine develops 272 PS (200 kW), far more than the 177 PS (130 kW) of the previous engine, and so is better capable to deal with the weighty vehicle. Other changes for 2007 include better brakes, a revised suspension, and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. Supercharged Range Rovers will also use an electronic rear differential. The interior was also refined, with optional cooled front seats and more cargo capacity

2010

For the 2010 Model Year refresh, the Range Rover gets an updated exterior grille, a multicamera vision system, bumpers, LED head/tail lights, two new engines, and new features. It was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

The interior of the Range Rover received a minor facelift, consisting mainly of redesigned and repositioned switchgear(which saw many of the originally BMW era designed items updated or replaced), along with new options never before available for Range Rover. The 2010 Range Rover also gained new visual display units as also seen in the new for 2010 Jaguar XJ (X351). This change consisted of a 12-inch TFT LCD virtual instrument panel, which replaces the conventional cluster design - instead 'virtual' gauges are displayed where physical analog gauges were previously. This allows various sets of information to be displayed as required- for example navigation and map information can be displayed instead of engine readouts, whilst when one of the off-road driving modes is selected on the Terrain Response system the 'gauges' are reorganised to provide space to display the schematic of the vehicle's suspension, steering and transmission systems. The other display unit is fitted to the centre console and uses a bi-directional screen to show different images depending on viewing angle (may not be available in the US). This allows navigational information to be displayed to the driver, whilst someone in the front passenger seat can use the same screen to use the onboard DVD player at the same time, for example. This system also contains a state-of-the-art multi-camera system from Valeo Vision Systems in Ireland, which allows the driver to see around the vehicle during manoeuvres and which contains multiple overlays and views.

2011

The 2011MY Range Rovers include minor styling changes, improved interiors and an upgraded 4x4 system as well new optional packages. A new 4.4 litre TDV8 diesel engine will become available with a new ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission. Changes include replacing the gearlever with a small rotating dial and removing the Terrain Response dial. There are also new leather and wood colours, as well as reclining rear seats with winged headrests. A new Autobiography Black model features a different grille, Barolo Black paintwork, and a choice of Jet/Ivory or Jet/Pimento interiors.