VITAL STATISTICS engine power torque 0-100km/h top speed transmission driven wheels fuel consumption co2 emissions kerb weight fuel tank

SPEED MACHINE 4,395cc twin turbocharged V8 530PS at 5,500-6,000rpm 750Nm at 1,800-4,600rpm 4.6 seconds 250km/h 8-speed automatic with paddle-shifters All (combined) 11.4 litres/100km 259g/km (combined) 1,400kg 90 litres

and there wasn’t any reluctance during directional changes from what is undeniably a heavy 2.6-tonne vehicle. I braked earlier as I entered sharper corners, then applied the throttle as the road straightened, and I found that the SUV could hustle, with speed and control.

This composure boils down to a combination of a 50 per cent stiffer body structure (compared to its predecessor), and the new rear-wheel steering system. These make the Range Rover immensely satisfying to drive swiftly, and smoothly, while maintaining a sense of peace and comfort.

Speaking of swiftness, the First Edition P530 is the most powerful variant available. Propelled by a Bmw-sourced 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 530PS and 750Nm on tap as well as a rumbling soundtrack, this SUV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a ridiculously scant 4.6 seconds. To put things into perspective, a Porsche 718 Cayman tips the scales at almost half the Range Rover’s weight yet it takes half-a-second more to complete the same sprint.

The uneventful way the SUV devours asphalt borders on the absurd. In one instance, I found myself overtaking a row of cars travelling at around 80km/h, in a flash, with two flicks of the paddle shifter to drop a couple of gears, followed by a firm prod of the loud pedal. The enjoyment I got for doing this is quite intoxicating and I really had to reign in my enthusiasm for fear of losing my licence.

As part of the test drive, there were a few, short off-road jaunts but these were dry trails with mild terrain that didn’t really test the Range Rover’s consummate all-terrain capabilities. There is one thing these tight roads aptly demonstrated – the amazing 11m turning circle diameter, courtesy of the above-mentioned rear-wheel steering. This is about the same as a Honda Civic or Mini One 5-Door, and I am sure it will reduce a little of the stress of manoeuvring around tight spaces.

Overall, my first impressions of the new Range Rover First Edition P530 are that it affords a heady mix of calm, comfort and luxury that few of its competitors can come close to at the moment. This SUV is extremely impressive, and it makes any journey, short or long, feel less stressful than just about any other vehicle I can think of – including the previous-generation Range Rover, which by today’s standards is still extremely good.

When the new Range Rover is officially launched in Singapore (around the time this story is published), two petrol engine variants will be available – the P530 and lesser powered P400 (3-litre, in-line 6 cylinders with 400PS and 550Nm). There will also be the option to purchase a seven-seat version with three rows of seats, a first for the Range Rover. While I cannot wait for these SUVS to appear on our shores, the ones that I am extremely excited about are the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants that will give up to 113km of electric-only running. Then, in 2024, the fully electric Range Rover will make its worldwide premiere, and that will most definitely feel the most modern and luxurious of the lot.