9:52 am, December 20, 2012
LAND ROVER has replaced its excellent but ageing third-generation Range Rover with a brand new model. Jon Reay has driven it.
What is it?
The brand new, fourth generation Range Rover. Designed to be more luxurious and even more capable off-road, Land Rover have shaved a considerable 420kg off the car’s weight – thanks to an all-aluminium body – and redesigned the ‘terrain response’ four-wheel-drive system.
What’s under the bonnet?
Along with the Rangie’s perennial 4.4-litre V8 diesel and 5.0-litre supercharged petrol, Land Rover have slotted in the 3.0-litre V6 diesel from the Jaguar XF. Thanks to the car’s weight-loss and aerodynamic improvements, the smaller diesel is perfectly capable of pulling the car along with ease – providing the same performance figures with considerably better fuel economy.
What’s the spec like?
Sumptuous. All the usual Range Rover accoutrements are there – sat nav, electric seats, cameras at each corner of the car – along with a brand new 29-speaker, 1700w Meridian stereo system that’s really rather good. Also new is a Maybach-like rear seating option called ‘Executive Class’ – bringing fully reclining rear seats.
What’s it like to drive?
A superb cruiser, in short. Thanks to the air suspension and even more soundproofing than before, the Range Rover makes for a fine vehicle to travel in. We drove it across Morocco, where it handled challenging road surfaces without complaint. What’s more, the weight savings mean it feels surprisingly nimble for a car so large – changing direction surprisingly quickly.
What do the press think?
Auto Express called it ‘an automotive icon improved,’ adding that it ‘does the luxury thing better than many more expensive luxury cars, with off-road ability that’s the best bar none.’ The Sun called the new car ‘a world-class heavyweight contender that delivers things rivals can’t,’ while The Telegraph said it ‘sets a new benchmark for a big SUV.’
What do we think?
The old Range Rover was fantastic and its replacement manages to be even better. The interior is beautiful, its road manners are superb, and with a 900mm wading depth it’s now even more capable off-road too. A worthy continuation of the legendary badge. We can’t recommend it enough.
