A Pinnacle Achieved

We test-drove the fourth-generation "Range Rover" following its full model change. In Japan, two models are available: one equipped with a 375-horsepower 5-liter V8 engine, and a more powerful 510-horsepower version of the same V8 paired with a supercharger. The latter also comes in a sub-named "Autobiography" model with even more luxurious equipment.

The Range Rover was once referred to as the "Rolls-Royce of 4WDs." Back in the 1980s, when it wasn't widely known in Japan, one could see affluent "posh" individuals in London proudly driving tall Range Rovers, bypassing luxury sedans like Jaguars.



The reason the Range Rover was positioned above many luxury sedans was that its owners were perceived to have a genuine need for it. That is, individuals owning land in places like Scotland required a 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance. This inherent necessity is what has made the Range Rover the ultimate luxury car.

However, for true practicality, there was the "Land Rover (Defender)," also known from "Shaun the Sheep." The Range Rover, with its leather interior and wood panel options, was a niche product leaning more towards a luxurious image. This "luxury" has been refined through successive model changes.

The latest model emphasizes this "luxury" aspect more clearly than ever before. The vehicle exceeds five meters in length and nearly reaches two meters in height. Inside the beautifully finished body, a cabin unfolds, composed of leather exuding a rich aroma, polished wood, and gleaming chrome.

The Range Rover appears to aim to provide its owners with what they have sought from this vehicle, in a more complete form than ever before. Settling into the comfortable interior, experiencing the powerful acceleration from its abundant torque and a driving feel far sportier than its large body suggests, one strongly feels that the Range Rover has reached a pinnacle of automotive achievement.

Rivals: Luxury Sedans, Not SUVs

"How to evolve an icon was one of the key objectives of this model change," said a spokesperson for Land Rover's Japanese subsidiary, which owns the Range Rover brand. "How to update the 'Rolls-Royce of 4WDs' for modern times and enhance its value to the point where 'rivals are luxury sedans, not SUVs' (Land Rover)." These seem to have been the most critical aspects of this model change.

The Range Rover's strength lies in its faithful preservation of the image established by the first generation, unveiled in 1970. One such feature is the "floating roof," an exterior characteristic. By blacking out all the pillars, the roof appears to float above the body, a design technique that prevents the vehicle from looking excessively heavy. This design concept, established by the legendary engineer Spen King, who oversaw the development of the first generation, has been maintained for over 40 years. Such attention to heritage is fitting for modern "luxury."



The first generation prioritized off-road capability (designed to traverse the rugged terrain of Scotland), featuring long suspension travel. However, this required some acclimatization to maintain steering stability at high speeds. The subsequent installation of metal stabilizers in later models altered its character somewhat, and the adoption of air suspension from the second generation clearly established its path as a comfortable and luxurious SUV.

The press release states, "By adopting the world's first all-aluminum lightweight monocoque body for an SUV (omitted), we have elevated on-road performance and environmental performance, such as CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency, to a new dimension."



The powertrain for the "V8 VOGUE" is a naturally aspirated 4,999cc V8 engine, delivering a maximum output of 375ps at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 510Nm at 3,500 rpm. The "5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE," on the other hand, uses the same unit but is equipped with a supercharger, producing 510ps at 6,500 rpm and 625Nm at 2,500 rpm. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic with the 7th gear and above being overdrive, and the final drive ratio of 3.545 is common across all models.

The "Autobiography" is, in a word, exceptionally luxurious. For instance, it features reclining rear seats, higher quality wood and leather, and a more powerful audio system from Meridian. Externally, the imposing 22-inch alloy wheels are striking. Furthermore, "Rear Executive Seats," reminiscent of those on passenger aircraft, are available as an option exclusively for the Autobiography. This reflects a product philosophy of "if it's special, make it thoroughly special." Achieving this level of refinement is the Range Rover's strength.

Elegant Driving!

Indeed, driving the new model, the "Supercharged" version's immense torque of 625Nm at 2,500 rpm propels the not-insignificant body forward like an arrow. Leaning back against the supportive leather seats, one can't help but nod in agreement, thinking, "This sense of exhilaration must be what underpins the Range Rover's popularity." Even without forced induction, the acceleration from low RPMs remains unchanged, and unless one is driving on an unrestricted autobahn, the driving performance of the Range Rover shines brilliantly in both models.

As the manufacturer explains, "The benefits of the multi-gear transmission allow us to utilize optimal torque." When accelerating further from a partial throttle, the gear shifts instantly, and torque surges forth. This is also exhilarating, but one might question the "elegance" of driving such a vehicle too fast. For a luxury SUV, a composed and unhurried driving style is considered sophisticated.



That said, the handling is enjoyable, and perhaps the task for the new Range Rover driver is to control the urge to speed. Due to the relationship between ride height and roll center, the steering doesn't feel exactly the same as a sedan, but it doesn't need to. Rather, the true pleasure lies in settling into the commanding driving position, gripping the smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel, and navigating winding roads with a unique sense of enjoyment.

The body gently leans into corners, the electronically controlled air suspension maintains an appropriate roll angle, and all four wheels grip the road as the vehicle accelerates towards the exit with its substantial torque. Range Rover enthusiasts likely appreciate this driving sensation.

Driver Benefits

At highway speeds, it's not completely silent, but the aerodynamic improvements have resulted in a 10% increase in the drag coefficient (Cd) compared to the previous model, achieving a new figure of 0.34. This is a remarkably good number for a tall, boxy SUV. Subjectively, one notices sound intrusion around the windows at high speeds, but it's not to an uncomfortable degree.

The T-shaped dashboard, with its nearly symmetrical design on both sides, offers practical manufacturing benefits by facilitating both right-hand and left-hand drive configurations. It also contributes to a clean visual impression and a sense of comfort, directly benefiting the owner. As the manufacturer states, "The number of controls has been significantly reduced." The various controllers are ergonomically designed in terms of both function and tactile feel, providing a clear advantage for the driver.

However, as I am not the owner of this vehicle, perhaps due to unfamiliarity, I still find the cylindrical gear selector, common to Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, somewhat inconvenient, especially when repeatedly shifting between forward and reverse in a parking lot. Is it because my brain struggles to reconcile the rotational motion with the concept of forward and backward movement? Perhaps incorporating a push/pull action would be more intuitive.

The Irresistible Pull of Relaxation

Regardless, when experiencing the actual vehicle, the manufacturer's intent in offering a specific value is clear, and one is undeniably drawn into its world.up!While I find compact, functional cars like the "up!" appealing, I also feel an irresistible pull towards the relaxation that the Range Rover offers—a sense that invigorates the spirit and fills life with vitality.

At first glance, some might think it's a mere continuation of the concept with no significant changes. However, it is undoubtedly the most outstanding vehicle in the SUV category. Preserving the values that have always defined the Range Rover might, in itself, represent the most significant transformation.

Land Rover Range Rover
Body Dimensions | Length 5,005 x Width 1,985 x Height 1,865 mm
Wheelbase | 2,920 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 1,695 / 1,690 mm
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 1,690 / 1,685 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 220mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 6.1 meters
Trunk Capacity | 909-2,030 liters + 550 liters under cover
Weight |
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 2,350 kg
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 2,520 kg
Engine |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 4,999cc V8 DOHC Supercharged with Variable Valve Timing
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 4,999cc V8 DOHC with Variable Valve Timing
Maximum Output |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 375kW (510ps) / 6,500 rpm
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 276kW (375ps) / 6,500rpm
Maximum Torque |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 625Nm / 2,500-5,500 rpm
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 510Nm / 3,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Front Suspension | Cross-link electronic air suspension, MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension | Cross-link electronic air suspension, double wishbone
Tires |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 275/45R21
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 255/55R20
(Autobiography) 275/40R22
0-100km/h Acceleration |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 5.4 seconds
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 6.8 seconds
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 5.3 km/L
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 5.8 km/L
CO2 Emissions |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) 322g/km
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) 299g/km
Price |
(5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE) ¥14,900,000
(5.0 V8 VOGUE) ¥12,300,000
(Autobiography) ¥16,700,000
* Items not specified are the same as the 5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED VOGUE for the Autobiography.