Crafting a Unique Worldview Without Compromising Beliefs

I suspect my special feeling for this brand will never fade, no matter my age.

Range Rover. The SUV for aristocrats.

I've driven the original Range Rover, debuted in 1970, quite a bit. As well as the second-generation Range Rover, whose suspension was greatly modernized for easier on-road driving (though its reliability wasn't particularly high), and the third-generation Range Rover, which incorporated BMW's DNA and redefined the standard for luxury SUVs. Yet, no matter how much I drove them, I never lost that sense of novelty, and I always felt a sense of respect when I was behind the wheel.

This is likely related to the brand's royal warrant from the British monarchy (come to think of it, shortly after the third generation debuted, Princess Anne herself joined us for dinner at an international press event held in Scotland). It's also probably connected to the way touching the lavishly used leather and wood interior always sharpens my focus.



But for me, alongside these factors, or perhaps even more importantly, is the fact that Land Rover, the creator of the Range Rover, has continued its journey for nearly 70 years (Land Rover was founded in 1948) without losing sight of its foundation as a cross-country 4WD manufacturer.

It would be quite easy to build an SUV with a comfortable ride and good handling if one were to forget about off-road capability. However, regardless of the changing times, Land Rover has steadfastly pursued car manufacturing without compromising its beliefs or neglecting off-road performance. Yet, it has also created a unique worldview in terms of on-road performance, rivaling others in comfort and driving stability. This willingness to confront challenges, I believe, overlaps in my mind with the nobility of the British aristocracy, fostering a sense of reverence for Land Rover.

Enchanting Graceful Demeanor

Therefore, the Range Rover is the SUV of aristocrats. And every time I drive this car, I experience a special feeling.

Although I haven't driven the fourth-generation, all-new "Range Rover" as extensively as its first three predecessors, its ride comfort on public roads is undeniable and I don't feel it's inferior to its rivals.



In fact, compared to many recent premium SUVs that prioritize handling response and high-speed cornering stability, often resulting in rather firm suspensions, the Range Rover's suspension is distinctly softer, absorbing shocks from the road with a gentle embrace. Its elegant demeanor is truly captivating.

On the other hand, body roll during cornering is well-controlled, so even hard cornering feels secure. It exhibits a nimbleness that is incomparable to Range Rovers before the addition of anti-roll bars. This ride comfort, with its satisfying stroke, is a significant appeal of the Range Rover that many rivals lack.



This gentle demeanor stands in stark contrast to German cars. While preferences may vary, I certainly don't dislike the Range Rover's soft nuances. This aligns with the comfortable ride quality and the tactile feel I mentioned earlier.

Downsizing Without a Clumsy Impression

While I've discussed the suspension and interior thus far, the biggest news for the 2014 model year Range Rover is undoubtedly the adoption of the 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine.

For a long time, reducing CO2 emissions, which cause global warming, has been a major concern. In terms of automotive technology, reducing CO2 is practically the same as improving fuel efficiency. However, developing new engines that are fuel-efficient and thus environmentally friendly is a demanding task even for major manufacturers. It must have been no easy feat for Jaguar Land Rover, which produces only about one-third the volume of BMW or Mercedes.



Yet, they developed a new 3.0-liter V6 engine by removing two cylinders from their V8 5.0-liter unit, adding a powerful powertrain with a maximum output of 340 ps and 450 Nm of torque to their lineup.

This engine is also featured in the Jaguar "XF," and OPENERS has already published an impression of it. In the Range Rover as well, it delivers a silky-smooth rotational feel. Furthermore, it retains the strong acceleration from low speeds, never giving a clumsy impression.



Is this the result of its elegant design? Or perhaps it's the lineage of a royal warrant? Before I knew it, I found myself sitting upright like a British gentleman, enjoying the quiet, calm atmosphere within the Range Rover's cabin as I cruised along.

Rangerover 3.0 V6 Supercharged Vogue
Range Rover 3.0 V6 Supercharged Vogue
Body Dimensions | Length 5,005 x Width 1,985 x Height 1,865 mm
Wheelbase | 2,920 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,695 / 1,690 mm
Ground Clearance | 220 mm
Weight | 2,340 kg
Engine | 2,994 cc V6 DOHC Supercharged
Compression Ratio | 10.5 ± 0.5
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 x 89.0 mm
Max. Output | 250 kW (340 ps) / 6,500 rpm
Max. Torque | 450 Nm (45.9 kgm) / 3,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic (with CommandShift)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 255/55R20
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
Suspension Front | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, Double Wishbone
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 8.5 km/l
Min. Turning Radius | 6.1 m
Seating Capacity | 5 persons
Price | 12,650,000 yen

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