Land Rover’s latest version of its Range Rover is the fourth generation refresh of this iconic car. The top-of-the-line Range Rover is the pinnacle of the luxury SUV segment and Land Rover has brought a number of significant changes to its flagship product while working hard to find the right balance.
This is no easy task as it’s had to keep things fresh but also take advantage of the heritage of the legendary brand. The best way to do this has been to emphasize Land Rover’s rugged off-road pedigree, by ensuring customers always think first about Land Rover’s long and respected history as a pure off-roader.
Our test car was the Range Rover Supercharged, which comes with an eight-speed automatic 5.0 Liter V8 offering plenty of performance and luxury features.
Exterior Design
The latest generation of the Range Rover introduces a number of exterior and interior styling changes and some new advances in chassis design.
One of the most talked about change for the new Range Rover products is the adoption of an all-aluminum body structure — which means the Range Rover is significantly lighter than previous versions. So even though the new model is slightly bigger, it is more nimble and achieves better fuel economy than before.
Regardless of exterior design changes, the all-new Range Rover manages to retain enough of its predecessors’ well-known classic design to remain a true Range Rover.
Interior Design
The interior is highly refined and comfortable, with lots of soft leather and a pleasingly simple set of buttons and instruments that are intuitive and well-positioned. Interior personal storage space is ample and the main driver instrument panel features stunning TFT gauges.
On the downside, some of the buttons and switches were located in somewhat awkward positions, namely the driver-side power window buttons, which were perched directly on top of the doorframe — a surprising oversight.
The driving position in the Range Rover is without a doubt commanding; it really feels like you are on top, looking out and over.
Coupled with an available heated leather steering wheel or even a half wood and leather steering wheel, you will feel quite regal in the driver’s seat.
The Range Rover is roomy and seats five with ultimate comfort. Trunk space is abundant and easily accessible with the handy split tailgate feature that is all automatic, standard on all trim levels.
Performance
Our Range Rover was propelled by the LR-V8 Supercharged 5.0 Litre Engine, which boasts improved C02 emissions as well as tons of power, including the ability to reach speeds of 250 km/h (with 22-inch wheels).
A Stop/Start feature is standard on the Range Rover, indicating a commitment to achieving further improvements in fuel economy (even though this high-performance off-roader remains pretty thirsty).
Our Range Rover came with Land Rover’s traditional “rotary shifter” located at the centre console, which took a bit of getting used to but became natural after a few tries.
The steering feel on the Range Rover was responsive and the improved lightness of the vehicle also contributes to a sense of enhanced agility.
Not surprisingly, the steering feel is balanced and predictable but not all that sporty as it lacks on-the-road feedback.
Suspension on the Range Rover allowed for a very comfortable, silky smooth ride. The new air suspension system also comes with an adjustable ground clearance that can handle up to three feet of water. Braking feel on the Range Rover was remarkably responsive for a big vehicle with lots of power.
Features
Models available range for the Canadian market consist of the Supercharged and the top of the line Autobiography model, with base prices for the Supercharged set at $114,990 and $148,990 for the Autobiography version.
Standard features include leather interior, power tailgate, navigation system, and premium audio system, eight-inch touch screen, sliding panoramic roof, fog lights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors and heated rear-seats. Safety features include eight airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front and rear park assist.
The Range Rover offers a combined fuel consumption rate of 13.6 L/100km (city 16.24/100km, highway 10.4/100km).
The Bottom Line
With the new 2014 Range Rover, Land Rover has definitely achieved the goal of ultimate luxury in a true off-roading vehicle.
It has an elegant presence and a driving experience that will make you feel as if you own the road. Sometimes the suspension seems a tad too soft; ergonomics had some surprises with slightly awkwardly positioned door handles and power window switches for the driver.
At this very expensive price, you may be discouraged by the reliability scores and resale value for this vehicle, which have not been exceptionally high.
