Monocle on Design Driving Forward: Range Rover
Oct 16, 2025
Join Andy Wheel, Director of Production Design at Jaguar Land Rover, who has over 25 years of experience shaping the iconic Range Rover. He discusses the brand's evolution from its 1970s roots to its current luxury status, highlighting the balance of relevance and desirability. Andy explores the holistic design approach that has transformed Range Rover into a human-centered sanctuary while maintaining its adventurous spirit. He also shares insights on teamwork, the importance of creativity, and the successful challenges faced with the revolutionary Evoque.
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Architecture Shapes Range Rover DNA
- Range Rover's design roots are grounded in architectural principles like proportion, clean space and refined details.
- Andy Wheel credits this modernist ethos for his long-term fit at JLR and the brand's enduring identity.
A Minimalist Icon From Day One
- The original Range Rover launched in 1970 as a refined, minimalist industrial design rather than a typical utilitarian vehicle.
- That purity made it museum-worthy and set a standard that has informed all later generations.
Lock The Vision Early And Guard It
- Keep designers involved from definition through freeze to ensure the original vision survives technical changes.
- Treat post-freeze changes as driven only by technical, legal or supplier needs to protect desirability.