The fifth generation Range Rover offers a set of unique SU-VIP attributes for those who can afford them. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

So many cars claim to be unique but the Range Rover really is, continuing to set the standard in the super-luxury SUV sector. This MK5 model is larger and more sophisticated than its previous generation predecessor, as well as being smarter looking and higher-tech. It's also still unrivalled off road too. More significantly perhaps, new technology makes it better on tarmac. And it's also much more economical than you might expect, thanks to mild hybrid and Plug-in hybrid engine tech. The key qualities remain though, this aluminium-bodied luxury SUV finally good enough to properly combine the imperious qualities of a top luxury saloon with off piste abilities that would be limited only by the skills of its driver. A Rolls Royce in the rough, there's nothing quite like it.

Background

This isn't just a new fifth generation Range Rover: it's the beginning of a new Land Rover era. Which is appropriate because the very first Range Rover signalled just such a thing at its launch back in 1970. Just over half a century on, this MK5 design sets the template for the brand's new electric era that'll see full-battery versions of each of its models available before the end of the decade - starting with a full-EV Range Rover in 2024. Before that though, right now, there are mild hybrid and PHEV plug-in engine options available as part of a model line that's been completely redesigned, upgraded and updated following a five year, seven million hour testing programme. Don't be fooled, in other words, by the familiar-looking front end. The car now sits on a completely new 'MLA-Flex' platform that's 80% aluminium; and as before, there are short and long wheelbase body styles, the latter now with a 7-seat option for the first time. Lots to talk about then.

Driving Experience

First, we need to brief you on the key dynamic changes with this fifth generation model - and there are several. Arguably the primary difference comes with the all-new 'MLA-Flex' platform this L460 model sits on, which offers a vast 50% static torsional rigidity improvement over the previous model. Combine that with the freshly-added Roll Stability Control system and the result is a huge difference in the way the car pitches through the turns. Of course it's still nowhere near Range Rover Sport-like - it isn't intended to be. But you'll feel far more confident about pressing on through the corners in this car, should the need arise to do so. And you'll be further aided in this by the standard addition of active All Wheel Steering, which stabilises corner turn-in; and has the added benefit at low speeds of tightening the turning circle - to just 11.37-metres (the same as a small family hatch); this is due to the way the system can pitch the rear wheels to oppose the fronts at up to 7.3-degrees. All the powerplants on offer are still paired with a silky-smooth 8-speed auto gearbox and the best 4x4 system by far. And all deliver cruising refinement still unequalled in the class, even by the Bentley Bentayga. We can't help feeling that the best powerplant choice here is still an old school six cylinder diesel. There remain two, both now 48V mild hybrid-assisted, the D300 and the D350, those figures denoting the horsepower generated in each case. Both variants can tow impressively - up to 3.5-tonnes. As can the two rarely-chosen mild hybrid 4.4-litre V8 petrol models, the P530 and the P615, these thirsty engines only available with the two most exclusive trim levels and able to spirit this huge SUV to 62mph in around four and a half seconds. Units like that aren't long for this world. But at the same time, many in that world still aren't quite ready for the full-EV Range Rover that the company was preparing itself to launch at the time of this test. Hence the importance of the improvements made to the PHEV model we tried. This L460 design's PHEV powertrain is completely different to anything we've seen from this model line before, pairing a six cylinder 3.0-litre petrol unit and a 141bhp electric motor with a 38.2kWh battery offering up to 75 miles of EV range. As before, there are three PHEV-specific drive settings - 'Hybrid', 'EV' and 'Save'. With 'Hybrid' engaged, you can access full system power, which is 460hp in the case of the P460e model, enough to dispatch 62mph in 5.7s en route to 140mph. The alternative P550e variant improves those figures to 5.0s and 150mph. Since this is a Range Rover, we must finish with a few words on off road prowess. As usual, there's selectable low range capability and the centre monitor has a '4x4-I' section that allows you to separately lock the front and rear differentials for really gnarly tracks. On all variants, there's the brand's usual 'Terrain Response 2' tech offering different drive modes for challenging surfaces.

Design and Build

From a front or profile cursory glance, you might dismiss this fifth generation design as merely a gentle evolution of what went before. That's intentional. The stylists wanted traditional Range Rover styling cues - the 'floating' roof, the clamshell bonnet, the short overhangs and the rising shoulder line - to stay intact on both short and long wheelbase versions of this design. But both are very different at the back, which gains a large gloss black panel incorporating vertical brake lights at the side and indicators in a bar across the top, all of it invisible when not in use. Expect this to become a signature look for smaller models in the line-up. Up front, each headlight contains 1.2 million individual mirrors reflecting light from a rear mounted mirror. At the side, there are the pop-out door handles we first saw on the Velar. It's all different inside too, the front of cabin dominated by a huge 13.1-inch 'floating' 'Pivi Pro' central infotainment screen with haptic feedback that gives access to 90% of functions in a couple of presses. While smartphone-mirroring, Amazon Alexa speech recognition and capacity for over-the-air updates are all built in. This is complemented by 13.7-inch instrument monitor and an uprated head-up display. In the rear, more screens can be fitted - a pair of 11.4-inch touchscreens for media and an 8.0-inch touch control panel for ventilation. Top long wheelbase models get the option of a limo-like two-chair back seat arrangement with larger 13.1-inch twin media screens. Thanks to a 75mm increase in the short wheelbase model's body length (to well over 5 metres), legroom is significantly improved. The long wheelbase version has 200mm of extra length between its axles and can offer over a metre of legroom. Plus, for the first time, this lengthier version can offer a third row seating option - and those rearmost chairs are capable of comfortably accommodating six foot adults. 'Dry'-spec boot capacity in the 5-seat Standard Wheelbase model is 818-litres to the window line, rising to 1841-litres with the seats folded.

Market and Model

As we reviewed this car in Autumn 2024, pricing was starting from just over £104,000 for the least expensive Standard Wheelbase model, with prices stretching up well beyond £160,000 at the very top of the line-up. There are now three body shapes. The Standard Wheelbase model can be had with all four of the available trim levels - 'SE', 'HSE', the 'Autobiography' version and top 'SV'. With the Long Wheelbase five-seat derivative, you're restricted to 'Autobiography' and 'SV'; and with the Long Wheelbase seven-seat variant, it's 'HSE' and 'Autobiography'. If, quite understandably, you conclude that there's nothing quite like a Range Rover, then you might be gratified to find that this model comes a bit better equipped these days. All variants these days get Electronic Air Suspension with All-Wheel Steering and, for off piste use, Land Rover's All Terrain Progress Control, Terrain Response 2 and Low traction launch systems. As for luxury items, well across the line-up, you get a fixed panoramic glass roof, Pixel LED headlights, perforated 'Windsor' leather upholstery, front fog lamps and all the usual executive niceties. Including the WiFi-enabled 13.1-inch 'Pivi Pro' central touchscreen with its wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' systems. There's also a soft door close system, 3-Zone climate control, a powered steering column, a 3D Surround Camera system, a Park Assist set-up that steers you into spaces, keyless entry and Adaptive Cruise Control. Mid-level 'HSE' trim replaces the base model's 21-inch alloy wheels with larger 22-inch rims and adds a 3D Meridian Surround Sound System, softer semi-aniline leather upholstery and gesture control for the tailgate. The 'Autobiography' variant has a sliding function for the panoramic roof, fancier diamond-turned 22-inch wheels, Digital LED headlights and a further upgraded Meridian Signature Sound System. Top 'SV' versions open up access to some of the most unique detailing, paint, finishing and individualisation options; and add 'hot stone' massaging for the front seats and individual 'Executive Class Comfort Plus' rear seats at the back.

Cost of Ownership

This might be the most economical Range Rover line-up ever made but buying one still won't get you installed on the Greenpeace Christmas card list. Add on a few options and it could easily end up weighing over two and a half tonnes, which makes the improved 38.2mpg combined cycle fuel figure and 194g/km CO2 return boasted by the D300 and D350 diesel MHEV models all the more impressive. The P530 and P615 V8 petrol flagship variants are in quite a different league of course; with these the official equivalent stats are around 25mpg and a best of 256g/km. All variants are aided by an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system which can decouple the front axle on-road between 21mph and 100mph to enhance efficiency, this reducing emissions by up to 4g/km. For real frugality, you'll need to talk to your dealer about the six cylinder petrol-electric Plug-in hybrid model, which has a 38.2kWh battery (31.8kWh usable) which can manage up to 75 miles on each charge - real world range is more like 50 miles and the CO2 figure is up to 17g/km, with an official combined cycle fuel figure of up to 448.4mpg (expect more like 35mpg in the real world). Rapid charging capability of up to 50kW is included, which means an 80% charge will occupy 40 minutes. Use a 7.4kW home wallbox and a full charge will take around five hours. There's a choice of full-electric mode, plus a default Hybrid setting and a 'Save' option, which defers electric charge for when you might need it later in your trip.

Summary

From princes to politicians, from rock gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a more diverse group of customers than any other car. As you'd expect it would. This is, after all, far more than just the world's finest luxury SUV, instead unchallenged as four vehicles within one - an everyday luxury saloon, a weekend leisure vehicle, a high-performance long distance private jet and a working cross-country conveyance. Such perfection doesn't come without a price, in origin or in ownership. Or without compromise - in poorer handling for example against, say, a super saloon. And in tighter rear cabin space against, say, a luxury limousine. Perhaps that's why you've never considered one of these. And if so, consider this. Thanks to its enhanced aluminium underpinnings, four-wheel steering system and anti-roll set-up, this fifth generation version is now sharper to drive. While being ravishing in the rear and (potentially) vastly more efficient and affordable to run. It is, in short, a very different proposition. Drive it through a river, drive it to the opera: it's as happy either way, beautifully built, gorgeously finished and astonishingly quick. True, this car is never quite going to be all things to all people but it has perhaps moved as close to fulfilling that remit as any modern car is ever likely to get. Makes you proud to be British doesn't it.

Body Glass

Heated rear window

Heated washer jets

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Acoustic laminated windscreen

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti trap

Winter wiper park position

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Electronic brake force distribution

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Electronic parking brake

Roll stability control

Low traction launch

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Emergency braking

Brake hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Ebony Carpet

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive dynamics

Terrain Response 2 Auto

All terrain progress control

Automatic access height

Active damper technology system

Communication

Android Auto

Apple car play

Wi-Fi Enabled with data plan

Wireless device charging with phone signal booster

Remote

Bluetooth connectivity streaming

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Eco mode

Blind spot assist

All wheel steering

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Front and rear parking aid

Rear traffic monitor

Electric power assisted steering (EPAS)

Rear collision monitor

Park assist

3D surround camera inc frwd traffic detection,vehicle clearance guidance,3D view,clearsight ground view,manoevure light,360 parking aid,wade sensing

Driver Information

All Terrain Info Centre

Interactive driver display

Emergency call service

13.1" Touchscreen

Driver condition response

Driving Mirrors

Power fold, auto-dimming, heated door mirrors with approach lights

Side repeater indicators in mirror

Embellishment Trims

Noble chrome controls

Engine

Home charging cable 5m Mode 2 including plugs

Public charging cable 5m Mode 2 including plugs

Entertainment

USB socket

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Pivi pro including smart settings, Connected navigation pro, nuance speech

Exterior Body Features

Flush deployable exterior door handles

Engine cover

Front and rear recovery eyes

No badges

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Illuminated aluminum treadplates with Range Rover script

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Automatic headlights

LED tail lights

Rear fog lights

Headlamp power wash

Centre high mounted stop light

Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL

Animated directional indicators

Automatic levelling headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air quality sensor

Interior Features

Rear centre armrest

Heated steering wheel

Front and rear cupholders

Gearshift paddles

Soft close doors

Multifunction steering wheel

Bright metal pedals

Customer configurable single point entry

12V power sockets

Driver and passenger front seat armrests

Front and rear grab handles

Easy boot loading

Luggage tie down in loadspace

Upper and lower glovebox

Hook in load space

Interior Lights

Loadspace light

Cabin lighting

Packs

Online pack with data plan - Range Rover

Safety

Front side airbags

Customer configurable autolock

Front airbags with passenger seat occupant detector

Power operated child locks

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

3x3 point rear seat belts

Occupant protection assist

Seats

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear ISOFIX

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Keyless entry

Intrusion sensor and alarm

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

Twin speed transfer box

8 speed automatic transmission

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Vehicle Charging

7 kW onboard charger

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 900

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 40

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 38.2

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 118

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 118

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 109

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 73.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 67.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 73.3

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 31.8

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 20

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

CC: 2996

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.75

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.75

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 375.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 375.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 324.4

General

Coin Series: SE

Coin Description: P460e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 72

NCAP Safety Assist %: 82

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 460

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.5

Top Speed: 140

Engine Power - BHP: 460

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 338

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/45 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 275/45 R21

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 5112

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5052

Width: 2047

Wheelbase: 2997

Width (including mirrors): 2209

Height: 1870

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2695

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3480

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 71.5

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 785

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1093

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1976

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Non heated windscreen

Brakes

Black brake calipers

Communication

Personal customer handover experience

Driver Convenience

Garage door opener (Homelink)

Driver Information

Head up Display

Driving Mirrors

ClearSight interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Natural ecru walnut veneer

Gloss grand black veneer

Natural black birch veneer

Natural black birch veneer when bought with SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel

Natural brown walnut veneer when bought with SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel

Natural ecru walnut veneer when bought with SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel

Entertainment

11.4" Rear seat entertainment system

Meridian 800W 3D surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Premium metallic paint

Black contrast roof

Sliding panoramic sunroof includes and auto sunblind

SV bespoke special effect gloss finish paint

SV bespoke special effect satin finish paint

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss finish paint

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin finish paint

Interior Features

Perforated Semi-Aniline leather upholstery

Ebony morzine headlining

Domestic plug socket

Premium non-leather steering wheel

SV bespoke wood and leather steering wheel for gloss veneers

Duo tone Ebony/Caraway headlining

Duo tone Ebony/Deep garnet headlining

Tailgate event suite

Tailgate event suite with leather cushions

Perforated Ultrafabrics and Kvadrat premium wool blend textile seats

Premium non leather upgrade

SV bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Deep garnet with Deep garnet interior

SV bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Perlino with Perlino interior

SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Windsor Leather - Perlino with Perlino interior

SV bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Caraway with caraway interior

SV bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Ebony with Ebony interior

SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Windsor Leather - Ebony and Ebony interior

SV Bespoke wood and leather steering wheel when bought with Perforated Windsor Leather - Caraway with caraway interior

Packs

First and second row smoker's pack - Range Rover

Shadow exterior pack - Range Rover

Premium upgrade interior pack - Range Rover

Advanced off-road capability pack - Range Rover

Convenience pack - Range Rover SE

Towing pack with Advanced tow assist - Range Rover

Comfort pack - Range Rover SE

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Eiger grey

Metallic - Hakuba silver

Metallic - Belgravia green

Metallic - Varesine blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Ionian silver

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Amethyst grey purple

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Petrolix blue

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Sunset gold

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Tourmaline brown

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Velocity blue

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Ionian silver

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Sunset gold

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Tourmaline brown

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Velocity blue

Premium metallic - Charente grey

Premium metallic - Batumi gold

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Ethereal frost silver

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Flux silver

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Ethereal frost silver

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Flux silver

SV bespoke special effect paint in gloss finish - Icy white

SV bespoke special effect paint in satin finish - Icy white

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - British Racing Green

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - British Racing Green

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Constellation blue

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Obsidian black

SV bespoke ultra metallic satin - Obsidian black

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - UNV Marl grey

Premium metallic - Ostuni pearl white

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Constellation blue (1LC)

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - Flux silver (1LE)

SV bespoke ultra metallic gloss - UNV Obsidian black (1MK)

Safety

First aid kit

Illuminated seat belt buckles

Seats

20-way heated and ventilated electric front seats with power recline heated rear seats

20-way heated and ventilated electric front seats with power recline heated and ventilated rear seats

24-way heated and cooled, massage electric front seats with power recline heated and ventilated rear seats

24-way heated and cooled, massage electric front seats with Executive Class rear seats

Security

Secure tracker pro

Trim - Leather

Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Caraway with Caraway interior

Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Deep garnet with Deep garnet interior

Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Ebony with Ebony interior

Perforated Semi Aniline Leather - Perlino with Perlino interior

Perforated Windsor Leather - Caraway with Caraway interior

Perforated Windsor Leather - Ebony with Ebony interior

Perforated Windsor Leather - Perlino with Perlino interior

Trim - Part Leather

Perforated Ultrafabrics and Kvadrat - Ebony with Ebony interior

Wheels - Alloy

21" diamond turned with gloss dark grey contrast alloy wheels - Style 7021

22" SV Bespoke diamond turned with satin black contrast alloy wheels - Style 1072

22" Diamond turned with gloss dark grey contrast alloy wheels - Style 1073

22" Gloss black alloy wheels - Style 1073

22" Diamond turned with gloss black contrast alloy wheels - Style 7023

22" Diamond turned satin dark grey contrast alloy wheels - Style 5127

20" Alloy wheels with sparkle silver finish - Style 7020

22" Alloy wheels with sparkle silver finish - Style 7023

Wheels - Spare

20" full size alloy spare wheel

21" full size alloy spare wheel

22" full size alloy spare wheel

Reduced section alloy spare wheel

Tyre repair system