A growing number of luxury car buyers in India are showing an interest in exclusive, limited-edition models — maybe ones with Indian themes attached to them. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has followed the trend and is putting on the style. Riding on the huge success of the Range Rover Ranthambore Edition, the Range Rover Himalayan Edition is reported to be another India-specific vehicle.
Related: What Makes the Range Rover Velar the Truest SUV in the Segment?
Ranthambore Edition: Special Edition SUV with a Huge Impact
Now, in an attempt to peel the covers off what’s to come with the Himalayan Edition, let’s first gaze at what made the Ranthambore Edition so special. Taking its inspiration from Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, the only home of India’s tigers, this rare and precious SUV had unusual black paint with bronze touches imitating tiger stripes. Even the inside of the vehicle had leather made especially and stitched with tiger patterns. A mere dozen units were made; every one of those dozen was sold within a week.
“Our Ranthambore edition was well received, and our customers want more India-based specials. So now we’re doing the Himalayan,” says the Global Managing Director of JLR, Martin Limpert.
Himalayan Edition: What Could It Possibly Look Like?
While JLR has not yet announced any concrete details, the new edition will draw inspiration from the Himalayan mountain range, after all, revered for its snow-covered peaks, calm landscapes, and crisp air.
We can expect:
- Lighter exterior colors such as white or silver, reflecting snow and ice.
- A calmer, more elegant interior, possibly with cool-toned leather and patterns that resemble mountains or topography.
- A more serene, luxurious feel compared to the bolder Ranthambore Edition.
In contrast to the Ranthambore Edition, which celebrated strength and wilderness, the Himalayan Edition might focus on peace and purity.
Why Do These Editions Matter
Special editions such as these are about more than just aesthetics; they give a sense of identity and exclusivity. According to JLR, Indian customers love these one-off designs, which offer the brand a certain amount of visibility in a heavily crowded luxury-car market.
Another reason JLR can produce these editions more than ever before today is because Range Rovers are now being assembled locally in India, which leads to faster production, cost-effectiveness, and the flexibility of creating models just for Indian buyers.
Also read: Land Rover Cars in India: A Complete Guide for Enthusiasts and Buyers
What’s Next?
We are still awaiting details related to the Himalayan Edition, including visuals, engine options, feature lists, and pricing. According to the pattern followed by the Ranthambore Edition, if Himalayan Edition does follow through, then it would be extremely limited in its release, with as low as just 10-15 units. These special editions tend to attract collectors, celebrities, and luxury buyers looking for something truly unique. JLR might soon open its SV Bespoke services in India as well, allowing clients to completely customize Range Rover from custom colors and interiors to finishes and much more.
Conclusion
From an Indian perspective, the recent Himalayan Edition proves that JLR truly understands luxury buyers. By combining world-class craftsmanship with Indian inspirations, the company is not just selling cars but rather telling tales through design. If the Ranthambore Edition was a tribute to India’s wild heart, then the Himalayan Edition will be something more serene and gentle.
