After being super impressed with Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre V6 diesel earlier this year I was a touch stunned with the news that Land Rover was doing away with V6 engines in petrol and diesel, replacing them with straight 6s.
The diesel V6 was an absolute locomotive with the emphasis on LOCO and towed like nothing else I have driven while using minimal fuel.
But I understand the rationale behind going with a straight 6 because they are less complicated and better to turbocharge. Think about it, a V6 realistically needs twin turbos, one from each cylinder bank whereas a straight 6 only needs one.
That wasn’t enough for Land Rover/Range Rover with the Rangey Vogue P400 recently driven. They put on a twin scroll turbo for efficiency but added a 48 volt electric supercharger to cover off low speed response. They added a mild hybrid function just for good measure resulting in an indecently quick and completely engaging large luxury vehicle.
Performance is at sports sedan levels as the 400 in the Rangey’s name is for horsepower. That’s close to 300kW (294 actually), nicely complemented by the 550Nm of torque available from low in the engine rev range.
It drives all four wheels, pretty much anywhere you choose to go, through a slick 8-speed automatic transmission.
Naturally, being a Land Rover product, the Rangey Vogue has incredible off and on road capability aided by multi-mode terrain response and a whole raft of other traction related technology.
Then on top of all this is the level of comfort you get in a Rangey even though this one is “entry level” short wheelbase 5 seater.
There are no direct competitors for this vehicle, no ANCAP rating though and only a 3 year/100,000km warranty.
Exterior
This model has been around for a few years now and is getting towards replacement time. The styling is an evolution of the first model, tidied up a bit though still featuring a tapered profile with a chunky frontal look thinning off to the upswept tail and declining roofline. Still has a clamshell bonnet, “floating” roof and other characteristic Range Rover DNA. They moved the side “vents” into the front doors and smoothed the mesh grille with neatly integrated lights.
It rolls on big 20-inch wheels with attractive alloys, has twin trapezoid shaped exhaust tips poking through the rear bumper and is available in some striking colours such as the test vehicle’s deep maroon/red mica that colour changes in different light.
Interior
It’s a sea of Windsor (UK’s Nappa) leather in this case perforated with defined seats for four, five at a pinch with one in the middle rear pew. Two large centre dash screens control most of the Rangey’s functions and provide an almost endless amount of information clearly and easily accessible.
There’s a chunky multi-function wheel with electric adjustment and arm rests for both front passengers.
The seating position is high so there’s a bit of a step up for cabin access.
The dash is somewhat old school but traditional Range Rover with square air vent grilles and a large centre console. Multiple dials and switches operate critical functions in the Rangey including gear selection by rotary dial.
The ambience is luxurious and the feel is comfortable with soft leather upholstery on pretty much every touch point and big comfortable seats. Room is not an issue in any interior measurement.
I really like the premium audio and multiple climate control options even in this $201,030 entry level Range Rover.
Can’t imagine what higher up models must be like, probably completely OTT.
Features
It’s hard to accept that the Vogue is a base model especially with;
- Terrain Response 2
- Heads up display
- 13 speaker audio
- 2 x 10-inch touchscreens
- Adaptive dynamics
- Air suspension
- Heated wheel and front seats
- 4G WiFi hotspot
- Sun visor extenders
Drive and Engine
This model has a new generation Ingenium, straight six, 3.0-litre, petrol engine with a 48 volt electric supercharger, twin scroll turbo and mild hybrid boost function.
To say it delivers strong performance is an understatement. I would go so far as to say you don’t need any other engine in your Range Rover apart from this.
It makes the 2.3 tonne large SUV pay attention when you push the right pedal, that’s for sure and runs smooth as silk and quiet as a mouse.
It’s not a competitor for a Benz AMG SUV for outright get-go and dynamics but the Rangey will actually go off road with competence, something the hot rod Euro SUVs can’t do.
The ride is soft but firms up when needed or when the driver chooses.
It has light steering and powerful brakes and the eight speed auto is imperceptible flicking between ratios.
It really is like travelling in a club lounge wafting along in a sealed compartment in high luxury.
I didn’t tow anything with this one but know from driving the latest Defender with the same powertrain that it makes child’s play of hauling a two ton car and trailer rig. Towing capacity is 3500kg. Fuel consumption is a claimed 9.1-litres/100km on 98.
Safety
Not rated but has a reasonable amount of advanced driver assist technology. For some reason, Range Rover makes a lot of this stuff optional in a driver assist package at $9500. You do get AEB (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning, park aid front and rear, reverse camera and tyre pressure monitor.
Good Bits
- Supreme comfort
- Impressive engine performance
- Genuine off roader
Not So Good Bits
- Advanced safety tech shouldn’t be optional
- No ANCAP rating
- Miserable warranty
Summary
Wow, I’d have one of these in a blink, even in petrol. Can’t imagine what the diesel might be like… Driving a Rangey gives you a feeling of superiority that you can’t ignore. Look down your nose at the plebs in their cheap shit boxes, go off road with confidence, drive interstate in complete comfort. Where’s that Powerball ticket.
Facts and Figures: 2020 Range Rover Vogue P400
- 0L six-cylinder petrol producing 294kW/550Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000km
- Safety: Not tested
- Origin: UK
- Price: from $201,030 MLP*
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
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