Discovering the Range Rover's Prowess at a Snow Resort

We drove the Range Rover around the snowy terrain of Shiga Kogen in Nagano. Shiga Kogen is a premier snow resort, bustling with skiers on weekends. Mt. Yakebitai, our destination, is also one of Japan's leading ski resorts, having hosted the slalom events of the Nagano Olympics. Jaguar Land Rover Japan organized a test drive event there, considering it the perfect setting to showcase their products' exceptional off-road capabilities.

After alighting from the Shinkansen at Nagano Station, we took a bus to our hotel. As we gained altitude, the amount of snow on the roads gradually increased, and the area around our destination was completely covered in packed snow. Thanks to an early and ample snowfall this season, most of the ski slopes in this region did not require the use of snow-making machines.

Range Rover Vogue

Range Rover Vogue

First, let's look at the current Range Rover lineup. While previous generations had a simpler grade structure, the current model offers two grades: "Vogue" and "Autobiography." The Vogue can be equipped with either a 3-liter V6 supercharged engine or a 5-liter V8 supercharged engine, while the Autobiography comes exclusively with the 5-liter V8 supercharged engine.

Additionally, the 3-liter V6 supercharged Vogue and the Autobiography are available in both SWB (Standard Wheelbase) and LWB (Long Wheelbase) configurations. Furthermore, at the pinnacle of the range is the "Autobiography Black" (LWB only), the most luxurious grade.

Range Rover Vogue 5.0 V8 SC SWB

The first vehicle we drove was the SWB Range Rover Vogue 5.0 V8 SC (¥15,530,000). Although I had test-driven the current Range Rover, introduced to Japan the year after its 2012 debut, numerous times, it still has the power to make the driver feel a sense of luxury from the moment they step inside.

The interior design is logical and well-organized, but where does that warm, uniquely British atmosphere, distinct from German, Japanese, or American cars, come from? It must be in the way the leather and wood are used, a secret recipe perhaps.

Range Rover Vogue

We drove on the packed snow-covered public roads. No matter how much we drove, nothing out of the ordinary happened. Simply engaging the drive mode and operating the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes as usual, the car drove gently and comfortably. I almost wished for a little slip and a few 'oops' moments, given that we came for a snow-driving test.—Such relaxed thoughts only serve to highlight the advanced technology of the Range Rover.

An Excellent Secretary Unfazed by Moguls

The fact that a vehicle weighing significantly over two tons can accelerate, turn, and stop properly on snow is a testament to its advanced engineering. The new generation Terrain Response system automatically adjusts to the road conditions in Auto mode, but it's the unsung hero working diligently behind the scenes.

In essence, it constantly optimizes front-to-rear torque distribution, applies brakes only to the necessary wheels to reduce oversteer/understeer, and even controls the vehicle height when needed. While even a Range Rover cannot defy the laws of physics when overspeeding, as long as that is kept in mind, it offers top-tier snow-driving performance for a passenger car.

The 12-inch TFT LCD instrument panel on the Range Rover Vogue can instantly display various driving information.

Land Rover's proprietary "Terrain Response" technology, which optimally controls the powertrain and chassis according to road conditions, has evolved to its second generation. In addition to modes for on-road, sand, and rocky terrain, an Auto function has been added.

The importer was well aware that it would be difficult to fully appreciate the Range Rover's capabilities on public roads alone, so they prepared a course with snowdrifts several meters high and moguls in a spacious area.

Steep descents are the most challenging part of driving on snow, but with Hill Descent Control, which manages braking, anyone can safely descend. While many other vehicles are equipped with this feature, the Range Rover also includes Gradient Release Control.

This feature slowly releases the brakes when the driver lifts their foot off the pedal, which is useful on moguls or rocky terrain where sudden movements should be avoided.

Furthermore, the air suspension has a cross-linking function that maintains the extended state of one side when the other compresses, compensating for the weakness of independent suspension systems where both tires can sink and hit the road. The Range Rover is equipped with countless such large and small features, though they are not always detailed in brochures.

The tires worn on the day were all-season type.

A capable secretary discreetly makes all the necessary preparations, allowing their boss to feel competent. In this regard, the Range Rover can be considered a capable secretary. The boss, the driver, only needs to enjoy the drive. However, this secretary is a bit of a glutton, so you need to refuel it frequently.

Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8 SC LWB

After concluding our coverage around Shiga Kogen, we headed for Tokyo in the Range Rover "Autobiography 5.0 V8 SC" (¥18,300,000). The "Autobiography" is the top-tier grade of the flagship Range Rover. Moreover, this model features a 200mm longer wheelbase than the already spacious Range Rover, making it an LWB. It also offers optional rear executive class seats, accommodating four people. It is equipped with luxurious individual rear seats, and the sunroof, audio system, and reclining can be controlled via switches on the center console between the seats.

Stretched sedans are common, but a stretched SUV is a novel concept. Viewed from the side, it might resemble a giant dachshund, but overall, it's quite well-executed. While we couldn't get a clear explanation for the addition of the LWB, given that it aims to combine the ultimate off-road capability with the ultimate luxury in one vehicle, it might have been born from the requests of royalty, perhaps an Arab prince wearing a keffiyeh.

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography

Honestly, I wanted to have the editorial staff drive the entire route while I closed my eyes and focused on testing the executive class seats, as if I were sleeping. But that wouldn't allow me to write the article, so I decided to save that pleasure for the highway portion and drive myself through the initial snow-covered winding roads.

The view from the driver's seat and the various controls are no different from the SWB. The only noticeable difference is that the rear seats appear a bit further away in the rearview mirror. When driving, the powerful 5-liter V8 supercharged engine and the comfortable ride provided by the air suspension are unmistakably Range Rover.

The Feeling Evoked by the Executive Class Seats

Given its dimensions, I expected the handling to be somewhat sluggish. However, despite its dachshund-like appearance, it maintained the same agile and precise handling as the standard version on the mountain roads.

Checking the vehicle inspection certificate, the front and rear weight distribution is almost perfectly balanced at 50:50. This might explain its agile maneuverability despite a wheelbase exceeding three meters. However, with a total weight of 2,620 kg (1,320 kg front, 1,300 kg rear), it is undeniably a heavyweight. Its off-road capability on snow was also sufficient, easily navigating the special course driven by the SWB.

At a service area on the Joshinetsu Expressway, I finally handed over the driving duties. Settling into the rear seat, I reclined the backrest, rested my left elbow on the center console and my right on the door armrest, extended my legs, and instructed, "Proceed." The comfort of the rear seat in this tall limousine is superb. The elevated eye level is also a novel experience.

To be precise about the ride comfort, perhaps due to the winter tires or an issue with this specific unit, it wasn't the most comfortable rear seat experience I've had in a current Range Rover; I occasionally felt a strong jolt. However, given that this was a test drive of several hours, including snow driving, I hesitate to make a definitive judgment.

At the test drive venue, we also had the opportunity to drive the Range Rover Evoque. With its on-demand four-wheel-drive system and nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivered a performance that belied its status as Land Rover's most compact model.

Spending some time in the rear, I realized there's a unique, privileged "feeling" that only occupants of the LWB's executive class seats can experience. It's an immense "sense of security" and "trust" that, despite being seated in such comfortable seats, you could still cross a river up to 900mm deep or traverse a rocky section where walking is difficult. Whether you actually venture into such situations is irrelevant. The important thing is the knowledge that you *can*.

Undoubtedly, the LWB Autobiography with the executive class seat specification is the most luxurious Range Rover, and by extension, the most luxurious SUV available.

Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Vogue Standard Wheelbase
Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Vogue Standard Wheelbase
Body Dimensions | Length 5,005 × Width 1,985 × Height 1,865 mm
Wheelbase | 2,920 mm
Tread Front / Rear | 1,690 / 1,685 mm
Ground Clearance | 220 mm
Weight | 2,550 kg
Engine | 4,999 cc V8 DOHC Supercharged
Compression Ratio | 9.5
Bore x Stroke | 92.5 x 93.0 mm
Max. Output | 375 kW (510 ps) / 6,500 rpm
Max. Torque | 625 Nm (63.8 kgm) / 2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic (with CommandShift)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 275/45R21
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs
Suspension Front | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, MacPherson Struts
Suspension Rear | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, Double Wishbone
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 7.4 km/ℓ
Min. Turning Radius | 6.1 m
Seating Capacity | 5
Price | ¥15,530,000

Land Rover Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography Long Wheelbase
Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography Long Wheelbase
Body Dimensions | Length 5,205 × Width 1,985 × Height 1,865 mm
Wheelbase | 3,120 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,690 / 1,685 mm
Ground Clearance | 220 mm
Weight | 2,620 kg
Engine | 4,999 cc V8 DOHC Supercharged
Compression Ratio | 9.5
Bore x Stroke | 92.5 x 93.0 mm
Max. Output | 375 kW (510 ps) / 6,500 rpm
Max. Torque | 625 Nm (63.8 kgm) / 2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic (with CommandShift)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 275/45R21
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs
Suspension Front | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, MacPherson Struts
Suspension Rear | Electronically Controlled Air Suspension, Double Wishbone
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 7.4 km/ℓ
Min. Turning Radius | 6.4 m
Seating Capacity | 4
Price | ¥18,300,000

Land Rover Call
0120-18-5568(Excluding weekends and holidays, 9:00-18:00)