Land Rover unveiled its most luxurious model at the Royal Ballet School in London this week, featuring an all-aluminium body said to be 39% lighter than in its predecessor and new lightweight suspension compoents. This allows the car to shed as much as 350kg compared to its equivalent outgoing model, and to improve agility on the road.

Order books are open now, with production due to begin at the carmaker’s factory in Solihull, UK, following a €464m investment in aluminium manufacturing facilities. From here, it will be sold in 170 markets worldwide.

Engine options at launch will include two diesels and one petrol. UK demand is likely to be heavily in favour of the new 258hp 3.0 TDV6 diesel engine, which matches the performance of the old car’s TDV8 but weighs 420kg less. This is the most efficient Range Rover ever made, returning 7.5l/100km and emitting 196g/km CO2.

Other powertrains include a 4.4-litre SDV8 diesel with 339hp and a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, as found in the Jaguar XF, XJ and XK, with 510hp. A diesel-electric hybrid will follow, featuring all-wheel drive, and with a CO2 emissions target of 169g/km, equivalent to around 6.3l/100km.

As well as boosting economy and featuring Evoque-like styling on the distinctive Range Rover silhouette, the new model will feature Land Rover’s new Terrain Response system, which automatically selects the right settings based on the available grip, automatic parking and cruise control and a better wading depth than the third generation car.