Range Rover 2013 Review

Range Rover Autobiography Supercharged V8
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $240,100
Options fitted (not included in above price): 22-inch alloys $1620; extended leather palette $1140; Park Assist $1100; Reverse Traffic Detection $1000; Digital Audio Radio $730; loadspace rails and cross beam $540
Crash rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP)
Fuel: 95 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 13.8
CO2 emissions (g/km): 322
Also consider: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8; Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Cramming around 1200 words into a review of two new Range Rover models is quite a challenge; the equipment list alone requires all of that and more.

So getting straight to the point, we recently tested the Range Rover Vogue with a turbo-diesel V6 and Range Rover Autobiography with a supercharged V8. Both were simply outstanding examples of an SUV that is dynamically capable, on the road or off it.

The Vogue rolled more in corners, but remained poised and could be placed very precisely, riding over mid-corner bumps without qualm. Steering response was prompt, with enough feedback for the driver to push the Rover harder than most rival SUVs, despite the lightly-weighted power assistance.

The faintest moan from the tyres hinted the vehicle was reaching its limits – at speeds to embarrass front-wheel drive passenger cars. Land Rover has mapped out an exceptional ride/handling compromise in the new Range Rover; no wallow, no float, just complete disregard for bumps in the road. The Autobiography rode firmer of course, but the supercharged V8 model compensated with another 10km/h of exit speed in tighter bends. That placed it in the same ballpark as capable, rear-drive passenger cars – and well ahead of most SUVs.

Thirty seconds after leaving the black-top the Vogue was ready to handle demanding offroad terrain comprising loam and rock on steep, deeply rutted sections of track. Low-range, ride height and Terrain Response control were all actuated from the driver's seat. Stability control remained operational, although there's yet another button to kill that too, if need be.

At its highest ride setting the Range Rover went places not previously attempted by this writer. It kept all four wheels in the dirt, shaming a Mercedes GL 350 previously tested. Wheel articulation in the independently suspended Rover was an eye-opener – but that's what you get for your money.

The Vogue crawled over ditches about 300mm deep with no approach or departure angle conflicts – and no sign of bodywork making contact with the ground at any point.

Hill Descent Control was more adept than similar systems in other SUVs. The safety feature was on the job immediately, delivering steady, progressive braking and formidable control on slopes that would have had other SUVs scrabbling for grip and reaching twice the speed.

Traction Control kept the Range Rover moving at all times. With the diff locked and the vehicle in low range the Rover was cresting steep grades with consummate ease. A tight turning circle and (relatively) compact dimensions helped the Rangie negotiate narrow tracks.

The Range Rover's power delivery offroad occasionally bordered on sharp, due to the healthy output from the Vogue's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. Even under light load this engine pulled hard, whether making a right turn across a busy arterial road or powering up a deeply rutted track.

Some diesel-related vibration at about 1000rpm was a consequence of the eight-speed ZF automatic tranmission selecting a high gear to save fuel. Other than that the engine was subdued but sporty, particularly between 3000 and 4000rpm. Refined on the road, the diesel was a brawler offroad. With suspension, traction control and the transfer case set up correctly, there are no natural obstacles to the Range Rover that wouldn't also stop a LandCruiser or Patrol.

Fuel consumption averaged 10.7L/100km for the Vogue, but the Autobiography doubled that number, although it was capable of achieving sub-10.0L figures at a steady open-road speed of 100km/h.

In contrast with the diesel, the bellicose roar from the supercharged V8 drew a lot of attention. Power and performance were astonishing, but the Rangie could also be gentle. The transmission's relatively high-stall set-up for its torque converter ensured the vehicle wouldn't take off like a startled gazelle – unless you want it to do so.

Only marred by the occasional mild thump as the diesel's ‘Eco’ mode switched off the engine to conserve fuel, the transmission behaved very smoothly. The ZF transmission was an ideal partner for both the diesel V6 and the petrol V8. Engine braking was on tap whenever the intelligent transmission deemed it necessary, but without dominating the driver.

All the other points we appreciated in the two Range Rovers are practically too numerous to mention. Brakes were dependable and strong, but without the typical traits of a high-performance package. Soft-stopping was the order of the day.

Little tricks to surprise and delight owners included the puddle lights that shine a 'bat-signal' spot on the ground under the door handles, with the Range Rover legend silhouetted in the light.

Interior presentation was exceptionally good in both cars, although the Autobiography's deep red bordello tones were overpowering for some. But the layout in both Vogue and Autobiography embraced the traditional themes of Range Rover design; function with a bit of flair where it's called for. The touch screen, for instance, demanded little intuition to understand.

The multi-zone climate control was similarly easy to use. There were also heated seats, face-level vents and separate HVAC controls for the rear-seat passengers. Very soothing places to be, the Range Rovers' cabins allowed just a light rustle of wind noise and a subdued hum from the drivetrain to penetrate. The Goodyear tyres were also impressively quiet. The cabin was kitted out with heaps of speakers, comfortable but supportive seats and lashings of soft leather, piano gloss black and brushed aluminium. The kids loved the dual-view screen and the Autobiography's rear-seat entertainment system.

Where the Vogue was well equipped, the Autobiography literally took things to a new level – changing colours for the ambient mood lighting through the 'Extra Features' menu item available from the infotainment touchscreen, for instance. And the 'Extra Features' menu also drilled down to operational access for the all-round view and cross-walk view cameras.

Each rear-seat entertainment screen could display independently of the other, with DVD on one, free-to-air TV on the other – or vice versa. Wireless headphones were also supplied, and passengers could plug in an external A/V source via the RCA video/audio jacks in the rear of the centre console.

Other features to receive a tick from us included the two-piece tailgate with power operation for both sections and the full-size spare under the boot floor. Decent storage space (including a two-level glovebox) was complemented by an abundance of rear-seat legroom and headroom to stretch out, even with the panoramic sunroof optionally fitted. Rear seats also offered power adjustment for reclining.

The Jaguar-inspired rotary gear selector that pops up out of the plinth is, it seems, the model for the auto suspension/traction mode knob in the centre console. This frees up space in the centre console, as does the electronic parking brake.

A digital read-out (presented in an analogue style) for the speedometer and tacho featured needles that moved around each respective dial behind the numbered calibrations – leading to clear and accurate legibility.

If there's one stumbling block the Range Rover faces, it's the steep pricing – especially in the case of the range-topping Autobiography. The difference in price would almost buy an FPV GT – itself powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. It's not like the Vogue is cheap to begin with, either. But these two vehicles present an unassailable reason for buying lotto tickets each week.