Some lessons are learned only by experiencing Wimbledon for the first time. For instance, cheering during rallies and calling out players’ names before they’re about to serve are forbidden. A Pimm’s Cup cocktail or another helping of strawberries and cream is permitted, however. Equally thrilling is sitting in a row just behind Margot “Barbie” Robbie, who was cradling a baby bump.
Like Robbie, I was in London on an invitation from Range Rover to attend the Wimbledon Championships, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and widely considered to be the most prestigious.
During my three-day trip, the two iconic British institutions—Wimbledon and Range Rover—celebrated a groundbreaking partnership. As of this year, Range Rover has taken over the transportation of Wimbledon players, teams, and officials in its fleet of luxury plug-in hybrid Range Rovers and Range Rover Sport vehicles.
As Wimbledon and Jaguar Land Rover, which owns Range Rover, have enjoyed a friendship since 2015, when Jaguar became Wimbledon’s first-ever automobile partner, Geraldine Ingham, Global Managing Director at Range Rover, described the transfer of support to Range Rover as “a timely demonstration of shared values”. She added that “They both lead by example, respecting the provenance of their products, ensuring a sustainable future, and delivering luxurious experiences.”
I instantly understood what luxury meant as I stepped into the Range Rover SUV for my chauffeured ride from The Londoner in Leicester Square to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon to watch the men’s singles semi-finals.
The 45-minute drive provided me with ample time to gaze out the sliding panoramic sunroof at London’s seminal landmarks, from Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace to Harrods. The perforated Windsor leather seats ensured a comfortable ride, while the cool box console kept my beverages chilled for the day ahead.
As the SUV weaved effortlessly through the sometimes-slow traffic, I blissed out to music from the innovative Meridian Signature Sound System. Each of the four main headrests features a pair of speakers, delivering crystal-clear highs and a full, deep bass.
Ingham and I both agreed that Range Rover’s advanced electrification, performance, and luxury are its most appealing features. The extended-range plug-in hybrid provides a driving range of up to 100km with CO2 emissions at less than 30g/km.
A 3.0-litre, six-cylinder Igenium petrol engine and 38.2kWh lithium-ion battery make this possible. “This set-up provides a quiet, zero-emissions driving experience, while maintaining Range Rover’s reputation for refinement,” she explains.
Additionally, with 50kW DC rapid charging, the plug-in hybrids can reach 80 percent charge in under an hour, which is among the fastest in the industry.
Further enhancing its eco-friendliness are advanced features like Predictive Energy Optimization, which maximises efficiency using navigation and location data, and Brake Energy Regeneration, which recaptures energy during braking.
In alignment with the All England Club’s net zero operational emissions target by 2030, the plug-in electric hybrid Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles were charged on-site using 100 percent renewable electricity for near-silent running throughout The Championships.
Range Rover has also established a roadmap to achieve carbon-net zero by 2039 through approved, science-based targets across its operations and value chains. “Both organisations are leading by example, committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in alignment with Wimbledon’s longer-term strategy,” said Ingham.
“Range Rover’s fleet of spacious seven-seater plug-in electric hybrid vehicles with a range of up to 120.7km also reduced the number of necessary journeys across the tournament’s duration.”
After arriving at the club, we were guided through the bustling grounds to the Range Rover Hospitality Suite. A sweeping vista of the club’s courts and gardens beckoned from the terrace as champagne and cocktails were served.
Ingham pointed out that the Range Rover Hospitality Suite was inspired by Range Rover Houses around the globe. Unlike the Range Rover Suite, which ran only for two weeks at Wimbledon, a Range Rover House offers curated luxury experiences year-round.
At each house, clients can unwind, enjoy one-of-a-kind luxury experiences with partners and experts, and drive Range Rover’s most exclusive models at locations aligned with global cultural events, from prestigious events like Wimbledon to design, alpine, and nautical occasions.
As we chatted, the Range Rover Hospitality Suite was abuzz with celebrities beyond just Margot Robbie and her husband, actor-producer Tom Ackerley. Also in attendance were Academy Award-winner Daniel Kaluuya, as well as Jasmine Jobson and Kadeem Ramsay from the Netflix hit show Top Boy.
In between matches—defending champ Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic beat Lorenzo Musetti—we retreated to the suite to enjoy afternoon tea with fluffy scones and clotted cream. An assortment of beverages from English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber and beers also kept us hydrated.
As night fell, I was chauffeured back to the hotel in the same Range Rover SUV. The driver dimmed the lights and played relaxing lo-fi beats. It was time for me to sink deeper into the plush leather seats and continue to contemplate true luxury.
