More than 50 years ago, the Range Rover was the first and only luxury off-road vehicle. Nowadays, there are more upmarket SUVs than anyone can count.

To compete in this crowded market, Land Rover is launching a Range Rover with new levels of luxury, notably more seats, more smarts and a tailgate that converts into picnic bench.

The off-roader’s fifth generation, going on sale around the turn of the year, is based on a completely new platform and is equipped for the first time with all-wheel steering and electronically controlled roll compensation.

The look of this boxy car is meanwhile even more minimal than that of its predecessor.

From launch, the Range Rover is available in two versions. In addition to the standard version with a wheelbase of 3.00 metres and a length of 5.05 metres, the manufacturer is also offering an XL version with a 20-centimetre boost.

It’s not only available as a four-seater with lounge chairs in the rear, but also with a third row for the first time.

The engineers have integrated two additional seats into the tailgate, which is traditionally horizontally divided: When stationary, this can be converted into a picnic bench in two steps, the manufacturer says.

All versions have posh interiors, including ceramic trim elements and a greatly simplified, largely digitalised operating system. In addition, according to Land Rover, there are numerous assistants for comfort, safety and off-road driving.

Land Rover also offers more choice than ever in terms of engines, and despite a rising awareness of climate change, even among fans of gas guzzlers, the British manufacturer is holding onto its diesel and petrol options for now.

There are six-cylinder diesels with a capacity of three litres and 183 kW/250 hp, 221 kW/300 hp and 258 kW/350 hp. In addition, there is a 294 kW/400 hp six-pot petrol engine and a 4.4-litre V8 with 390 kW/530 hp from BMW.

There are also two plug-in hybrids, which are also based on a six-cylinder petrol engine. They have system outputs of 324 kW/440 hp or 375 kW/510 hp and, according to the manufacturer, should have an electric range of 100 kilometres with their 38 kWh battery.

This reduces standard consumption to barely more than 1 litre and CO2 emissions to less than 30 g/km. The British say want to make even less is possible in three years. Then the Range Rover will also be purely electric.

Prices start at 121,200 euros, according to the British manufacturer.