Launch of the 2010 models gives Range Rover a legitimate claim to the title: 'World's Best Luxury SUV'.
After extensive 'Seat Time' in the five-model Range Rover Vogue and six-model Range Rover Sport lineup, Car Showroom is convinced the German and Japanese competitors in this segment have their work cut out - the Brits have delivered a masterpiece of ground-breaking technology, driving dynamics, styling and luxury appointments.
Andy Goy, Range Rover Brand Manager, calls the new lineup 'the world's most capable luxury SUV' and he's confident of further sales success in major markets North America, Russia, China and of course at home in the UK.
We've tested the new models extensively over all manner of roads and tracks - even deep, fast-flowing river crossings - and we can categorically endorse that 'capable' de ｓｃｒｉｐｔion.
What You Get
Technically a facelift, what sets the 2010 Model Year Range Rover lineups apart from the competition are powerful new engines, standout interior appointments/technologies and enhanced driving dynamics.
We were captivated by the world's first dual-view touch-screen infotainment technology (the driver and front seat passenger simultaneously view different images on the same screen) and the 'virtual' dials/instrumentation displayed on a 12-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen - they appear like a conventional speedometer and rev-counter but are computer-generated images.
And while exterior changes are subtle, the interiors boast even greater refinement thanks to more luxurious materials and finishes.
Two new rip-snorting V8s (one naturally aspirated, the other supercharged) highlight the performance action, while the 3.6-litre turbo-diesel V8 has been enhanced. Range Rover Sport retains the 3.0-litre V6 Turbo-Diesel as its entry-level powerplant.
And get this: five digital cameras that provide almost 360-degree visibility at speeds below 20km/h (including the front wheels) - perfect for off-road tight spots, towing and parking maneuvers. There are options for selecting individual camera views and even zooming-in - brilliant!
Under The Hood
Jaguar-Land Rover is justifiably proud of the two petrol V8s that were developed in-house by the company's powertrain team for the specific requirements of Range Rover.
The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 has 375kW of power and 625Nm of torque - that's 29 per cent more power and 12 per cent more torque than the superseded 4.2-litre engine, but fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are actually less (by 7.3 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively).
Its naturally-aspirated sibling is good for 276kW/510Nm - 25 per cent more power and 16 per cent more toque than the old 4.4-litre engine while reducing fuel consumption by 6.9 per cent and CO2 emissions by 7.4 per cent.
Range Rover's Vogue's diesel alternative remains the excellent 3.6-litre twin variable geometry turbocharged V8 with 200kW/640Nm. Upgraded design and under-the-skin enhancements make the MY 2010 V8 turbo-diesel noticeably better than its predecessor.
The Interior
There are luxury SUVs and there are Range Rovers…pleasingly the quintessential Range Rover interior style has been enhanced in the 2010 MY lineup. It's much tidier with 50 per cent fewer switches in the Sport models.
New model-specific European leathers have been introduced and range-topping Vogue 'Autobiography' models now feature leather headlining. We like the leather facia in 'Autobiography' models (only the facia topper panel in other models gets leather).
New seats are deeper and more sculptured with, for the first time, available adjustable side bolsters on the fronts.
Range Rover Sport models, while not quite matching the Vogue lineup, still boast plenty of leather throughout.
Vogue models have beautiful black satin and natural wood finishes while Sport versions feature contrasting light and dark finishes sandwiched for a luxurious feel.
There is a new hard-drive navigation system and portable audio interface, including a dedicated port specifically designed for iPod's - all supported by a totally new electrical architecture including a light weight fibre-optic Media Orientated System Transport (MOST) for the infotainment system.
But the big news is up front: the world's first dual-view touch-screen infotainment technology and 'virtual' dials and graphic displays which replace traditional instruments.
The touch screen control for the satellite navigation, DVD and audio systems uses patented Parallax Barrier technology to alternately hide and reveal columns of pixels to the left and right-hand views of the screen. This means the passenger can view a DVD movie while the driver follows navigation instructions - simultaneously on the one screen.
Exterior & Styling
The silhouette and body have not changed however subtle revisions have freshened the look of both Vogue and Sport models.
New bumpers, LED lights (including the side indicators), new grilles, relocated fog lights and new badges - plus of course new alloy wheels.
Depending on the model there are 19-inch or 20-inch alloys but we particularly like the 20-inch five spoke design fitted to the Supercharged V8 Sports models - very radical for Range Rover.
On The Road
What really convinced us that Range Rover has eclipsed the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class in the driving dynamics department were some high speed runs through the countryside of Scotland and Wales in a variety of Vogue and Sport models. Updates to just about all of the Range Rover technologies including brakes, understeer control etc have been part of the facelift program for the MY 2010 vehicles.
We threw a Supercharged V8 'Autobiography' with the new Adaptive Dynamics' suspension technology down some tight, twisty roads at ridiculous speeds and this 2.5-tonne SUV kept coming back for more with superb grip, ride comfort, turn-in, balance and response. The improved six-speed automatic transmission is finely tuned to the 375kW/625Nm powerplant and - to be totally honest - with all of the Stability Control and other systems working away it was fun to just nail the throttle mid-corner and let the 'Rangie' do the work in balancing traction, side-grip and startling acceleration.
No surprise the Range Rover remains the 'King' off-road…well, 'Duke' really as the company used the magnificent rural property of the Duke of Roxburghe to set-up some startling off-road challenges. We also tested the limits at the 'Land Rover Experience' off-road challenge at Eastnor Castle.
Updates for the award-wining Terrain Response system and Hill Descent Control have further extended Range Rover's credentials off-road.
Challenges
Too much of a good thing? The Range Rover Sport starts at $99,900 (3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel) and 11 models later the 2010 Range Rover lineup tops-out at $229,500 for the Supercharged V8 Vogue Autobiography.
Andy Goy, Range Rover Brand Manager says the Autobiography models account for only 12 per cent of global sales and this is reflected locally where the Range Rover Sport is the dominant model. In fact, Kevin Goult, Land Rover Australia's Marketing Manager, expects stocks of the range-topping Vogue Autobiography will be small and customers will probably need to order a vehicle for production and shipment 'downunder' - which will take about 90 days (most of which is for shipping from the UK).
If you're shopping for a new 'Rangie', our suggestion is to read the brochures carefully and cross-reference standard and optional features across the large model range.
Verdict
The 2010 MY Range Rover is the world's best and most-complete luxury SUV.
The Competition
The Range Rover goes head-to-head with the BMW X5,Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and also the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg.
But all that equipment and on-road/off-road competency comes at a price and you'll need to stump-up more coin for the British King of SUV's - entry to the family is $99,900 for the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel Range Rover Sport.
Thumbs-up:
Scintillating performance; luxury appointments; technological masterpieces
Thumbs-down:
The most expensive in the segment; complicated specs/model lineup
