The Range Rover P38A: BMW wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible, Cornelis Kit would like one

There are few cars that are seen as interim candidates upon taking office. The second generation Range Rover is one of those. This car – also referred to as P38A – is not exactly considered the best that Land Rover has ever produced. Friend and enemy agree on this. In fact, they actually thought so at Land Rover itself and especially at the then Land Rover owner BMW. When the Germans became owners of Rover – including Land Rover – in early 1994, they received the P38A, almost ready. Even before it hits the market at the end of 1994, updates are already being worked on behind the scenes. The contrast cannot be much greater with its predecessor, which lasted no less than 26 years. When the second generation appears, it is not a revolutionary car, not at all what you would expect from a car that has to operate at the top of the market. Just like the original Range Rover, the second generation has a ladder chassis and rigid axles. Under the hood is a set of thirsty V8s (with a choice of 4.0 or 4.6 liter displacement, the latest incarnation of the 1960 Rover V8) or a BMW diesel that can barely cope. Furthermore, the second generation Range Rover also lacks the appearance that the first had, despite its style references. And as if it weren’t enough, the quality of the P38A isn’t the best. BMW wants to get rid of generation two as quickly as possible. The car should have independent suspension, just like a self-supporting body and state-of-the-art engines from BMW itself. It is too much of a good thing to incorporate all this into the P38A for an interim update planned for 1999 and soon a successor is started under BMW direction, the L322 presented in 2001.

Low prices with a good chance of problems

But still, but still. He makes an impression with his colossal appearance. High above the rest of the traffic and with the impressive sound of a V8 you feel like a king. And it’s not like he can’t do anything. On the contrary, despite its conventional concept, it easily holds its own in the field. The prices of used copies are low; you almost get them as a gift, including a fair chance of problems. In any case, you don’t pay for the hype, as you do with its predecessor. He has my sympathy.