In a segment of large luxury SUVs, where excess is never far away, the new Range Rover is reassuring. Its turn towards more modernity does not affect its natural class, which distinguishes it from others. More comfortable on the road, the Range adopts a V8 of BMW origin.
Car tested: Land-Rover Range Rover P530 1st Edition SWB
|
From€182,400
€40,000 penalty
|
To renew its iconic Range Rover, Land Rover did not turn the tables at first sight. The silhouette of this fifth generation is in line with the previous model (2012) with its haughty look, its shell-shaped bonnet and its flat roof. This timeless recipe is modernized by the sleek bodywork treatment, accentuated by flush glazing and recessed handles. It’s fine craftsmanship, and the stern isn’t bad either with the thin vertical LED blades.
The real change for the Range Rover is in the chassis. Built on the new MLA-Flex platform made of 80% aluminum and 50% more rigid than the old one, the Range 2022 gains new equipment to improve its dynamism, such as the four-wheel steering delivered as standard. The range of engines is also completely revised. The V8 which made the reputation of English is now of BMW origin with the 4.4 Twinturbo of 530 hp. And, on the diesel side, a new 3.0 straight-six diesel with mild-hybrid technology 48 V slips under the hood in two powers (250 and 350 hp).
Available from the launch of the vehicle in April 2022, the V8 and the diesels will be supported in September by the plug-in hybrid version which swaps its four-cylinder for a six-cylinder. It also reinforces its electric part with a large 38.2 kWh battery, an electric range of up to 100 km and fast charging in 50 kW DC. We will come back to this promising Range Rover PHEVwhich is available in two powers (440 and 510 hp), during the tests at its launch, but also on the future 100% electric version expected for 2024.
The Range Rover renews its two bodies: the classic SWB (5.05 m long) and the long LWB (5.25 m), which transforms it into a limousine SUV. This version is even equipped for the first time with a seven-seater configuration so as not to leave the German competition alone in this niche (Audi Q7, BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS). And to contain the Bentley Bentayga and the very exclusive Rolls-Royce Cullinan who have come to take their share of the SUV pie, the Range Rover is also capable of ultra-luxury and refinement. via the SV (Special Vehicle) department for customization. In this case, the prices are also tailor-made…
2022 Range Rover Price
If the base price of the Range Rover is set at €127,400 in the D250 SE, the average price will be well over €150,000… before taxes (see price list on page 2). For example, you have to count €146,800 for a D350 HSE version, plus €22,000 in penalties and €7,000 in weight tax. Our test version in V8 1st Edition costs €182,400 with a maximum penalty of €40,000 in addition. In this fiscal context, the plug-in hybrid versions are the most awaited. The P440e version, for example, displays a price close to that of the D350 (€147,600 in HSE) and it escapes the penalty. Finally, to switch to the long chassis, it is necessary to count between 2,600 and 3,100 additional €, and add 3,000 € in order to have the seven-seater configuration (not accessible on plug-in hybrids).
Driving the Range Rover V8
Sitting in a dominant position – tradition obliges –, we regret not having more amplitude for adjusting the steering column and refining its installation on board. On the other hand, we measure the progress of the Range Rover 5 from the first kilometers. The chassis part is much better held than before thanks to the running gear which combines active anti-roll bars with a suspension with piloted air springs and adaptive double-valve dampers. With this arsenal, the Range corrects a recurring fault of high and heavy SUVs: the unpleasant rocking movements from left to right. Now well held, the English also shows a royal walking comfort, even with the Dynamic driving mode that we preferred to better “feel” the road and hasten the pace in peace.
Of course, one must take into account the significant mass in the sinuosities, but the Range progresses there again with the transplant of the four steering wheels. This system, which offers more responsiveness when changing course above 50 km/h, also works wonders at low speeds with the rear wheels turning in the opposite direction to the front wheels at a maximum angle of 7.3°, giving compact car maneuverability to this big SUV (10.95 m turning circle). The driving comfort of the Range Rover is enhanced by the silence that reigns on board. Just can we note aerodynamic whispers at the level of the mirrors on the fast lane or some percussions of the enormous 23-inch wheels on the deepest bleedings. MBut that’s not enough to disrupt the cozy atmosphere of the cabin.
The growl of the V8 brings the expected nobility and flexibility, as well as a sacred response. With 530 hp and 750 Nm, this strong 530 hp Twinturbo block makes the car’s weight forgettable, and its operation in perfect harmony with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox makes it unnecessary to use the paddles behind the steering wheel. Under heavy load, the BMW V8 gives voice and makes the Range jump from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 s!
A Range test without putting the wheels elsewhere than on the asphalt would not be complete, even if the mission of climbing trees is undoubtedly the Defender. We have therefore come a long way to see how the Range erased the holes and bumps with talent, including at a good pace. The traction managed by the Terrain Response 2 system offers surprising ease on steep gradients, even with simple M+S tires as on our test model. The vehicle is announced to pass 90 cm fords, but it makes you wonder who will put these 2.5 tons of luxury in a hole full of mud! The important thing for the owner of the Range is to know that his mount can do everything, such as disconnecting his front axle from the transmission. This possibility is offered by the new iAWD system to drive in two-wheel drive when conditions permit (on the motorway for example) and thus save a few deciliters of fuel. Yes, in 2022, even a Range V8 is watching its (big) appetite!
On board
The interior of the Range Rover 5 is marked by a very contemporary treatment of the furniture with a clean, no-frills design. The expected luxurious finish is there, and the choice of leather colors will suit all tastes. The dashboard offers just enough physical controls to keep the essential functions at hand, the rest going through the touch screen. Installed in a floating position, the latter has the good taste of not being disproportionate and it is equipped with haptic feedback. It offers sober and easily readable displays in harmony with the ambience of the passenger compartment, while the essential functions are accessible in two clicks.
The rear passage confirms that comfort is the key word on board the Range Rover. Two passengers are installed royally on a heated and reclining seat. Tradition obliges, the tailgate opens in two parts and makes it possible to have a small tailboard to take place there the time of a picnic. We can do it with music thanks to the speakers integrated into the interior trim of the tailgate. On the other hand, there is not enough to accommodate three wild boars in the trunk because, if it is large enough, there is nothing exceptional given the external size.
Competetion
Born at a time (1970) when we spoke without embarrassment of a chic 4 x 4 rather than an SUV, the protege of Land-Rover must today contain competition on two fronts. Those of the premium brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes arrived twenty years ago and that of luxury with Bentley and Rolls-Royce landed more recently. Thanks to its multiple versions, the Range Rover manages to contain this double offensive. On the French market, it is with the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS that it will fight, two competitors which are not available in plug-in hybrids and therefore leave the way free for the Range in this field. The Q7 has a PHEV version, but the dashing Range Rover is more attractive than this Audi at the end of its career.
Find the results of the test, the technical sheet and the equipment on the next page.
