I had been worried that the new Electric Power Assisted Steering would ruin an essential characteristic of the Range Rover. There is a hint of alienation as the on-board systems take over a lot of the work for me, but there’s still more than enough feel and heft to keep the front end in check.
Solid acceleration and the responsive eight-speed automatic transmission gets the big brute up to speed quickly, solid pull at both high and low revs thanks to bundles of torque giving the V8 an almost playful edge.
This is still a 4×4 though. There are hints of understeer when the anchors are thrown out and the balance of weight shifts forward over the front wheels. Similarly bodyroll will kick into play around the tighter sections, and though the lump will (I’m sure) survive some hefty knocks, this does encourage you to ease off a bit. Good feel through the discs and Brembo brake callipers quickly brings the Range Rover back under control.
But when compared to the older model, the difference is night and day. Alongside power, there’s balance and an impressive amount of grip, with very little lean. Several clicks in and the previous generation would be far, far behind.
It seems strange that after 40 years the Range Rover still has to improve itself. And possibly this model more than any since the original’s debut. The Evoque demonstrated that an SUV could be both refined and luxurious but still provide a punch both on and off the road. Nobody really expected the hairy chested Range Rover to go the same way.
Sometimes you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
| Range Rover Supercharged | |
|---|---|
| Engine: | V8 / 4999cc / supercharged |
| Power: | 510bhp @ 6000-6500rpm |
| Torque: | 561lb ft @ 2500-5500rpm |
| Transmission: | Eight-speed automatic / four-wheel drive/ Terrain Response / DSC |
| Front suspension: | Double wishbones / air springs / adaptive damping / Dynamic Response |
| Rear suspension: | Integral link / air springs / adaptive damping / Dynamic Response |
| Brakes: | Vented discs / 380mm front / 365mm rear / ABS |
| Wheels: | 9.5x21in front and rear |
| Tyres: | 275/40 HR21 front and rear |
| Weight (kerb) | 2810kg |
| 0-100kph: | 6.2sec |
| Top speed: | 225kph |
| Price as tested: | $168,527 |
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