What’s new?
The Range Rover in standard form is a completely new beast. An all-aluminium construction has shaved masses off the overall weight, while the sophisticated air suspension and clever drivetrain ensures it’s fantastic on and off-road.
However, recognising that for many the Range Rover is a limousine to be wafted in rather than something you drive knee-deep in mud, a stretched Range Rover is available with an extra 200mm in length to give even more space to rear seat passengers. And to reflect the likely purchasers of a car like this, the long-wheelbase Rangie comes in top Autobiography specification only.
Looks and image
Once again the Range Rover manages to redefine good taste and modernity whilst retaining a visual style that links it to Range Rovers of the past. Despite the long-wheelbased Range Rover being significantly longer than the standard car, having designed it as such from the outset means the extra length is seamlessly blended in; if you didn’t know it you could easily miss it at first glance. A job well done then.
Space and practicality
This is a giant car – a fraction short of 5.2 metres long – and so space is one thing it isn’t lacking. Obviously in the front you’re spoilt for room, while in the rear there is a hilarious amount of space; there are business class seats on planes that don’t treat you this well. The boot is still big too, but the high-spec rear package means you can’t fold the back seats.
Behind the wheel
Driving doesn’t really get much better than this. Climb, as you have to do, into the Range Rover and you sit comfortably with a superb view out. The big V8 diesel engine starts up with just a faint whirr from the engine bay, and once you’ve slipped the automatic transmission into D you barely need to lift a finger again.
The steering is light but accurate, the suspension flows beautifully over broken surfaces and the refinement is superb, as you might expect. It encourages a wonderfully relaxed driving style that certainly contributes to a slowing of your pulse – driving the LWB Range Rover could actually add years to your life.
Value for money
Value in respect of luxury cars is a difficult thing to measure. It’s a given that anything at this price point will be groaning with toys and luxuries, but there’s more to it than that. The materials feel superb, the fit and finish is excellent and of course it has that impeachable image. Yes it’s expensive, but you get a lot for your cash.
Who would buy one?
The Range Rover in LWB form is a car for someone who might want to take the wheel occasionally, but is just as happy taking the back pew and letting the massage seats work their magic. Apparently Range Rovers are the most popular new car purchase by Lottery winners, which is perhaps no surprise – their luxurious image is understood even by those who don’t give a fig about cars, which says it all.
This car summed up in a single word: Indulgent
If this car was a…: Hotel it would be six, or possibly seven stars
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography LWB, £102,140
Engine:4.4-litre diesel unit producing 339bhp and 516lb/ft of torque
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels
Performance: Top speed 135mph, 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds
Economy: 32.5mpg combined
Emissions: 229g/km of CO2
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