The British Crown Jewel Just Got an Aadhaar Card: Inside the “Made in India” Range Rover Revolution
For decades, the Range Rover has been the ultimate “I’ve made it” symbol in India. But for just as long, owning one meant paying a “VIP tax” in the form of massive import duties that could practically buy you a second luxury car.
That era has officially come to an end.
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the luxury segment, the British icon isn’t just visiting anymore—it’s moved in. With the recent inauguration of the ₹9,000-crore Panapakkam plant in Tamil Nadu (February 2026) and the ongoing production in Pune, the “Made in India” Range Rover is no longer a dream; it’s a reality rolling off the assembly line.
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A Milestone 54 Years in the Making
Historically, the flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport were exclusively “Born in Solihull,” UK. However, under the visionary leadership of Tata Motors, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) broke a 54-year tradition by choosing India as the first site outside the UK to manufacture these behemoths.
The latest chapter? Just yesterday, the first locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque rolled out of the new Tamil Nadu facility, steered by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. This isn’t just a win for car enthusiasts; it’s a massive statement for the “Make in India” movement, proving that India can meet the hyper-stringent quality standards of global ultra-luxury.
The “Price Tag” Miracle
Let’s talk about what every Indian buyer actually cares about: The price drop. By moving from CBU (Completely Built Unit) to local assembly, the savings are staggering:
Range Rover (Flagship): Prices have been slashed by up to ₹56 Lakh. What used to be a ₹3.2 Crore investment now starts around ₹2.36 Crore.
Range Rover Sport: A massive ₹29 Lakh reduction, bringing the starting price down to approximately ₹1.40 Crore.
Range Rover Evoque: Now more accessible than ever, starting at ₹64.86 Lakh ex-showroom.
This isn’t just a “discount”—it’s a total repositioning. It puts the Range Rover within striking distance of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, but with that unmistakable British “Lord of the Manor” DNA.
Sustainability Meets Luxury
The new Panapakkam plant isn’t just about churning out SUVs; it’s one of the most advanced green facilities in the world.
100% Renewable Energy: The entire plant is designed to run on green power.
Water Positive: It aims to give back more water than it consumes.
Future-Ready: While the Evoque is the first out of the gate, the plant is already geared up to produce Next-Gen Electric Vehicles (EVs).
The Verdict
The “First Indian-made Range Rover” is more than just a car with a “Local” sticker. It represents the coming of age of the Indian automotive industry. We are no longer just a market for the world’s best cars; we are the ones building them.
If you’ve been eyeing that floating roof and the command driving position, your “vocal for local” moment has arrived—and it’s never looked more stylish.
