Yes, Range Rover is the brand belonging to Land Rover that has models like the Evoque, Velar and Sport under its belt. However, Range Rover is also the name of a model. Not just any model, it is the name of the brand’s flagship offering.
On the outside
Distinguishable differences on the outside of the luxury SUV are the vertically-placed taillights. Other differences include the premium grille and vents on the hood. However, the largest stand out feature is the sheer size of the car, especially because it is the LWB variant. The car is 5.2m long and 3.1m wide, making it very noticeable on the road. Another thing you will notice, when the suspension is in its highest position, is that hatchbacks sit below the window line. The car is so imposing that you could miss few updates that came with the facelift. The SUV has redesigned bumpers and wheels. The SUV also has a new headlight that has the LED laser technology.
On the inside
Luckily, Range Rover has kept things the way they should be in this premium offering. This SUV doesn’t feature carbon-fibre but instead wood veneer and leather wrapped areas, just like it should. This SUV is about being comfortable and enjoying cooled and heated seats and being able to watch a movie in the back. The Range Rover has also done away with plastic buttons and used metal ones instead. That said, the wood used on the inside didn’t feel all that real.
Something that really stands out on the inside is the large touchscreens. It looks very modern compared to the otherwise old school interior. The graphics are sharp and work well and the car also has physical knobs that you can use instead of the touchscreen. However, as modern as they looked they are missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The highest-spec SV Autobiography variant gets two individual rear seats with memory. These seats are also covered in the highest quality leather out there. They have the reclining, heating and cooling function, if that’s not all they will also massage you. Furthermore the doors also close via a push of a button. The SUV has a large boot and a full-size 21-inch spare wheel.
How does it drive?
It takes time getting used to driving such a large vehicle; you have to recalibrate the way you drive. In the beginning, because of the car’s height you will keep repositioning your rear view mirrors. You will also be cautious of the length of the SUV, even after you get used to it, you will not be able to drive it normally. Luckily, the car has a light steering which reduces the strength needed to move this car about.
When handling is concerned, there is not much to speak about. This car feels as soft as a luxury car and that leads to significant amounts of body roll. That said, you aren’t ever going to end up cornering hard in a long wheelbase Range Rover. The ride on the car is pillow soft and floaty. Nicely though, its height gives you the assurance that car will not hit any speed breakers. While it does move about at lower speeds, the SUV is composed as speeds rise.
The car we were driving was equipped with a 258hp and 600Nm diesel engine. The engine, even after being a V6 felt like it had enough grunt needed to move this large SUV. The SUV does have a bit of hesitation from the gearbox but it builds speed nicely and even has a decent exhaust note.
Should I buy one?
This big Range Rover is, undoubtedly, an unconventional limousine. The car is basically a Jaguar XJ L on stilts that sacrifices driving please for go-anywhere ability. You may not take this car to your farmhouse outside the city, but it is good to know that it is capable.
All Range Rovers are on the expensive side, but it doesn’t have any direct competitors. The ex-showroom price of Rs 1.87 for the LWB diesel V6 doesn’t seem that bad when compared to the top-spec model that costs Rs 3.88 crore. When compared to the Bentley Bentayga, it has more room and off-road ability.
