I have often admired Range Rovers from afar but had never been up close and personal until recently.
Royalty has already been spotted in the new Range Rover and 30 JLR vehicles took part in the queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations, so I guess it is already a vehicle fit for a queen.
I always remembered reading about Richard Branson’s crash on the M40 in 1994 when he swerved to avoid another car and crashed. Rather than bad publicity this turned out to be positive as Branson praised the Range Rover and I think went out and bought a couple more.
It is amazing to think that the First Range Rover was launched in 1970 – some 52 years ago. So, when I got a chance to test the latest Range Rover, I jumped at it.
Inside
Getting behind the wheel I loved the look and feel. It oozed quality and controls seemed intuitive. Some screen controls had a haptic function which clicks when you push it. The gear selector is on the centre console.
I liked the higher driving position when meant you can see most of the vehicle and where you can’t there are plenty of cameras to help. Like the Mercedes EQS that I recently drove, this Range Rover is fitted with rear-wheel steering which gives it an impressive turning circle like a London cab.
The seats are luxurious in every way. Comfortable, supportive, and plush. There is plenty of head and legroom in the front and the back. One version even offers a third set of seats which is great but greatly reduces boot space.
Driving
Starting up the beast, it was very quiet, and I didn’t realise at first it was a 3-litre twin turbo diesel engine. It seemed quite nimble and has a 0-60mph in just over 6 seconds which is quick.
Driving in all different conditions from country roads to motorways and indeed off-road returned more than 30mpg and the stated mileage is 35.8mpg. It drove well on all types of roads and indeed mud.
Off-road
We ventured from rural Wiltshire into Wales and then back across to Land Rover’s Eastnor Castle, which has fabulous views and miles of serious off-road tracks. Overnight rain meant the ground was muddy. At first when I saw some of the tight spots, literally between a rock and a hard place, I thought I might not fancy driving a £100k car through those gaps and across those rocks.
But watching some of the others make good progress I went for it. I had not been off-roading for about a decade or so and wow this car was far easier to manoeuvre that those I had tried in the past.
At one point I had one of the wheels up in the air, but the vehicle kept going with ease. In effect you let the car steer the way, but the cameras were useful on a sharp ascent as I couldn’t see over the bonnet how to position the wheels.
Lunch
It just seemed this vehicle could go over any terrain with ease. We then had a tyre wash and hit the road to the Cotswolds and a wonderful location outside Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch. This was a massive treat as the brilliant chef Simon Stallard of ‘The Hidden Hut’ fame cooked up linguine lobster followed by the most delicious lamb. Stunning food and he even signed a book for me.
Appeal
No doubt this Range Rover, which looks great, will appeal to the landed gentry as well as urban footballers. Prices start at just under £100,000 but that doesn’t appear to have put off the punters from around the world.
If you love Range Rovers, or like me new to Range Rovers, you will love this vehicle. It is great to drive, feels luxurious and safe, whilst looking great in an under-stated manner. Whether you are a Lord of the Manor or aspire to a manor this car will suit.
I would love to try the electric version but alas that wouldn’t be here until 2024. But there are other engines including petrol, and plug-in hybrid versions which would be good to try.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I loved my introduction to the Range Rover and the Range Rover people could not have been more helpful, engaging and indeed entertaining. I might just be tempted when the full electric version comes this way.
Specifications on my test vehicle
- Range Rover Autobiography SWB
- 3.0-litre Twin Turbo diesel engine
- Price £117,800
- 300hp and 650Nm torque
- 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds
- Top speed 135mph
- Emissions 207g/km CO2
- MPG 35.8mpg
- Colour: White
- Towing capacity 3,500kg