BIG IS BEAUTIFUL(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 129

So many cars claim to be unique but the Range Rover really is, continuing to set the standard in the super-luxury SUV sector. This MK5 model is larger and more sophisticated than its previous generation predecessor, as well as being smarter looking and higher-tech. It's also still unrivalled off road too. More significantly perhaps, new technology makes it better on tarmac. And it's also much more economical than you might expect, thanks to mild hybrid and Plug-in hybrid engine tech. The key qualities remain though, this aluminium-bodied luxury SUV finally good enough to properly combine the imperious qualities of a top luxury saloon with off piste abilities that would be limited only by the skills of its driver. A Rolls Royce in the rough, there's nothing quite like it.

Background word count: 169

This isn't just a new fifth generation Range Rover: it's the beginning of a new Land Rover era. Which is appropriate because the very first Range Rover signalled just such a thing at its launch back in 1970. Just over half a century on, this MK5 design sets the template for the brand's new electric era that'll see full-battery versions of each of its models available before the end of the decade - starting with a full-EV Range Rover in 2024. Before that though, right now, there are mild hybrid and PHEV plug-in engine options available as part of a model line that's been completely redesigned, upgraded and updated following a five year, seven million hour testing programme. Don't be fooled, in other words, by the familiar-looking front end. The car now sits on a completely new 'MLA-Flex' platform that's 80% aluminium; and as before, there are short and long wheelbase body styles, the latter now with a 7-seat option for the first time. Lots to talk about then.

Driving Experience word count: 517

First, we need to brief you on the key dynamic changes with this fifth generation model - and there are several. Arguably the primary difference comes with the all-new 'MLA-Flex' platform this L460 model sits on, which offers a vast 50% static torsional rigidity improvement over the previous model. Combine that with the freshly-added Roll Stability Control system and the result is a huge difference in the way the car pitches through the turns. Of course it's still nowhere near Range Rover Sport-like - it isn't intended to be. But you'll feel far more confident about pressing on through the corners in this car, should the need arise to do so. And you'll be further aided in this by the standard addition of active All Wheel Steering, which stabilises corner turn-in; and has the added benefit at low speeds of tightening the turning circle - to just 11.37-metres (the same as a small family hatch); this is due to the way the system can pitch the rear wheels to oppose the fronts at up to 7.3-degrees. All the powerplants on offer are still paired with a silky-smooth 8-speed auto gearbox and the best 4x4 system by far. And all deliver cruising refinement still unequalled in the class, even by the Bentley Bentayga. We can't help feeling that the best powerplant choice here is still an old school six cylinder diesel. There remain two, both now 48V mild hybrid-assisted, the D300 and the D350, those figures denoting the horsepower generated in each case. Both variants can tow impressively - up to 3.5-tonnes. As can the two rarely-chosen mild hybrid 4.4-litre V8 petrol models, the P530 and the P615, these thirsty engines only available with the two most exclusive trim levels and able to spirit this huge SUV to 62mph in around four and a half seconds. Units like that aren't long for this world. But at the same time, many in that world still aren't quite ready for the full-EV Range Rover that the company was preparing itself to launch at the time of this test. Hence the importance of the improvements made to the PHEV model we tried. This L460 design's PHEV powertrain is completely different to anything we've seen from this model line before, pairing a six cylinder 3.0-litre petrol unit and a 141bhp electric motor with a 38.2kWh battery offering up to 75 miles of EV range. As before, there are three PHEV-specific drive settings - 'Hybrid', 'EV' and 'Save'. With 'Hybrid' engaged, you can access full system power, which is 460hp in the case of the P460e model, enough to dispatch 62mph in 5.7s en route to 140mph. The alternative P550e variant improves those figures to 5.0s and 150mph. Since this is a Range Rover, we must finish with a few words on off road prowess. As usual, there's selectable low range capability and the centre monitor has a '4x4-I' section that allows you to separately lock the front and rear differentials for really gnarly tracks. On all variants, there's the brand's usual 'Terrain Response 2' tech offering different drive modes for challenging surfaces.