I don't really like the exterior styling, but I'm not a huge fan of the previous model's styling, either. It was allright, I suppose, but a bit bulbous, in my opinion. They've managed to make it seem a bit cartoonish here.
They've simplified the interior quite a bit. That can be good or bad. If they went the way of Rolls, and removed all the crap, it's going to be nicer inside. If they went the way of BMW, however, and jumbled multiple functions into each button... It won't be so nice.
The steering wheel, at least, no longer looks like it belongs in a star ship. That was stupid. Even so, I'd prefer to have a button for each function rather than ten functions for each button, and while I appreciate simplified wiring, I'd prefer common controls on their traditional circuits, rather than being operated by a computer.
They've managed to install two things that I absolutely can't stand, though. I think engine start buttons are a terrible irritation as well as a damnable inconvenience. As if keeping that stupid button around wasn't bad enough, they've gone and fitted Jaguar's new shifting dial. I hate those dials, and combined with the start button, it's just too much.
On top of that, they are making an old mistake all over again as evidenced by their recent brand strategy and proved by the interior photograph:
The oval isn't on the steering wheel. Range Rover is written there instead, and just in case you didn't notice, it's lit up on an LCD right behind the wheel. It's also on the front and the rear of the vehicle, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was on the center caps and stitched all over the interior, as well.
That kind of strategy is what caused all the confusion in the first place. Now, nobody is ever going to know who manufactures what. They are building two brands when they should be consolidating the one they've had for years.
Oh, the marketing department is working miracles with their "Range Rover" sub-brand, sure enough, but they should wrap their philosophies around the entire lineup to push the total company image forward.
Cheers,
Kennith
It would have to be damn cheap though lol
