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Land Rover Range Rover 5.0 Vogue SE Supercharged (A) Review
16 Oct 2013|24,666 views
Some cars, like whisky, just get better with age and the Range Rover (let's just call it RR) is certainly one of them. First launched 43 years ago, the Range Rover was exhibited in the Louvre Museum in Paris as an 'exemplary work of industrial design', thanks to the car's clearly discernible shape.
Fitted with 21-inch rims, the car doesn't look out of place
In its latest, fourth generation incarnation, the flagship model remains to be the true luxury off-roader to beat. Effortlessly blending limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, the latest RR is now much lighter than its predecessor. More appropriately, it's been on something of a crash diet.
The mother of all SUVs that you see here has lost some 420kgs from its previous model, thanks to the lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure, and other various weight-saving strategies.
Exterior
While we applaud the engineers and designers for this feat, you shouldn't confuse this car as something light. At over 2.3 tonnes, the RR is still heavy. However, the sizeable proportion of the Rangie is its saving grace, giving it the ability to do the job of twice as many cars.
In its latest, fourth generation incarnation, the flagship model remains to be the true luxury off-roader to beat. Effortlessly blending limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, the latest RR is now much lighter than its predecessor. More appropriately, it's been on something of a crash diet.
The mother of all SUVs that you see here has lost some 420kgs from its previous model, thanks to the lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure, and other various weight-saving strategies.
Exterior
While we applaud the engineers and designers for this feat, you shouldn't confuse this car as something light. At over 2.3 tonnes, the RR is still heavy. However, the sizeable proportion of the Rangie is its saving grace, giving it the ability to do the job of twice as many cars.
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Standing proudly at 4,999mm x 2,220mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H), the car dwarfs most other cars on the roads. It's only then will you realise the apparent invincibility of the Range Rover as it elevates you above the everyday motorist.
It has been modernised in every sense of the word, with new headlamps and bumper to match the streamlined body, but retains enough visual features to make itself instantly recognisable as a true blue Rangie. As such, it's more of an evolution rather than revolution.
To put things into simpler perspective, the RR is almost like the sweet girl you knew back in secondary school, just that she has matured and has the right curves at the right places. She even lost a few pounds and now carries herself with the kind of style that isn't overly exaggerated. It just simply reminds you why you were attracted to her in the first place.
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Interior
When you take the sizeable upward step and settle into the electrically adjustable, massaging leather-swathed lounge seats, it's hard not to be impressed.
The RR takes boasting rights on luxury to a whole new level
From the beautifully grained leather, right through to the metal finishing, the material selection and build quality is immaculate. Even the plastic and rubberised mouldings exude an impression of quality and luxury.
Such attention to detail never lets you forget that you're riding in something exceptional. The standard 825W 19-speaker surround sound system and the optional rear seat entertainment system complement the classy cabin design. Hell, you could well be in the VIP section of a gentleman's club.
When you take the sizeable upward step and settle into the electrically adjustable, massaging leather-swathed lounge seats, it's hard not to be impressed.
From the beautifully grained leather, right through to the metal finishing, the material selection and build quality is immaculate. Even the plastic and rubberised mouldings exude an impression of quality and luxury.
Such attention to detail never lets you forget that you're riding in something exceptional. The standard 825W 19-speaker surround sound system and the optional rear seat entertainment system complement the classy cabin design. Hell, you could well be in the VIP section of a gentleman's club.
We just couldn't think of another cabin we'd rather be in. The fact that it's ridiculously spacious and superbly comfortable at all times further reinforces this very feeling. The boot is 909 litres big and with the back seats down, it grows to a massive 2,030 litres.
Driving position is unashamedly high (a definite plus for pint-sized drivers), which allows you to have a clear view pass the thin A-pillars and of the road ahead. Owing to this, the RR is much easier to place on the road than its dimensions suggest.
With 909 litres of boot space at your calling, you can haul around practically anything
Driving position is unashamedly high (a definite plus for pint-sized drivers), which allows you to have a clear view pass the thin A-pillars and of the road ahead. Owing to this, the RR is much easier to place on the road than its dimensions suggest.
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The Drive
Despite its heft, this 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Rangie is no slouch. With a formidable output of 503 English horses and a mountain-moving 625Nm of torque sent to all four wheels, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental. While the 0-100km/h timing of 5.4 seconds is respectable for hatches and sedans, it's formidably fast for an SUV.
The car has a lot of road presence
The acceleration is also helped by the eager eight-speed ZF auto box, which slips up and down the gears smoothly and encourages the car to spin at lower revs, helping it to save fuel in return. Should you want more of it, turn the rotary gear selector to S and the throttle response becomes sharper while the engine becomes more audible as it revs higher - all done without compromising on refinement.
Parking is a cinch with the 360-degree view camera
Sure, if you were to compare the Rangie to a smaller car, it loses out as a tarmac terrier. But where it keeps up is its astounding agility. Do not mistake this for a Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne is keener and has more interaction with the road surface but the Rangie should not be dismissed as an aloof comparison.
Despite its heft, this 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Rangie is no slouch. With a formidable output of 503 English horses and a mountain-moving 625Nm of torque sent to all four wheels, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental. While the 0-100km/h timing of 5.4 seconds is respectable for hatches and sedans, it's formidably fast for an SUV.
The acceleration is also helped by the eager eight-speed ZF auto box, which slips up and down the gears smoothly and encourages the car to spin at lower revs, helping it to save fuel in return. Should you want more of it, turn the rotary gear selector to S and the throttle response becomes sharper while the engine becomes more audible as it revs higher - all done without compromising on refinement.
Sure, if you were to compare the Rangie to a smaller car, it loses out as a tarmac terrier. But where it keeps up is its astounding agility. Do not mistake this for a Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne is keener and has more interaction with the road surface but the Rangie should not be dismissed as an aloof comparison.
The nicely light steering is precise and confidence-inspiring in all the different kinds of driving situations you would experience on our roads. Thus, you're likely to have more fun around corners with this car compared to the previous model. Handling is tidier, with lesser leaning and more grip.
And when the time calls for activities beyond the tarmac, which could be quite often in the case for RR owners, the latest generation Rangie makes light of work, thanks to the new generation of Terrain Response Control. It now features an Auto setting, which uses a myriad of systems to analyse the driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable terrain program out of a total of five settings.
The 5.0-litre V8 powerplant has more than adequate pulling power
Conclusion
The Range Rover is such a competent car that it's hard to forget. From being on and off-road to the high quality of materials used and technological features, everything about the car is perfection. The more time you spend with it, the more justifiable the car becomes. There's just no off-road machine that can hold a candle to this one.
Of course, being this good at everything comes at a price. At close to $700,000, it actually costs more than a five-room flat. But try not to let that be the only factor to make you forget what an exceptional car this is.
And when the time calls for activities beyond the tarmac, which could be quite often in the case for RR owners, the latest generation Rangie makes light of work, thanks to the new generation of Terrain Response Control. It now features an Auto setting, which uses a myriad of systems to analyse the driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable terrain program out of a total of five settings.
Conclusion
The Range Rover is such a competent car that it's hard to forget. From being on and off-road to the high quality of materials used and technological features, everything about the car is perfection. The more time you spend with it, the more justifiable the car becomes. There's just no off-road machine that can hold a candle to this one.
Of course, being this good at everything comes at a price. At close to $700,000, it actually costs more than a five-room flat. But try not to let that be the only factor to make you forget what an exceptional car this is.
Some cars, like whisky, just get better with age and the Range Rover (let's just call it RR) is certainly one of them. First launched 43 years ago, the Range Rover was exhibited in the Louvre Museum in Paris as an 'exemplary work of industrial design', thanks to the car's clearly discernible shape.
In its latest, fourth generation incarnation, the flagship model remains to be the true luxury off-roader to beat. Effortlessly blending limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, the latest RR is now much lighter than its predecessor. More appropriately, it's been on something of a crash diet.
The mother of all SUVs that you see here has lost some 420kgs from its previous model, thanks to the lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure, and other various weight-saving strategies.
Exterior
While we applaud the engineers and designers for this feat, you shouldn't confuse this car as something light. At over 2.3 tonnes, the RR is still heavy. However, the sizeable proportion of the Rangie is its saving grace, giving it the ability to do the job of twice as many cars.
In its latest, fourth generation incarnation, the flagship model remains to be the true luxury off-roader to beat. Effortlessly blending limousine luxury with genuine off-road capability, the latest RR is now much lighter than its predecessor. More appropriately, it's been on something of a crash diet.
The mother of all SUVs that you see here has lost some 420kgs from its previous model, thanks to the lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure, and other various weight-saving strategies.
Exterior
While we applaud the engineers and designers for this feat, you shouldn't confuse this car as something light. At over 2.3 tonnes, the RR is still heavy. However, the sizeable proportion of the Rangie is its saving grace, giving it the ability to do the job of twice as many cars.
Standing proudly at 4,999mm x 2,220mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H), the car dwarfs most other cars on the roads. It's only then will you realise the apparent invincibility of the Range Rover as it elevates you above the everyday motorist.
It has been modernised in every sense of the word, with new headlamps and bumper to match the streamlined body, but retains enough visual features to make itself instantly recognisable as a true blue Rangie. As such, it's more of an evolution rather than revolution.
To put things into simpler perspective, the RR is almost like the sweet girl you knew back in secondary school, just that she has matured and has the right curves at the right places. She even lost a few pounds and now carries herself with the kind of style that isn't overly exaggerated. It just simply reminds you why you were attracted to her in the first place.
It has been modernised in every sense of the word, with new headlamps and bumper to match the streamlined body, but retains enough visual features to make itself instantly recognisable as a true blue Rangie. As such, it's more of an evolution rather than revolution.
To put things into simpler perspective, the RR is almost like the sweet girl you knew back in secondary school, just that she has matured and has the right curves at the right places. She even lost a few pounds and now carries herself with the kind of style that isn't overly exaggerated. It just simply reminds you why you were attracted to her in the first place.
Interior
When you take the sizeable upward step and settle into the electrically adjustable, massaging leather-swathed lounge seats, it's hard not to be impressed.
From the beautifully grained leather, right through to the metal finishing, the material selection and build quality is immaculate. Even the plastic and rubberised mouldings exude an impression of quality and luxury.
Such attention to detail never lets you forget that you're riding in something exceptional. The standard 825W 19-speaker surround sound system and the optional rear seat entertainment system complement the classy cabin design. Hell, you could well be in the VIP section of a gentleman's club.
When you take the sizeable upward step and settle into the electrically adjustable, massaging leather-swathed lounge seats, it's hard not to be impressed.
From the beautifully grained leather, right through to the metal finishing, the material selection and build quality is immaculate. Even the plastic and rubberised mouldings exude an impression of quality and luxury.
Such attention to detail never lets you forget that you're riding in something exceptional. The standard 825W 19-speaker surround sound system and the optional rear seat entertainment system complement the classy cabin design. Hell, you could well be in the VIP section of a gentleman's club.
We just couldn't think of another cabin we'd rather be in. The fact that it's ridiculously spacious and superbly comfortable at all times further reinforces this very feeling. The boot is 909 litres big and with the back seats down, it grows to a massive 2,030 litres.
Driving position is unashamedly high (a definite plus for pint-sized drivers), which allows you to have a clear view pass the thin A-pillars and of the road ahead. Owing to this, the RR is much easier to place on the road than its dimensions suggest.
Driving position is unashamedly high (a definite plus for pint-sized drivers), which allows you to have a clear view pass the thin A-pillars and of the road ahead. Owing to this, the RR is much easier to place on the road than its dimensions suggest.
The Drive
Despite its heft, this 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Rangie is no slouch. With a formidable output of 503 English horses and a mountain-moving 625Nm of torque sent to all four wheels, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental. While the 0-100km/h timing of 5.4 seconds is respectable for hatches and sedans, it's formidably fast for an SUV.
The acceleration is also helped by the eager eight-speed ZF auto box, which slips up and down the gears smoothly and encourages the car to spin at lower revs, helping it to save fuel in return. Should you want more of it, turn the rotary gear selector to S and the throttle response becomes sharper while the engine becomes more audible as it revs higher - all done without compromising on refinement.
Sure, if you were to compare the Rangie to a smaller car, it loses out as a tarmac terrier. But where it keeps up is its astounding agility. Do not mistake this for a Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne is keener and has more interaction with the road surface but the Rangie should not be dismissed as an aloof comparison.
Despite its heft, this 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Rangie is no slouch. With a formidable output of 503 English horses and a mountain-moving 625Nm of torque sent to all four wheels, throttle response is lag-free while taking off from the line is monumental. While the 0-100km/h timing of 5.4 seconds is respectable for hatches and sedans, it's formidably fast for an SUV.
The acceleration is also helped by the eager eight-speed ZF auto box, which slips up and down the gears smoothly and encourages the car to spin at lower revs, helping it to save fuel in return. Should you want more of it, turn the rotary gear selector to S and the throttle response becomes sharper while the engine becomes more audible as it revs higher - all done without compromising on refinement.
Sure, if you were to compare the Rangie to a smaller car, it loses out as a tarmac terrier. But where it keeps up is its astounding agility. Do not mistake this for a Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne is keener and has more interaction with the road surface but the Rangie should not be dismissed as an aloof comparison.
The nicely light steering is precise and confidence-inspiring in all the different kinds of driving situations you would experience on our roads. Thus, you're likely to have more fun around corners with this car compared to the previous model. Handling is tidier, with lesser leaning and more grip.
And when the time calls for activities beyond the tarmac, which could be quite often in the case for RR owners, the latest generation Rangie makes light of work, thanks to the new generation of Terrain Response Control. It now features an Auto setting, which uses a myriad of systems to analyse the driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable terrain program out of a total of five settings.
Conclusion
The Range Rover is such a competent car that it's hard to forget. From being on and off-road to the high quality of materials used and technological features, everything about the car is perfection. The more time you spend with it, the more justifiable the car becomes. There's just no off-road machine that can hold a candle to this one.
Of course, being this good at everything comes at a price. At close to $700,000, it actually costs more than a five-room flat. But try not to let that be the only factor to make you forget what an exceptional car this is.
And when the time calls for activities beyond the tarmac, which could be quite often in the case for RR owners, the latest generation Rangie makes light of work, thanks to the new generation of Terrain Response Control. It now features an Auto setting, which uses a myriad of systems to analyse the driving conditions and automatically selects the most suitable terrain program out of a total of five settings.
Conclusion
The Range Rover is such a competent car that it's hard to forget. From being on and off-road to the high quality of materials used and technological features, everything about the car is perfection. The more time you spend with it, the more justifiable the car becomes. There's just no off-road machine that can hold a candle to this one.
Of course, being this good at everything comes at a price. At close to $700,000, it actually costs more than a five-room flat. But try not to let that be the only factor to make you forget what an exceptional car this is.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Land Rover Range Rover 5.0 V8 Vogue SE S/C (A)
CAT B|Petrol|7.3km/L
Horsepower
375kW (503 bhp)
Torque
625 Nm
Acceleration
5.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Land Rover Range Rover
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