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Land Rover Range Rover Vogue 5.0 SE (A) Review
10 Jun 2011|24,664 views
A quick glance at the latest Range Rover Vogue proves that this adage continues to hold true for what is arguably one of the bastions of English off-road luxury. In spite of the changes in ownership, little has changed as far as the Rangie's iconic styling is concerned. The latest incarnation is old-school enough to satisfy purists, yet modern in all the right places, most striking of which are likely to be the front ('halo' effect Xenons) and rear LED clusters, with loads more features on the inside.
There's something comforting about the seemingly implacable Range Rover even in spite of the fact that regardless of era, the different generations of the car look indistinguishable from one another to the casual observer. The lesser-involved may have heard mention of the Range Rover in association with soccer superstars and celebrity fashionistas, but have no inkling what the latest, or for that matter, any other iteration of the car may look like.
At just under S$500K, the Vogue isn't exactly chump change. Although the cult is growing - especially as the ultra-affluent begin outgrowing their fascination with the usual big brand names - a person who will put down decent-spec Cayenne money on something that looks like the Range Rover remains the exception rather than the norm.
Exterior
Up close and personal to one, the results can be mixed: people either love it to bits, or loathe it with a vengeance. In any case, the 'Rangie' would have provoked a reaction and we feel this is already saying something, particularly in an environment of increasingly homogeneous vehicles.
There's something comforting about the seemingly implacable Range Rover even in spite of the fact that regardless of era, the different generations of the car look indistinguishable from one another to the casual observer. The lesser-involved may have heard mention of the Range Rover in association with soccer superstars and celebrity fashionistas, but have no inkling what the latest, or for that matter, any other iteration of the car may look like.
At just under S$500K, the Vogue isn't exactly chump change. Although the cult is growing - especially as the ultra-affluent begin outgrowing their fascination with the usual big brand names - a person who will put down decent-spec Cayenne money on something that looks like the Range Rover remains the exception rather than the norm.
Exterior
Up close and personal to one, the results can be mixed: people either love it to bits, or loathe it with a vengeance. In any case, the 'Rangie' would have provoked a reaction and we feel this is already saying something, particularly in an environment of increasingly homogeneous vehicles.
 |
This is anti-establishment at its finest and it is this element of 'reverse snobbery' that endears the Range Rover to its fans. Instead of, "look at me, I have a tonne of cash and ended up buying a <luxury brand of choice>", it's become, "look at me, I have a tonne of cash and spent the equivalent of a <luxury brand of choice> on a Range Rover"!
A subtle difference indeed, but one you can be sure your equally well-heeled neighbours would have worked out by the time your spanking new Vogue is parked in the garage.
Despite its years, the Rangie's square-cut design has stood the test of time well and stands out (both aesthetically, as well as physically head and shoulders) amidst its contemporaries. Like the Patek Philippe 'Nautilus' range, or even any one of the Rolex sports models, the Range Rover counts among its fans those who appreciate the brand's seemingly immutable and indestructible nature.
Best of all, these enthusiasts never have to worry that a new model will be afflicted by the fickle vagaries and retrospective faux pax of automotive fashion, i.e., something that makes you go, "what was I thinking?!" many years later.
 |
At this level, it's no longer so much about the spec differences. At a certain price point, objectivity flies out the window and it becomes more about the intangible qualities. Unfortunately, you'd be surprised at how many people aren't able to recognise this and continue to rattle-off spec sheet wonders with the fervency of an Informercial salesperson.
To put it in perspective, the average Range Rover owner already likely owns a stable of luxury cars that includes the usual exotics. The supercharged Vogue is intended to be a runabout, either for school-runs or plantation excursions (the closest most other soft-roaders come to mud is the kind that is trekked in during a soccer run on a rainy day), that will offer these owners the luxury appointments and performance they are familiar with, especially if a healthy helping of genuine off-road ability is thrown into the mix, as it is in the case of the Rangie.
To put it in perspective, the average Range Rover owner already likely owns a stable of luxury cars that includes the usual exotics. The supercharged Vogue is intended to be a runabout, either for school-runs or plantation excursions (the closest most other soft-roaders come to mud is the kind that is trekked in during a soccer run on a rainy day), that will offer these owners the luxury appointments and performance they are familiar with, especially if a healthy helping of genuine off-road ability is thrown into the mix, as it is in the case of the Rangie.
The Vogue is never gauche, but instead, is one of those rare vehicles that come across as imposing and grand, yet in possession of just the right touch of menace. The Range Rover's road presence is unmistakable and as the Vogue casts its briskly growing shadow onto slower moving vehicles in its path, the sight of cars, taxis and even lorries scurrying out of its way can go to one's head.
Standing in the shadow of the humongous 4972 (L) x 2216 (W) x 1877 (H) mm Vogue (with these dimensions, most things fall in the shadow of the Range Rover), it's not difficult to feel eclipsed by the car; even getting into it requires some dexterity from the horizontally-challenged like this writer (thankfully, there's a thoughtful one-touch 'Access Mode' that lowers the Vogue's height to facilitate ingress/egress).
Standing in the shadow of the humongous 4972 (L) x 2216 (W) x 1877 (H) mm Vogue (with these dimensions, most things fall in the shadow of the Range Rover), it's not difficult to feel eclipsed by the car; even getting into it requires some dexterity from the horizontally-challenged like this writer (thankfully, there's a thoughtful one-touch 'Access Mode' that lowers the Vogue's height to facilitate ingress/egress).
 |
Interior
However, before you think this sets the stage for a sparsely-specc'd Rangie, think again. In addition to the best materials used, the Vogue is equipped with a gamut of kit you never knew you couldn't live without. However, it's always about the sense of 'old world' gravitas you enjoy within the cabin. Throw in a whiff of well-aged whisky, cracked leather armchairs and cigar smoke and you could well be in the lounge of a discerning gentleman's club.
The leather-swathed cabin is plush and comfortable, yet never opulent. The seats are snugly supportive and allow the occupants to wear long hauls well without feeling tired or broke-back. The best thing about any evolution of the brand is how it tries to keep it old-school, even with the addition of the latest mod-cons (modern conveniences).
Such attention to detail that never lets you forget you're riding in something special. The multi-function steering wheel may be tricked-out with toggles and buttons for the car's myriad features, yet retains the traditional four-spoke styling of earlier cars. Instead of traditional meters under the instrument cluster (like the Range Rover Sport), the Vogue features a 12-inch TFT screen that can be configured to one's preferences. The fact that the digital needles have been engineered to tick deliberately (as opposed to an orchestrated smooth sweep) is a pleasant reminder of mechanical timing instruments.
However, before you think this sets the stage for a sparsely-specc'd Rangie, think again. In addition to the best materials used, the Vogue is equipped with a gamut of kit you never knew you couldn't live without. However, it's always about the sense of 'old world' gravitas you enjoy within the cabin. Throw in a whiff of well-aged whisky, cracked leather armchairs and cigar smoke and you could well be in the lounge of a discerning gentleman's club.
The leather-swathed cabin is plush and comfortable, yet never opulent. The seats are snugly supportive and allow the occupants to wear long hauls well without feeling tired or broke-back. The best thing about any evolution of the brand is how it tries to keep it old-school, even with the addition of the latest mod-cons (modern conveniences).
Such attention to detail that never lets you forget you're riding in something special. The multi-function steering wheel may be tricked-out with toggles and buttons for the car's myriad features, yet retains the traditional four-spoke styling of earlier cars. Instead of traditional meters under the instrument cluster (like the Range Rover Sport), the Vogue features a 12-inch TFT screen that can be configured to one's preferences. The fact that the digital needles have been engineered to tick deliberately (as opposed to an orchestrated smooth sweep) is a pleasant reminder of mechanical timing instruments.
Apart from the rear mounted screens, there's also an eight-inch 'Dual View' touch-screen up-front that serves multiple-duties as entertainment outlet, all-round camera screen during parking, as well as to allow one to configure their preferences for the vehicle. Moreover, the visuals will happily continue playing even when the car is in motion.
In case you're wondering, they haven't thrown the rule-book out of the window: the front screen features 'Parallax Barrier' technology, which means occupants on either side of the screen see different images. For instance, in motion, the front passenger enjoys uninterrupted video streaming, while the driver will only see the menu page.
There's an altogether feel about the cabin that successfully fuses luxury with utility without coming across as low-rent. With a wheelbase just shy of 2900mm, the Vogue is designed to be used and there's sufficient room for all and their sundries, especially coupled to the 994 litre cargo volume.
In case you're wondering, they haven't thrown the rule-book out of the window: the front screen features 'Parallax Barrier' technology, which means occupants on either side of the screen see different images. For instance, in motion, the front passenger enjoys uninterrupted video streaming, while the driver will only see the menu page.
There's an altogether feel about the cabin that successfully fuses luxury with utility without coming across as low-rent. With a wheelbase just shy of 2900mm, the Vogue is designed to be used and there's sufficient room for all and their sundries, especially coupled to the 994 litre cargo volume.
 |
The Drive
The Vogue is powered by the same supercharged 5-litre V8 (510bhp and 625Nm; also sees service in the latest Jaguar sporting models) as the Range Rover Sport (S$425K), but its pretentions are skewed more towards wafting around highways and plantation bush-whacking than outright dynamic performance (although this is not to say the Range Rover Sport is any less capable off-terrain).
In spite of its 2.7-Plus tonnes kerb weight, the Vogue will sprint to the 100km/h mark in an unseemly 6.2 seconds (breath-taking in something this size and boasting such stellar off-road credentials); unfettered, it will touch 225km/h. However, be prepared to put up with some wind-noise at cruising speeds over 100km/h, especially on open highways. Due to a relatively low belt-line and near-upright windscreen, all-round visibility is excellent, so there's never any problem in placing the car or manoeuvring around in tighter constraints.
Unlike the Sport's closer steering rack, the Vogue's lock-to-lock takes 3.46 turns (versus the Sport's 3.1), with a rather leisurely self-centering effect, which can sometimes mean you're often busy twirling the steering-wheel to straighten out as you pile-on the power, due to the supercharged engine's propensity of delivering lag-free power on-tap. However, make no mistake, despite the surefootedness of all-wheel drive, this car can break traction at low speeds if you punch it.
Taken off-road, the Vogue's steering, ride-height and damping rise to the occasion. Terrain Response works well with Adaptive Dynamics and has been further enhanced for this model with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control, which help the vehicle achieve seamless on- and off-road drive performance. Best of all is the system's ease-of-use: for the less experienced, a real-time 'tutorial' with easy-to-understand pictorials let you know which button to hit next, depending on terrain mode selected ('General', 'Grass, Gravel, Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl').
The Vogue is powered by the same supercharged 5-litre V8 (510bhp and 625Nm; also sees service in the latest Jaguar sporting models) as the Range Rover Sport (S$425K), but its pretentions are skewed more towards wafting around highways and plantation bush-whacking than outright dynamic performance (although this is not to say the Range Rover Sport is any less capable off-terrain).
In spite of its 2.7-Plus tonnes kerb weight, the Vogue will sprint to the 100km/h mark in an unseemly 6.2 seconds (breath-taking in something this size and boasting such stellar off-road credentials); unfettered, it will touch 225km/h. However, be prepared to put up with some wind-noise at cruising speeds over 100km/h, especially on open highways. Due to a relatively low belt-line and near-upright windscreen, all-round visibility is excellent, so there's never any problem in placing the car or manoeuvring around in tighter constraints.
Unlike the Sport's closer steering rack, the Vogue's lock-to-lock takes 3.46 turns (versus the Sport's 3.1), with a rather leisurely self-centering effect, which can sometimes mean you're often busy twirling the steering-wheel to straighten out as you pile-on the power, due to the supercharged engine's propensity of delivering lag-free power on-tap. However, make no mistake, despite the surefootedness of all-wheel drive, this car can break traction at low speeds if you punch it.
Taken off-road, the Vogue's steering, ride-height and damping rise to the occasion. Terrain Response works well with Adaptive Dynamics and has been further enhanced for this model with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control, which help the vehicle achieve seamless on- and off-road drive performance. Best of all is the system's ease-of-use: for the less experienced, a real-time 'tutorial' with easy-to-understand pictorials let you know which button to hit next, depending on terrain mode selected ('General', 'Grass, Gravel, Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl').
Ride on the 20-inch footwear (255/50R20) is comfortable and the car feels planted even at higher speeds. However, things can get a little hairy in the corners, especially on fast sweepers, where the steering initially goes light and the vehicle seems to be unsettled; we found it best to gently keep pressure on the throttle until the weight fully transferred as the Grand Old Dame became planted and settled-down in the corner, before nailing it.
With such powerful forces at play, we were grateful the brakes (six-pots in front) are more than up to the task of hauling the Vogue to a standstill; be careful of taking too many liberties with the car, since even in unladen state, that's still a lot of weight we're talking about. The ratios of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission are smoothly-slurred and well-matched to the engine's power delivery.
Conclusion
Range Rover is not a brand for the kind of buyers who are in constant need of affirmation. However, recent times have seen a more mainstream and some might say, grudging acceptance of the brand, as it takes its place amongst the other luxury SUVs. The Vogue's ageless design defies passing trends and gives it a unique appeal to its following of diehards. However, this is not to say the march of progress has remained at hanta-kaki, since the Vogue packs a whole lot of techno-wallop in a competent package that is as formidable on-road as it is off.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
With such powerful forces at play, we were grateful the brakes (six-pots in front) are more than up to the task of hauling the Vogue to a standstill; be careful of taking too many liberties with the car, since even in unladen state, that's still a lot of weight we're talking about. The ratios of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission are smoothly-slurred and well-matched to the engine's power delivery.
Conclusion
Range Rover is not a brand for the kind of buyers who are in constant need of affirmation. However, recent times have seen a more mainstream and some might say, grudging acceptance of the brand, as it takes its place amongst the other luxury SUVs. The Vogue's ageless design defies passing trends and gives it a unique appeal to its following of diehards. However, this is not to say the march of progress has remained at hanta-kaki, since the Vogue packs a whole lot of techno-wallop in a competent package that is as formidable on-road as it is off.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
A quick glance at the latest Range Rover Vogue proves that this adage continues to hold true for what is arguably one of the bastions of English off-road luxury. In spite of the changes in ownership, little has changed as far as the Rangie's iconic styling is concerned. The latest incarnation is old-school enough to satisfy purists, yet modern in all the right places, most striking of which are likely to be the front ('halo' effect Xenons) and rear LED clusters, with loads more features on the inside.
There's something comforting about the seemingly implacable Range Rover even in spite of the fact that regardless of era, the different generations of the car look indistinguishable from one another to the casual observer. The lesser-involved may have heard mention of the Range Rover in association with soccer superstars and celebrity fashionistas, but have no inkling what the latest, or for that matter, any other iteration of the car may look like.
At just under S$500K, the Vogue isn't exactly chump change. Although the cult is growing - especially as the ultra-affluent begin outgrowing their fascination with the usual big brand names - a person who will put down decent-spec Cayenne money on something that looks like the Range Rover remains the exception rather than the norm.
Exterior
Up close and personal to one, the results can be mixed: people either love it to bits, or loathe it with a vengeance. In any case, the 'Rangie' would have provoked a reaction and we feel this is already saying something, particularly in an environment of increasingly homogeneous vehicles.
There's something comforting about the seemingly implacable Range Rover even in spite of the fact that regardless of era, the different generations of the car look indistinguishable from one another to the casual observer. The lesser-involved may have heard mention of the Range Rover in association with soccer superstars and celebrity fashionistas, but have no inkling what the latest, or for that matter, any other iteration of the car may look like.
At just under S$500K, the Vogue isn't exactly chump change. Although the cult is growing - especially as the ultra-affluent begin outgrowing their fascination with the usual big brand names - a person who will put down decent-spec Cayenne money on something that looks like the Range Rover remains the exception rather than the norm.
Exterior
Up close and personal to one, the results can be mixed: people either love it to bits, or loathe it with a vengeance. In any case, the 'Rangie' would have provoked a reaction and we feel this is already saying something, particularly in an environment of increasingly homogeneous vehicles.
|
This is anti-establishment at its finest and it is this element of 'reverse snobbery' that endears the Range Rover to its fans. Instead of, "look at me, I have a tonne of cash and ended up buying a <luxury brand of choice>", it's become, "look at me, I have a tonne of cash and spent the equivalent of a <luxury brand of choice> on a Range Rover"!
A subtle difference indeed, but one you can be sure your equally well-heeled neighbours would have worked out by the time your spanking new Vogue is parked in the garage.
Despite its years, the Rangie's square-cut design has stood the test of time well and stands out (both aesthetically, as well as physically head and shoulders) amidst its contemporaries. Like the Patek Philippe 'Nautilus' range, or even any one of the Rolex sports models, the Range Rover counts among its fans those who appreciate the brand's seemingly immutable and indestructible nature.
Best of all, these enthusiasts never have to worry that a new model will be afflicted by the fickle vagaries and retrospective faux pax of automotive fashion, i.e., something that makes you go, "what was I thinking?!" many years later.
|
At this level, it's no longer so much about the spec differences. At a certain price point, objectivity flies out the window and it becomes more about the intangible qualities. Unfortunately, you'd be surprised at how many people aren't able to recognise this and continue to rattle-off spec sheet wonders with the fervency of an Informercial salesperson.
To put it in perspective, the average Range Rover owner already likely owns a stable of luxury cars that includes the usual exotics. The supercharged Vogue is intended to be a runabout, either for school-runs or plantation excursions (the closest most other soft-roaders come to mud is the kind that is trekked in during a soccer run on a rainy day), that will offer these owners the luxury appointments and performance they are familiar with, especially if a healthy helping of genuine off-road ability is thrown into the mix, as it is in the case of the Rangie.
To put it in perspective, the average Range Rover owner already likely owns a stable of luxury cars that includes the usual exotics. The supercharged Vogue is intended to be a runabout, either for school-runs or plantation excursions (the closest most other soft-roaders come to mud is the kind that is trekked in during a soccer run on a rainy day), that will offer these owners the luxury appointments and performance they are familiar with, especially if a healthy helping of genuine off-road ability is thrown into the mix, as it is in the case of the Rangie.
The Vogue is never gauche, but instead, is one of those rare vehicles that come across as imposing and grand, yet in possession of just the right touch of menace. The Range Rover's road presence is unmistakable and as the Vogue casts its briskly growing shadow onto slower moving vehicles in its path, the sight of cars, taxis and even lorries scurrying out of its way can go to one's head.
Standing in the shadow of the humongous 4972 (L) x 2216 (W) x 1877 (H) mm Vogue (with these dimensions, most things fall in the shadow of the Range Rover), it's not difficult to feel eclipsed by the car; even getting into it requires some dexterity from the horizontally-challenged like this writer (thankfully, there's a thoughtful one-touch 'Access Mode' that lowers the Vogue's height to facilitate ingress/egress).
Standing in the shadow of the humongous 4972 (L) x 2216 (W) x 1877 (H) mm Vogue (with these dimensions, most things fall in the shadow of the Range Rover), it's not difficult to feel eclipsed by the car; even getting into it requires some dexterity from the horizontally-challenged like this writer (thankfully, there's a thoughtful one-touch 'Access Mode' that lowers the Vogue's height to facilitate ingress/egress).
|
Interior
However, before you think this sets the stage for a sparsely-specc'd Rangie, think again. In addition to the best materials used, the Vogue is equipped with a gamut of kit you never knew you couldn't live without. However, it's always about the sense of 'old world' gravitas you enjoy within the cabin. Throw in a whiff of well-aged whisky, cracked leather armchairs and cigar smoke and you could well be in the lounge of a discerning gentleman's club.
The leather-swathed cabin is plush and comfortable, yet never opulent. The seats are snugly supportive and allow the occupants to wear long hauls well without feeling tired or broke-back. The best thing about any evolution of the brand is how it tries to keep it old-school, even with the addition of the latest mod-cons (modern conveniences).
Such attention to detail that never lets you forget you're riding in something special. The multi-function steering wheel may be tricked-out with toggles and buttons for the car's myriad features, yet retains the traditional four-spoke styling of earlier cars. Instead of traditional meters under the instrument cluster (like the Range Rover Sport), the Vogue features a 12-inch TFT screen that can be configured to one's preferences. The fact that the digital needles have been engineered to tick deliberately (as opposed to an orchestrated smooth sweep) is a pleasant reminder of mechanical timing instruments.
However, before you think this sets the stage for a sparsely-specc'd Rangie, think again. In addition to the best materials used, the Vogue is equipped with a gamut of kit you never knew you couldn't live without. However, it's always about the sense of 'old world' gravitas you enjoy within the cabin. Throw in a whiff of well-aged whisky, cracked leather armchairs and cigar smoke and you could well be in the lounge of a discerning gentleman's club.
The leather-swathed cabin is plush and comfortable, yet never opulent. The seats are snugly supportive and allow the occupants to wear long hauls well without feeling tired or broke-back. The best thing about any evolution of the brand is how it tries to keep it old-school, even with the addition of the latest mod-cons (modern conveniences).
Such attention to detail that never lets you forget you're riding in something special. The multi-function steering wheel may be tricked-out with toggles and buttons for the car's myriad features, yet retains the traditional four-spoke styling of earlier cars. Instead of traditional meters under the instrument cluster (like the Range Rover Sport), the Vogue features a 12-inch TFT screen that can be configured to one's preferences. The fact that the digital needles have been engineered to tick deliberately (as opposed to an orchestrated smooth sweep) is a pleasant reminder of mechanical timing instruments.
Apart from the rear mounted screens, there's also an eight-inch 'Dual View' touch-screen up-front that serves multiple-duties as entertainment outlet, all-round camera screen during parking, as well as to allow one to configure their preferences for the vehicle. Moreover, the visuals will happily continue playing even when the car is in motion.
In case you're wondering, they haven't thrown the rule-book out of the window: the front screen features 'Parallax Barrier' technology, which means occupants on either side of the screen see different images. For instance, in motion, the front passenger enjoys uninterrupted video streaming, while the driver will only see the menu page.
There's an altogether feel about the cabin that successfully fuses luxury with utility without coming across as low-rent. With a wheelbase just shy of 2900mm, the Vogue is designed to be used and there's sufficient room for all and their sundries, especially coupled to the 994 litre cargo volume.
In case you're wondering, they haven't thrown the rule-book out of the window: the front screen features 'Parallax Barrier' technology, which means occupants on either side of the screen see different images. For instance, in motion, the front passenger enjoys uninterrupted video streaming, while the driver will only see the menu page.
There's an altogether feel about the cabin that successfully fuses luxury with utility without coming across as low-rent. With a wheelbase just shy of 2900mm, the Vogue is designed to be used and there's sufficient room for all and their sundries, especially coupled to the 994 litre cargo volume.
|
The Drive
The Vogue is powered by the same supercharged 5-litre V8 (510bhp and 625Nm; also sees service in the latest Jaguar sporting models) as the Range Rover Sport (S$425K), but its pretentions are skewed more towards wafting around highways and plantation bush-whacking than outright dynamic performance (although this is not to say the Range Rover Sport is any less capable off-terrain).
In spite of its 2.7-Plus tonnes kerb weight, the Vogue will sprint to the 100km/h mark in an unseemly 6.2 seconds (breath-taking in something this size and boasting such stellar off-road credentials); unfettered, it will touch 225km/h. However, be prepared to put up with some wind-noise at cruising speeds over 100km/h, especially on open highways. Due to a relatively low belt-line and near-upright windscreen, all-round visibility is excellent, so there's never any problem in placing the car or manoeuvring around in tighter constraints.
Unlike the Sport's closer steering rack, the Vogue's lock-to-lock takes 3.46 turns (versus the Sport's 3.1), with a rather leisurely self-centering effect, which can sometimes mean you're often busy twirling the steering-wheel to straighten out as you pile-on the power, due to the supercharged engine's propensity of delivering lag-free power on-tap. However, make no mistake, despite the surefootedness of all-wheel drive, this car can break traction at low speeds if you punch it.
Taken off-road, the Vogue's steering, ride-height and damping rise to the occasion. Terrain Response works well with Adaptive Dynamics and has been further enhanced for this model with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control, which help the vehicle achieve seamless on- and off-road drive performance. Best of all is the system's ease-of-use: for the less experienced, a real-time 'tutorial' with easy-to-understand pictorials let you know which button to hit next, depending on terrain mode selected ('General', 'Grass, Gravel, Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl').
The Vogue is powered by the same supercharged 5-litre V8 (510bhp and 625Nm; also sees service in the latest Jaguar sporting models) as the Range Rover Sport (S$425K), but its pretentions are skewed more towards wafting around highways and plantation bush-whacking than outright dynamic performance (although this is not to say the Range Rover Sport is any less capable off-terrain).
In spite of its 2.7-Plus tonnes kerb weight, the Vogue will sprint to the 100km/h mark in an unseemly 6.2 seconds (breath-taking in something this size and boasting such stellar off-road credentials); unfettered, it will touch 225km/h. However, be prepared to put up with some wind-noise at cruising speeds over 100km/h, especially on open highways. Due to a relatively low belt-line and near-upright windscreen, all-round visibility is excellent, so there's never any problem in placing the car or manoeuvring around in tighter constraints.
Unlike the Sport's closer steering rack, the Vogue's lock-to-lock takes 3.46 turns (versus the Sport's 3.1), with a rather leisurely self-centering effect, which can sometimes mean you're often busy twirling the steering-wheel to straighten out as you pile-on the power, due to the supercharged engine's propensity of delivering lag-free power on-tap. However, make no mistake, despite the surefootedness of all-wheel drive, this car can break traction at low speeds if you punch it.
Taken off-road, the Vogue's steering, ride-height and damping rise to the occasion. Terrain Response works well with Adaptive Dynamics and has been further enhanced for this model with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control, which help the vehicle achieve seamless on- and off-road drive performance. Best of all is the system's ease-of-use: for the less experienced, a real-time 'tutorial' with easy-to-understand pictorials let you know which button to hit next, depending on terrain mode selected ('General', 'Grass, Gravel, Snow', 'Mud & Ruts', 'Sand' and 'Rock Crawl').
Ride on the 20-inch footwear (255/50R20) is comfortable and the car feels planted even at higher speeds. However, things can get a little hairy in the corners, especially on fast sweepers, where the steering initially goes light and the vehicle seems to be unsettled; we found it best to gently keep pressure on the throttle until the weight fully transferred as the Grand Old Dame became planted and settled-down in the corner, before nailing it.
With such powerful forces at play, we were grateful the brakes (six-pots in front) are more than up to the task of hauling the Vogue to a standstill; be careful of taking too many liberties with the car, since even in unladen state, that's still a lot of weight we're talking about. The ratios of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission are smoothly-slurred and well-matched to the engine's power delivery.
Conclusion
Range Rover is not a brand for the kind of buyers who are in constant need of affirmation. However, recent times have seen a more mainstream and some might say, grudging acceptance of the brand, as it takes its place amongst the other luxury SUVs. The Vogue's ageless design defies passing trends and gives it a unique appeal to its following of diehards. However, this is not to say the march of progress has remained at hanta-kaki, since the Vogue packs a whole lot of techno-wallop in a competent package that is as formidable on-road as it is off.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
With such powerful forces at play, we were grateful the brakes (six-pots in front) are more than up to the task of hauling the Vogue to a standstill; be careful of taking too many liberties with the car, since even in unladen state, that's still a lot of weight we're talking about. The ratios of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission are smoothly-slurred and well-matched to the engine's power delivery.
Conclusion
Range Rover is not a brand for the kind of buyers who are in constant need of affirmation. However, recent times have seen a more mainstream and some might say, grudging acceptance of the brand, as it takes its place amongst the other luxury SUVs. The Vogue's ageless design defies passing trends and gives it a unique appeal to its following of diehards. However, this is not to say the march of progress has remained at hanta-kaki, since the Vogue packs a whole lot of techno-wallop in a competent package that is as formidable on-road as it is off.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
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Car Information
Land Rover Range Rover Vogue 5.0 SE (A)
CAT B|Petrol|6.7km/L
Horsepower
380kW (510 bhp)
Torque
625 Nm
Acceleration
6.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Land Rover Range Rover Vogue
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