Range Rover lineage: Classic to L405Last updated: 18 June 2012 The L322 is the third of four Range Rover generations. Placing it in the family line shows what it inherited, what it changed, and what came next. [ ▲ ] Photo: Classic / P38A / L322 / L405 together add image here Key takeaway: The L322 is the third of four Range Rovers and the first with a monocoque body: the template the lighter L405 built on.
The generations at a glance
Range Rover Classic (1970-1996)The original, launched 17 June 1970. Early "Suffix-A" cars were rugged utility 4x4s — hose-out interiors, not the luxury machines the badge later implied. Engineered by Spen King and Gordon Bashford around the Buick-derived 3.5 V8, it created the "as good on-road as off-road" concept. Air suspension appeared late in its life. Range Rover P38A (1994-2001)The second generation (named after Solihull building 38A) added luxury, on-road manners and standard height-adjustable air suspension, with BMW 2.5 diesel and Rover V8 petrol options. Seen as evolutionary and somewhat budget-constrained, it was the car BMW deemed too dated to last — triggering the L322 project. Range Rover L322 (2002-2012)The subject of this site: the first monocoque?monocoque. A unibody structure where the body shell itself carries the loads, instead of bolting a body onto a separate ladder chassis. Stiffer, quieter, lighter. Range Rover with all-round independent air suspension, developed under BMW, built under Ford and Tata. It pushed the Range Rover firmly into full luxury-SUV territory while keeping serious off-road ability. Full overview » Range Rover L405 (2013-2022)The successor: an in-house design built on an all-aluminium monocoque that shed over 400 kg versus the L322, improving economy and on-road manners. It continued the clamshell bonnet, floating roof and horizontal lines, and offered a long-wheelbase model with airline-style rear seats. Developed under Tata ownership with the resources to push the Range Rover even further upmarket. |