Land Rover Models (2016-2020): A Period of Innovation and Evolution

by Sale01 Embertek on November 05, 2024 Categories: Car Reviews

From 2016 to 2020, Land Rover went through a transformative period in its history, introducing a variety of new models, updating existing ones, and embracing new technologies to refine the brand's iconic mix of luxury, performance, and off-road capability. During these years, Land Rover remained focused on expanding its lineup while also updating classic models like the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery, ushering in an era of modern, sophisticated SUVs with superior off-road prowess.

Here’s a look at the key models from Land Rover between 2016 and 2020, each with its unique offerings and innovations:

1. Land Rover Range Rover (2016-2020): The Pinnacle of Luxury and Performance

The Range Rover continues to define Land Rover's luxury offering, combining cutting-edge technology, supreme off-road abilities, and top-tier comfort. From 2016 to 2020, the Range Rover lineup was refined with more efficient engines, improved technology, and luxurious finishes. This period saw the addition of new variants, hybrid options, and enhanced in-car systems that kept the Range Rover at the forefront of luxury SUVs.

Key Models and Updates:

  • Range Rover (2016-2020): The flagship model remained largely unchanged in terms of exterior design, maintaining its sleek, commanding presence. However, updates included a more refined interior, enhanced infotainment systems, and new engine options, including more efficient mild-hybrid powertrains.

  • Range Rover Sport (2016-2020): The Range Rover Sport, a sportier, more dynamic variant, continued to offer high performance with its supercharged V8 and hybrid engine options. It also received upgrades to its tech suite, including a new infotainment system (InControl Touch Pro) and safety features such as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance.

  • Range Rover Velar (2017-Present): Introduced in 2017, the Velar became Land Rover’s answer to the mid-size luxury SUV segment. With a minimalist design, a high-tech interior, and a focus on on-road refinement, the Velar was aimed at customers seeking a stylish alternative to traditional Range Rovers. Its range of engines and premium interior materials made it one of the most technologically advanced Land Rover models of the period.

  • Range Rover Evoque (2016-2020): The second-generation Evoque debuted in 2019, bringing an updated exterior design, a more refined interior, and improved performance features. It offered new engine options, including a mild-hybrid powertrain, and became the most compact, urban-focused model in the Range Rover family while still offering impressive off-road ability.

2. Land Rover Discovery (2016-2020): Versatility and Family Adventure

The Discovery line saw significant changes during this period, transitioning from the Discovery 4 to the Discovery 5 (introduced in 2017). The Discovery 5 built on the model's reputation for versatility with a more modern design, improved technology, and a more refined interior.

Key Models and Updates:

  • Discovery 5 (2017-Present): The Discovery 5 marked a departure from the previous boxier design of the Discovery 4, adopting a sleeker, more aerodynamic look while maintaining the model’s off-road capability. It featured improved suspension and handling, a lightweight aluminum architecture, and advanced technology like Terrain Response 2 and InControl Touch Pro.

  • Discovery Sport (2016-2020): The Discovery Sport, a more compact offering in the Discovery family, received updates to its design and technology during this period. The 2019 refresh brought a new front end, updated infotainment, and a wider range of engine options, including the introduction of a mild-hybrid powertrain. The Discovery Sport continued to be a practical option for families who wanted a luxury SUV with excellent off-road abilities.

3. Land Rover Defender (2016-2020): A Long-Awaited Revival

One of the most significant events in Land Rover's recent history came in 2020 with the long-anticipated launch of the all-new Defender. After being discontinued in 2016, the Defender returned with a completely modernized design while still maintaining its legendary off-road capabilities.

Key Model and Updates:

  • Defender 110 (2020): The Defender 110 launched first, bringing a more comfortable and high-tech version of the classic off-roader. It retained the iconic rugged design, with a boxy silhouette, but was built on Land Rover's new aluminum platform, allowing it to be lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. The 110 featured advanced technology, such as Terrain Response 2, an optional air suspension system, and a more refined interior compared to the old Defender.

  • Defender 90 (2020): Following the 110, the Defender 90, with its shorter wheelbase, came out later in 2020. The 90 was the more compact version, offering improved agility in tight off-road situations. The Defender 90 appealed to those who wanted the rugged utility of the Defender but with a more dynamic and sportier feel.

  • Defender V8 (2021): In 2021, Land Rover introduced the high-performance Defender V8, powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged engine that made the Defender one of the fastest and most powerful off-road vehicles on the market. It was available in both 90 and 110 versions, providing a thrilling driving experience with improved suspension and handling dynamics.

The reintroduction of the Defender was a pivotal moment for Land Rover, and it cemented the brand’s commitment to combining heritage with modern technology, appealing to both long-time fans of the Defender and a new generation of enthusiasts.

4. Land Rover Freelander and Evoque (2016-2020): Compact Luxury and City Driving

While the larger Range Rover and Discovery models garnered most of the attention, Land Rover's smaller SUVs also saw significant updates during this period.

  • Land Rover Freelander: Although the Freelander was officially discontinued in 2014, its successor, the Range Rover Evoque, continued to thrive in the compact luxury SUV market. The Evoque, introduced in 2011, received multiple updates throughout this period, including a 2019 refresh that brought a new exterior design, a more luxurious interior, and updated engines.

  • Evoque (2016-2020): The second-generation Evoque debuted in 2019 with an entirely new design, offering a sharper, more modern look. It introduced new technologies such as the P300e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which became available in 2020. The Evoque continued to focus on urban luxury, offering a comfortable, high-tech cabin with the off-road prowess that Land Rover is known for.

5. Land Rover Hybrid and Electric Models: Moving Toward Sustainability

Between 2016 and 2020, Land Rover began its transition toward electrification, offering a range of hybrid powertrains and taking steps toward the brand’s goal of offering an all-electric lineup by 2030.

Key Hybrid Models:

  • Range Rover PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid): Launched in 2018, the PHEV versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor to offer a more fuel-efficient option without sacrificing performance. The hybrid models offered an all-electric range, improving emissions and fuel efficiency while still maintaining the legendary off-road capabilities of the Range Rover.

  • Discovery PHEV: The plug-in hybrid version of the Discovery (introduced in 2020) combined a 2.0-liter petrol engine with an electric motor to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. It retained the Discovery’s off-road capabilities, with advanced terrain management systems and all-terrain technology.

Towards Full Electrification:

  • Land Rover’s 2030 Vision: By 2020, Land Rover began to take steps toward a fully electric future, with plans to become an all-electric brand by 2030. This vision included electrifying all models in the lineup, starting with the Range Rover and Defender.

6. Conclusion: A Transformative Era for Land Rover (2016-2020)

The period between 2016 and 2020 marked a pivotal time for Land Rover, as the brand refined its existing models and introduced bold new ones, like the redesigned Defender. The brand continued to be synonymous with off-road excellence, but it also embraced modern design, technology, and sustainability in a way that positioned it for future success.

Land Rover's innovations during this period included new hybrid and electric powertrains, cutting-edge infotainment and safety systems, and performance-driven models like the Range Rover Sport and Defender V8. The brand has proven that it can evolve without compromising its legendary ruggedness, making the 2016-2020 era a key chapter in Land Rover's ongoing journey to redefine what luxury off-road vehicles can be.

Take a look at our brake pads for LandRover models:

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