Range Rover
Few people would suggest that a £50,995 V8 off-roader needs to move upmarket. But that is exactly what Land Rover was hearing from its customers, so the firm decided to drop an even more powerful engine into the Range Rover, as well as add a new upper trim level.
You still can't beat the Range Rover's feelgood factor When you step inside it. The revisions have done nothing to dampen these spirits, but we do feel under-whelmed by the supercharged V8. It's fast, but not as quick or effortless as we'd like, while the 11.8mpg we achieved made us wince. Nevertheless, for a wealthy elite, it's the must-have 4x4.
Few people would suggest that a £50,995 V8 off-roader needs to move upmarket. But that is exactly what Land Rover was hearing from its customers, so the firm decided to drop an even more powerful engine into the Range Rover, as well as add a new upper trim level.
The 2006 model year car, then, is about as luxurious a vehicle as money can buy. It uses the supercharged V8 from the Jaguar S-Type R and XJR. However, it is not quite a straight swap, because slight alterations were needed so the unit could better stand up to the rigours of off-roading.
The engine can now operate at more extreme angles, plus it has additional torque at lower revs and more protection from rocks and dust. With 400bhp and 560Nm, it isn't short of muscle, either. However, the Range Rover weighs well over two tonnes, and it somehow manages not to feel as fast as it should, even though it does make the naturally aspirated V8 seem slow.
Volkswagen's V10 diesel Touareg is £20,620 cheaper, but delivers stronger acceleration from a standing start and, crucially, also feels much quicker during kickdown - a better reflection of real-world performance.
The Range Rover's longer gearing courtesy of the new six-ratio auto does not help in this area, although refinement is impressive at speed. We weren't happy with the dismal 11.8mpg we achieved, though, and the engine note is slightly disappointing, too. While the previous V8 made a throaty growl, in this version that has been replaced by the sound of the supercharger. It's hardly unpleasant, but it is intrusive.
Both suspension and steering have been tweaked in order to cope with the higher cornering speeds the new model is capable of. The car still rides well and wafts over undulations, but the body roll is better contained. It does not pitch so much in the twisty stuff, either, while the steering has been sharpened up so that the initial turn-in through a corner is now much more positive. This is still no Porsche Cayenne, but does feel more secure than the existing Range Rover.
Exterior changes have been kept to a minimum, which is no bad thing because this 4x4 is one of the more distinguished-looking off-roaders on the market. It certainly knocks the Cayenne into a cocked hat in this area.
The most noticeable changes are to the front and side grilles, which now get a silver mesh finish, as well as the Land Rover badges. For the first time, these have black, instead of green, backgrounds, aping the black-label Bentley Arnages. The only disappointment is that this theme isn't carried through to the insignia on the steering wheel. Minor alterations to the front bumper and headlights complete the makeover.
Gadget fans won't be disappointed, either, as this top-spec Vogue SE has DVD screens in the rear headrests, as well as a superb 14-speaker Harman/ Kardon stereo. A new optional black trim colour is available only on the supercharged range-topper, too.
There's no denying that the new-comer fits the bill as the even more exclusive flagship that customers were demanding, and Land Rover says it expects it to account for 15 per cent of total Range Rover sales. If you want a luxury 4x4 little will touch it, but some rivals offer much better value.
