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Range Rover 4.4P V8 Autobiography LWB (Photo: Land Rover)
“Blink and you’ll miss it” could be used to describe the fifth-generation Range Rover’s looks, but it could also refer to the V8 model’s powerful performance. Its 530hp and 750Nm are deployed to achieve effortless, waft-worthy progress through any surface and climate conditions, rather than to tear up streets like a sports car.
The Range Rover was first conceived in the 1970s as a comfortable, long-range 4×4 for traversing town and country as a sub-model under the Land Rover brand, which then included the rough and rugged Defender. Since then, it has become synonymous with luxury go-everywhere travel for those who prefer to eschew the traditional limousine.
The appeal of Range Rover, both before and now, can be traced to its popularity among the landed gentry, since Range Rover ownership in the city implied ownership of a country estate.
While many new entrants in the same segment channel only the empirical aspects of a plush roadster, the Range Rover continues to hold its ground against them in its price segment of S$600,000 up to S$1m (for highly equipped models) as it focuses on the emotional aspects as well.
The living embodiment of timeless appeal
Credit: Land Rover
When the first Range Rover roamed the Great Overland, it was unthinkable that a 4×4 could challenge the ubiquitous limousine in the realm of luxury vehicles. The landscape has changed significantly since then, with high-bodied vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Bentley Bentayga, as well as crossovers from supercar brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini riding into the fray.
Its fifth-generation Range Rover now offers a third-row option for those who need more space — a first in the 50-year history of the vehicle. The Long Wheelbase (LWB) ‘First Edition’ demo car has a 4.4-litre petrol V8 guise with a highly equipped Autobiography trim level. At the time of writing, this luxurious specification was sold out.
Having perfected the recipe for sublime, cosseting, and luxurious transportation for over half a century, Range Rover is the living embodiment of timeless appeal. The familiar silhouette remains largely unchanged, with the rear light treatment our favourite part of the latest model.
Not as unwieldy as it appears
Credit: Land Rover
Most luxury brands run through a checklist but overlook the intangible, which is arguably the segment’s foundation. The Pivi Pro infotainment system and its vivid 13.1-inch touchscreen interface is the Range Rover’s concession to digitalisation, providing entertainment, comfort, and dynamic features, as well as the Tailgate Event Suite (which electronically opens/ closes both rear tailgates) at the command of one’s fingertips.
Additionally, there’s a serene, minimalist simplicity to the cabin, which isn’t cluttered with switchgear. The technology is current, inconspicuous, and intuitive to use and there aren’t any gimmicks people can’t figure out or won’t use.
With the supple ride and the plush comfort of the reclining seats, rear passengers travel in tranquillity as well. Just like its predecessor, the seat behind the front passenger seat reclines fully and pushes the front seat all the way forward for the ottoman to unfold.
What’s the icing on this 2.6-tonne cake? Due to the combination of rear-steer and a powerful V8, it isn’t as unwieldy as it appears, both in terms of manoeuvrability and performance.
The vehicle sprints to 100KPH from standstill in just 4.7 seconds, which is beyond brisk. Once you get used to its bulk and weight, you can even push through corners with some spirit. Moreover, the massive 750Nm torque can be accessed right over idle and makes easy work of wafting the plush roadster along.
Even with the distracting lights and flashy machinery dominating the segment, there’s always something to be said about the timeless appeal of an automotive icon like the Range Rover, regardless of whether you’re doing the driving or not.
At A Glance: Range Rover 4.4P V8 Autobiography LWB
Engine Type
4395cc, twin-turbo, V8
Horsepower
530hp / 5500-6000rpm
Torque
750Nm / 1800-4600rpm
0-100 KPH
4.7 seconds
Top Speed
250kph (electronically limited)
