Used Land Rover Range Rover Review (2012-2021) MK4
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Super comfortable
- Range of engines to choose from
- Bundles of advanced equipment
- Can feel bulky when completing manoeuvres
- Most powerful variants are thirsty
- Pricier than rivals
What's the Range Rover like?
Range Rovers have the astonishing capability to go almost anywhere, but few owners are likely to risk their expensive pride and joy in anything other than a muddy field.
I've never owned one - much though I would like to - but I have driven many of these magnificent machines on-road - where they're superbly cossetting and very quick.
And I have also driven them off-road over some of the most testing terrain in the country.
With a Land Rover expert in the passenger seat, I once navigated one on ordinary road tyres through the amazing mud, ruts and deep water of an army tank proving ground in Hampshire. It didn't hesitate even once.
Driving Experience
But people don't drive such big SUVs because they're capable in the rough, they drive them because they can, because of the imperious driving position that gives such a good all-round view.
And they drive a Range Rover because of its unsurpassed presence out on the road.
They're as good as most limousines, just as well equipped and the Sport models handle well through the corners without detracting from their comfort.
Engines
The Range Rover and Sport built from 2013 to the present have a choice of three petrol and five diesel engines, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
One of the petrol engines - the P400e - is a plug-in hybrid capable of 73 miles per gallon economy and very low emissions from a 2.0-litre engine and electric motor together producing 398bhp.
There is also a self-charging 3.0-litre diesel electric that's capable of 45mpg, and three versions of the same engine without electric assistance capable of between 40 and 29mpg.
Quickest and thirstiest is the supercharged 5.0-litre V8, which is glorious to drive and can reach 60mph from a standstill in just 5.1 seconds. But economy is likely to be 18 to 20mpg.
The other petrol engines are only just over a second slower and the diesels a little slower again.
Equipment
All have Land Rover's Adaptive Dynamics electronic control system for the standard air suspension, that continually adjusts, automatically adapting for road and driving conditions, and always giving the best body control and comfort.
The way it handles is a revelation for a largeish 4x4, with wonderfully informative steering, and great poise and safety through the corners.
Peter Hayward
There is even a long wheelbase version with vast rear legroom and options including a fridge and electrically adjustable seats with massage built-in.
All are light to manoeuvre in the car park, but the driver is always aware of the bulk.
And should you have to tow a horsebox out of a muddy field, it will do so with ease. The Terrain Response system can automatically adapt to different surfaces like gravel, ice and snow, mud or grass, controlling grip and traction plus response to the accelerator.
The interiors are sumptuous, as you would expect, with everything that most owners could ever want coming as standard. And there has long been a list of personalisation options that will have been plundered by the original owner.
Most will have electric heated leather seats, traction control, sat nav, TV, climate, cruise, heated windscreen, alloys, parking sensors, loads of airbags and all the latest electronic safety devices.
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The Land Rover Range Rover is the epitome of luxury, offering a refined driving experience and a top-quality cabin. The range of engines available, as well as its superb off-roading ability, allow the Range Rover to meet a variety of needs.
