Exactly 43 years ago, a legend was born. Originally destined to be a utilitarian vehicle with vinyl seats and a plastic dash, it was designed to be driven in the rough and washed down with ease.
These first models were fairly basic: body on chassis, coil springs and four wheel drive made up the bulk of the first Range Rovers. Convenience features later included power steering, aircon and wood trim, certainly upmarket from the competition back then, but a far way off from the fourth generation Rangie recently launched.
Many changes have been made to the new Range Rover, but the most noticeable is thanks to its stringent diet. The new Range Rover lost 420 kg from the 2011 model thanks to the extensive use of aluminium. The all-new 2013 Range Rover’s body, doors, fenders and hood are made of the material which is not only strong and stiff, it’s far lighter than traditional steel.
Package this together with a 375kw 5.0 litre Supercharged V8 and you’ve got a blistering package.
The Range Rover may be large, but it packs a mighty punch.
The large capacity motor revs smoothly to redline with power delivery smooth from idle. The direct-injected engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. There’s also a two-speed transfer case directing power to all four wheels via an electronically controlled clutch pack. A rear locking differential is optional.
The motor is quiet as well with barely a rumble from the eight cylinder plant upfront when nailing the accelerator to the carpet.
Dynamic Response active lean control maintains a mostly flat attitude in corners, but the ride is never actually soft.
Variable dampers reduce kangarooing.
The steering is nicely weighted and provides good feedback to the driver. Land Rover’s Terrain Response System optimises the powertrain and chassis across five different terrain settings. And should you find selecting one yourself too burdensome, there’s an “auto” setting to do it for you.
The Rover’s combination of brake control and centre-differential slip always convinced the right wheel to turn. Adding the rear locker would mean quicker, more intuitive response off road. And smaller wheels fitted with tires designed for dirt duty would make a dramatic difference
Inside, the Rover is lavish…and huge, seemingly the biggest cabin we’ve put on test yet.
The high roof line and ample leg room dwarfs even the largest individuals, be they driving or merely tagging along for a Sunday cruise.
The cabin has a certain cockpit feel to it as the driver and front passenger are separated by the centre console. Everything, and I really mean everything, is covered in supple leather. There are far worse places to be seated, no doubt the Range Rovers trump card. The interior is every bit as luxurious as you would expect.
Good thing the exterior looks as great as the interior. It’s obvious the designers aimed for a familiar feel between the 2013 model and the previous model. The result is a refined, more upscale version of the 2002-2012 model. Gill like vents, a large body, shut over bonnet and gorgeous, sculpted headlights give the new Range Rover an aggressive, yet plush look that is rivalled by none. Easily the best looking luxury SUV on the market currently. The large alloys certainly play their part.
As a mall crawler, track monster or off-roader, the 2013 Range Rover performs equally well in all disciplines. Versatility is the Range Rovers trump card, but somehow it retains its ultra-luxurious traits without sacrifice. This alone merits the 2013 model a spot in your garage, but it’s the overall package that makes the 2013 Range Rover the best luxury SUV on the market currently.
