2022 Range Rover LWB Autobiography, Track Test

Say what you will about the Range Rover, but there’s no mistaking that it’s one of the most recognizable vehicles out on the road today. In its fifth generation now, the Range Rover was the first luxury SUV to be mass-produced, and even today, it is massively popular all over the world. Of course, the design of the latest car can be a bit divisive, for it’s more of an evolution of the older generation rather than a radical redesign, a clean break from the past. But, given the success of the older model, I think the manufacturer decided that there was no need to rock the boat and take an unnecessary risk. And so, the new Range Rover looks similar to the old one but features enough changes to give it a distinctive identity, such as sleek taillights, flush door handles, and dual roof-mounted antennas.

Of course, the bigger changes are inside, which now sports a minimalistic look – most of the controls are now available through a floating 13.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, which looks quite good. Overall, the space inside the car has also improved, while the quality and design levels are now much higher than before. I particularly love the solid aluminium door handles, which look regal and feature enough heft to make you realise that you’re driving something special.

Dynamically, too, the Range Rover has made a quantum jump, which is quite evident both on the track and the road. Despite our test car being the long-wheelbase variant, the Range Rover felt light on its feet – it was a lot more sporty and agile than the last-gen car. The air suspension works brilliantly in all kinds of road conditions. Even with the smallest 3.0-litre power plant, the power delivery is fantastic – you always feel that it has more than enough power. In fact, the combination of the engine and gearbox was especially praised by the jury, given how well-tuned it is and how effortlessly it powers the SUV.

Of course, there are a few shortcomings to the SUV. For one, its 5.25-metre size can be a handful in urban traffic. But I think what works against the Range Rover the most is its exorbitant price – it demands over ₹3 crores –  which makes it accessible only to a few. Sure, it was one of the most desirable cars in our test but also one of the most expensive.

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