Range Rover Road Test

Range Rover

What We Disliked

• Not a lot

What We'd Like To See

• Stiffer Sports Suspension settings on command

Build Quality

The Range Rover's build quality is superb - it is very, very good and is vastly improved over the previous model. Everything felt special, solid and featured good quality durable materials.

Value For Money

Few people would describe the Range Rover TDV8 Vogue SE cheap at £68 but it is very well specified and offers an unrivalled level of sophistication and comfort.

The only problem in today’s market is the residual values - currently second hand Range Rover’s offer exceptional value so expect a huge discount on a new car and watch it depreciate.

Overall Opinion

We drove the Range Rover back to back with a Mercedes Benz GL-Class in rural Northumbria, it was an interesting experienment to see how they were received. The area of Northumberland we were staying in is home to vast hunting estates and farms - very much the country set. If we parked outside a restaurant or hotel in the Range Rover we treated with more respect and reverence than when we were in the Mercedes - people even showed a nodding respect on the road.

We were not overall sure why this would be the case perhaps it is because the Range Rover is the choice of the local landowners where the Mercedes GL-Class remains a rare sight.

Whatever there is no doubt that the Range Rover is peerless and still oozes sophistication and class. Off road it does not get any better and it is pretty much the same on road. The ride quality is exemplary and the packaging is just right. The switch gear could be better and the rear space could be improved.

Porsche’s Cayenne and BMW ‘s X5 are certainly fast paced and handle better than the Range Rover but they do not have the breeding.

Despite Range Rover’s new owners the fact remains that it is quintessentially British and deserves its title as the best 4x4 by far.