Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Model update: Range Rover D350 First Edition
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Model update: Range Rover D350 First Edition

Date: 07 July 2022   |   Author: Martyn Collins

New Range Rovers don't come along too often; can the fifth-generation model justify its price hike?
What's new:
We try Land Rover's all-new, fifth-generation Range Rover luxury SUV in the UK.
Standard equipment:
Adaptive dynamics and Terrain Response 2, torque vectoring, integrated chassis control, 3D surround camera with wade sensing, digital LED headlights, 24-way adjustable heated and cooled front seats, massage executive rear seats, tailgate event suite with leather cushions, cabin Air Purification Pro, 13.1in infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, device charging, software over the air (SOTA) updates, Meridian Signature sound system, 23in alloys
Engines:
Petrol: 400 3.0, 530hp 4.4
Diesel: 300hp 3.0, 350hp 3.0
Plug-in hybrid: 440hp 3.0, 510hp 3.0
Equipment grades:
SE, HSE, Autobiography, First Edition, SV
Transmissions:
Eight-speed automatic

Jaguar Land Rover has a lot to thank the Range Rover for, as despite changing times, buyers seem to keep coming back to its iconic luxury off-roader mix. This all-new fifth-generation model is no different, as despite being launched during an alarming cost of living crisis, JLR revealed that it already has a bank of 10,000 orders. With those buyers spending an average of £125,000, which is up from a £100,000 average on the outgoing version!

So, what are they getting? Well, apart from the new look inside and out, there's a seven-seater option for the first time, plus short and long-wheelbase bodies with diesel, electric and petrol power. With the rest of the range in the highest 37% BiK band, despite its considerable price, the incoming plug-in hybrid version is expected to pique fleet interest with its 5% band. 

However, that's for another day, as for the first UK drives, we only had the option of the D350, which is powered by the familiar 350hp, 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo MHEV Ingenium diesel. Diesel power might not be fashionable anymore, but for now it makes up the biggest percentage of sales for the Range Rover. It is certainly a willing, refined unit, that is still capable of sprinting to 60mph in less than six-seconds, yet on the test route was still capable of more than 30mpg on a mixture of roads.

Outside, Land Rover has learned from mistakes of the past and the new Range Rover is more evolution than revolution. The rear, with its thin, vertical rear lights is probably the biggest talking point and we're not sure about the scrolling indicators on the boot panel. It is still obviously a Range Rover, but the taut metalwork, flush glazing and lower roofline give the new car a smoother look that results in better aerodynamics.

Inside, Land Rover describes the new Range Rover's interior as a 'calm sanctuary'. The biggest change is the dashboard with its 13.1in tablet-style Pivi Pro navigation system, which dominates the centre console and replaces the outgoing complicated two screen system, with physical ventilation controls. 

Elsewhere, there's a new two-spoke steering wheel and seats with various different massaging options. The second row of the new Range Rover means it's an equally nice car to be driven in, with its reclining seats, although legroom was just average in our standard wheelbase car. Boot space is a practical 725 litres - even with the optional, rear-mounted pop-up seats. 

With soft leather trim covering almost every surface and subtle light wood trim on the First Edition model that we drove, there's no doubt the latest Range Rover's interior feels special. Less impressive is the switchgear, which despite gaining metal finishes, has seemed to have been used on all JLR models for at least the past 20 years. The curved infotainment screen also looks good and works well, but it's just another version of the screen that debuted in the facelifted Jaguar XF and F-Pace models last year and I wonder if it would look better actually integrated into the dashboard, rather than sitting proud as it does.

On the road, the new Range Rover impresses first with the ride, which remains composed and comfortable whatever the surface - and our car was on the biggest 23in wheels. 

Then there's the handling, which considering it's 2.5-tonne weight and tall body, defies logic. This is because this Range Rover has a clever 48V active roll-control system, which works by turning on or off the anti-roll bars by monitoring road conditions. 

We wonder how many owners will take their £100k+ Range Rover off-road, but we had the chance to. It is as capable as you would expect any Land Rover to be - even on road-biased tyres. The selection of cameras around the body giving you confidence you're not going to damage the wheels and bodywork, and rear-wheel steering helps again on tight tracks. 

So, is the seventh-generation Range Rover worth the extra cost? We'd say yes, as the new tech and features make an already complete luxury package even better. Although the low BIK PHEV versions will be the pick of the range for fleet.

Range Rover 3.0D D350 First Edition  

P11D: £120,090

Residual value: 47.5%

Depreciation: £63,796

Fuel: £13,514

Service, maintenance and repair: £5,005

Cost per mile: 137.19p

Fuel consumption: 35.6mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 208g/km (37%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £745/£1,491

Luggage capacity: 725 litres

Engine size/power: 2,993cc/345hp


Verdict


9/10
  • Attractive design
  • Great to drive on and off-road
  • Refinement
  • Expensive
  • Old switchgear
  • PHEV and EV models still to arrive

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