Land Rover Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 340 CV Vogue, test drive (Equipment, price and verdict)

After more than a week talking about this distinguished British gentleman, we have reached the end of the test of the new Land Rover Range Rover 2013. In the first part we told you everything about the powerful (almost monstrous) 340 CV V8 diesel engine. Generations come and go, but the Range Rover remains king when it comes to leaving the asphalt behind, as we explain in the off-road performance section.

In the second part, we focused on the design of the new Range Rover, analysing the changes it has undergone inside and out. A completely modernised interior, roomier than in the previous generation, and exterior features that keep the typical character of a Range Rover. In the third part we will talk about the equipment, both the safety equipment and the standard equipment on our unit, as well as the extras that surprised us.

>Engine, performance, handling and consumption >Exterior design, interior and practicality

Equipment

Among the safety equipment fitted as standard are the following: front, side and curtain airbags, emergency brake assist, anti-rollover stability control, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, hazard lights under emergency braking, among other elements.

In the Euro NCAP tests it achieved five stars, with a score of 91% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection. The results are good; the only surprise is that in the rear-impact whiplash tests it did not achieve the best score (meaning the head restraints still have room for improvement). It is a minor detail, but in this premium segment everything counts and everything can be analysed.

>See Euro NCAP tests

The list of standard equipment on the Range Rover surprised us positively, since it breaks the typical trend of premium vehicles where you pay extra for everything. It is true that the starting price is high: €98,500 for the base version and €122,800 for our unit in Vogue trim, but at least the price already includes a more than reasonable level of equipment. On other premium 4x4s the starting price is lower, but once you start specifying them the final bill soars.

As standard, the HSE trim includes items such as 19-inch alloy wheels, electric heated memory leather seats, wood inlays (the glossy black on our unit is optional on the HSE trim), electric mirrors with kerb-lighting (the Range Rover logo is projected onto the ground), LED daytime running lights, xenon headlights, air suspension, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation system, USB/AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, Meridian sound system (380 W), hard drive, among other items.

The Vogue trim adds: digital TV, 20-inch wheels, electric tailgate, keyless entry, three-zone climate control, bixenon headlights, an exterior camera system including parking and towing assistance, heated rear seats, among other items.

For the most discerning, those who want a unique Range Rover, there is the Autobiography trim, which represents the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity. This trim comes as standard with 21-inch wheels, panoramic roof, high-quality leather seats, Meridian sound system of 825 W (and an optional 1,700 W), Terrain Response, adaptive bixenon headlights, four-zone climate control, configurable interior ambient lighting, and a heated wood and leather steering wheel.

The list of extras on our test unit was not very long, but some items surprised us, as they should be standard. Examples are the fog lights (€230) and Terrain Response (€230): they are not expensive, and given the price of the car it is odd to see these as options.

Other items, however, seem a real technological feat, such as the central screen with “Dual View” technology that the Jaguar XJ debuted years ago and that now arrives on the Range Rover. Basically, it is a screen where the front passenger sees one thing and the driver another: the driver sees the radio or navigation while the passenger can watch television through wireless headphones without disturbing the driver. A curious and affordable extra (€910).

Another optional item worth mentioning is the Meridian 825 W sound system. Its price compared with other brands is low (€1,600), but the sound does not seem to reach the power of the 825 W stated on the spec sheet. That said, regardless of the wattage, the sound quality is very good.

Completing the list of extras we had: automatic parking system (€780), rear anti-collision detector with blind-spot warning and proximity sensor (€710), panoramic roof (€2,170), full-size spare wheel (€290), among other equipment.

Price of the Range Rover

• Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 258 CV HSE €98,500
• Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 258 CV VOGUE €109,300
• Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 340 CV VOGUE €122,800
• Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 340 CV Autobiography €138,200
• Range Rover 5.0 V8 510 CV petrol VOGUE €130,200
• Range Rover 5.0 V8 510 CV petrol Autobiography €145,600

Our test unit, including the extras we mentioned and with a starting price of €122,800, had a final price of €135,500 (approx.).

Overall Verdict

This Land Rover Range Rover that has starred in this test over the last week can be perfectly described as a classic that renews itself and embraces technology without losing its identity. A classic, because across its four generations it is a benchmark in premium 4x4s, and at the same time it has been renewed with more modern designs without losing the essence of tradition (especially on the outside).

In the mechanical department, there are few complaints to make about the powerful V8 diesel engine we have tested: it is an engine that delivers what one expects from a car and an engine of this kind. In terms of dynamics it has improved; without losing comfort, it is now sportier, and best of all, it remains a benchmark in off-road capability (let us hope it never loses those abilities).

Inside, it offers more than enough space for five adults, who will travel with every comfort, from heated seats in all positions to independent rear climate control. Technology is also evident in the cabin, notably the LCD instrument display.

Finally, in terms of equipment, the starting price is high, but in return the specification is complete, especially on the Vogue trim, where there is hardly any optional item to add.

If you are looking for a luxury 4×4, with finishes to match that description and off-road abilities above the segment average, the Range Rover may be an interesting option. Moreover, this new generation improves agility, and its occupants travel in maximum comfort.

Photos | Test team, Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLand Rover Range Rover25 versions · from 149,250 €