Cool, poised, and with just the right amount of flash, the Range Rover Evoque hasn’t lost an ounce of its magnetism since its debut back in 2011.

Now in its second generation, with a gentle facelift in 2023, the Evoque is still the sharp dresser at the SUV party, with everyone else trying to copy its collar fold.

Really, a Range Rover with a tiny engine?

Hold on to your pitchforks for just a moment. While it may seem counterintuitive at first glance, this powertrain combination actually works well.

JLR has fitted its P160 3-cylinder porker into this Evoque, and took out its all-wheel drive capabilities. The result is a front-wheel drive looker that pushes out 158bhp and 260Nm.

It might not be as fast as its all-wheel drive siblings, but the engine is electrically assisted and offers up a healthy wave of torque once you’ve coaxed it enough. Step on it, though, and the engine chugs along with a bit of a grumble.

There’s decent pace (0–100km/h in 10.3 seconds), but you’ll feel the car’s heft when cornering or braking with vigour. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is mostly slick, although it occasionally downshifts like it’s triple-checking your intent. 

It’s fantastic where it counts

Crucially, Range Rover hasn’t pretended the Evoque is sporty. It doesn’t dart around corners like a Macan, but what it does offer is composure. It soaks up bad weather and bad roads with the same kind of grace you’d expect from a car wearing a royal warrant.

Steering feel is minimal, but there’s confidence in the way the Evoque tracks through corners. In tight city lanes, the narrow body and good outward visibility (rear window aside) are worth their weight in gold. And tyre noise? Whisper quiet.

Want to take it off-road? You could. It’s got 60cm of wading depth and more clearance than any rival in its class. But let’s be honest, with front-wheel drive and the sort of people buying them, most Evoques will never see a muddy trail. Unless it’s the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve carpark after a heavy thunderstorm.

But the digital nanny strikes again

Of course, no modern SUV is complete without its suite of nanny systems. The Evoque is chock-full of them: forward collision alerts, speed limit reminders, the whole shebang. Trouble is, every time you start the car, they reset to the most aggressive settings. Imagine being nagged by your mother… every single time you leave the house. “BONG! You’re going 90 in a 70!” Cheers, mum.

Toggling them off requires touchscreen fiddling or steering wheel menus, not ideal when you’re trying to, you know, drive.

A compact SUV that stays compact

In a world where every car seems to gain an inch with each generation, the Evoque stays true to its city-slicker dimensions. And that’s great news. Because in places like central Singapore, size really does matter.

That familiar wedge shape remains, only now it’s cleaner and sharper. Panels lie as flush as pressed linen, the lights sparkle with pixel precision, and the handles hide away. It’s all rather obsessive, in the most Range Rover way possible.

But don’t mistake this for a rehash of the old. The Mk2 Evoque sits on an all-new platform, and a longer wheelbase hints at its grown-up intentions, namely better ride, more tech, and a touch more legroom for rear-seat royalty.

It’s still got that Range Rover plush. You slide in, not just climb. The seating position is just high enough to lord over traffic, but never so high that you feel like you’re piloting a commercial lorry.

Upholstery and materials are as posh as you’d expect, and the rich leather options have endured enough abrasion testing to outlive your next three smartphones.

Boot space is generous (591 litres with the seats up, 1,383 litres down), making it more cavernous than most of its German peers. There’s also smart storage throughout the cabin: big bins in the doors, a deep centre console, and a cubby beneath the armrest for your coupons and mysterious sweets from your last road trip.

And let’s not forget the gadgets. The Ground View camera system is great for threading through HDB carparks without curbing your alloys, while the digital rear-view mirror gives you eyes even when the boot is packed to the brim.

Goodbye buttons, hello screen

Now, about that facelift. Outside, the changes are minimal, but inside, it’s screens galore. The old dual-display setup has been traded for a single, curved 11.4-inch touchscreen. It looks stunning. Crisp graphics, clean layout, and just about everything you need lives inside it.

Well, almost everything. There’s just one physical control left: the gear selector. Everything else, from fan speed to heated seats, now lives in the digital world.

The system is responsive enough, and the always-visible sidebars help. But do we miss the tactile twist of a good old-fashioned knob? Yes. Yes, we do.

Offering a different sort of fun

The Range Rover Evoque still feels like the most stylish kid on the block. It might not be the roomiest, nor the sportiest, but that’s never been the point. This is a baby Range Rover with proper Range Rover manners.

If you’re looking for an SUV that’s as much about self-assurance as it is substance, the Evoque remains a class act. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It just knows it looks good doing whatever it does.

Technical Specifications

Range Rover Evoque 1.5 S

Engine: 1.5-litre in-line 3, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 158 bhp
Torque: 260 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 10.3 seconds (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 67 litres 
Fuel Economy: 12.3 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$172,888 (Standard) or S$182,888 (Premium Pack), both without COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Enter The London Collection, Range Rover’s first-ever lifestyle capsule, an eight-piece curated collection that embodies the brand’s modernist ethos while embracing London’s design culture.

Each piece draws inspiration from the marque’s distinctive design language, incorporating clean lines, premium materials, and subtle yet striking details.

The collection features reversible lightweight jackets for both men and women. These jackets, named Knightsbridge Promenade and Soho Chic, boast intricate detailing, including bespoke zip fastenings finished in Sunset Gold, a nod to Range Rover’s signature paintwork. 

The collection also includes two 100% silk twill scarves, About Town and Chelsea Blossom, each handcrafted in Europe by master artisans.

For those who appreciate finer home décor elements, luxury wool-cashmere mix blankets complete the collection. Woven on jacquard looms in Italy, these blankets are available in two refined shades, London Nightfall and Cream Tea, both featuring the collection’s recurring Bodyside Motif.

Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern OBE explains, “The first Range Rover collection showcases our brand expression and ethos in a new creative medium. These sophisticated pieces embody breathtaking modernity, crafted with exquisite materials and timeless craftsmanship.”

“We are expanding the Range Rover experience beyond our automotive portfolio, knowing that our discerning customers seek deeper connections with the brands that resonate with their lifestyle,” he added.

For Martin Limpert, Managing Director for Range Rover, this collection represents a new dimension of the brand’s identity. “Our first luxury lifestyle collection embodies Range Rover’s core DNA. With Adwoa Aboah as the face of the campaign, these limited-edition pieces are designed to inspire confidence and individuality.”

Available for purchase from 19 February 2025, the collection will be showcased at selected locations and is set to pave the way for future lifestyle collaborations.

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Land Rover has always been a brand with a dual personality. On one hand, it’s the go-to for adventurers needing a vehicle capable of conquering the wildest terrains – think scaling rocky cliffs, fording rivers, or crossing the Sahara.

On the other hand, it’s often spotted in the driveways of football stars and celebrities.

But just because some Range Rovers are more likely to see the streets of Beverly Hills than the outback, doesn’t mean they lack substance. The Range Rover has a loyal fanbase that borders on the fanatic.

Whether they need its formidable capabilities or not, people are drawn to it, charmed by its blend of luxury and ruggedness. It’s the kind of car that creates serial owners, or at the very least, a deep-seated yearning to one day have one parked in the garage.

The Range Rover is also one of those rare vehicles that seem to defy the usual rules of the automotive industry. The previous model launched back in 2012, and even a decade later, it was still ticking all the boxes for its discerning, high-end clientele. That’s no small feat in an era where trends change faster than you can say “luxury SUV”.

But then you catch a glimpse of the new Range Rover (and only in its fifth generation, mind you, in 51 years) and you realise that not even this icon is immune to the relentless march of progress.

Technology and connectivity have become as crucial as horsepower and leather seats. And, of course, there’s the looming reality of climate change, which is no longer just a topic for debate but a pressing issue that demands attention, even from a brand as storied as Land Rover.

Thus, this plug-in hybrid variant was born, and it’s ready to meet the future head-on.

Smooth as silk

Immediatelly from the get go, it’s clear that Land Rover is aiming squarely at the top of the luxury automotive foodchain with this one.

Built on a fresh MLA-Flex chassis, this iteration of the Range Rover is now 50% stiffer than its predecessor, thanks to strategically placed high-tensile steel.

The suspension setup is where the magic happens; the Range Rover has fully independent air suspension with a new five-link rear axle and twin-valve dampers. Those massive 22-inch wheels might send a slight tremor through the chassis on sharp impacts, but for the most part, the ride is as smooth as silk.

The electric power steering is precise but light, and the ZF automatic gearbox remains as silky as ever. While it has a certain poise and body control, this isn’t a vehicle that enjoys being pushed hard around corners.

It’s much happier when you back off and let it do what it does best – delivering a sublime ride. Comfort mode felt like the right place to be.

What about the hybrid system?

What really sets this Range Rover apart, though, is its seamless integration of a hybrid system. The transition between electric and petrol power is so smooth you’d hardly notice it.

There’s enough electric range to make a real difference, and it can charge quickly enough (at 50kW DC) to make public charging a viable option.

Even after the battery is drained, the Range Rover still manages a respectable 8.9litres/100km, which is impressive given the luxury it’s lugging around. And if you keep that battery topped up, you’ll enjoy about 80 kilometres of electric range.

Speaking of, in electric mode, it’s easy to push the throttle too hard and kick the petrol engine into action. But that’s a small trade-off for the peace of mind that comes with lower emissions and the knowledge that electric power fits the Range Rover’s character so well.

And with a combined 542bhp and 800Nm of torque on tap, lugging around that extra battery weight doesn’t feel like a chore. 

You’ll be hard pressed to find something else more comfortable 

Refinement is the name of the game here. The Range Rover cocoons you from the outside world with the kind of serenity usually reserved for a Rolls-Royce.

Advanced speaker technology, combined with the car’s inherently solid chassis, provides a revised active noise cancellation system.

It monitors wheel vibrations, mechanical noise, and tyre hum, then uses the 1,600W Meridian audio system to send out a noise-cancelling signal. Oh, and did I mention there are 35 speakers, including four hidden in the headrests? Yes, 35.

It’s a bit of a pity that Singapore’s urban jungle doesn’t offer much in the way of off-road challenges. This meant the Range Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, which automatically adjusts the various chassis settings remains untapped.

But even without the mud and rocks, this is an SUV that clearly knows its way around luxury.

This looks very posh

Indeed. The Range Rover cabin is a smorgasbord of plated metals, ceramics, mosaic marquetry, and contrasting colours.

The five-seat (though in most cases, the rear centre seat would be deployed) configuration offers a palatial amount of rear legroom, complete with massage functionality for the front folk.

Everywhere you look, the Range Rover’s interior exudes quality; there’s not a subpar switch or button in sight, save for the occasionally temperamental steering wheel controls.

The doors themselves close with a satisfying thud, and, borrowing a page from Rolls-Royce, they can even be specced with power assistance. 

Driving position is as you expect – classic Range Rover, commanding and confident. But the modernity really shows in the technology. A new electrical architecture supports over-the-air updates and manages a staggering 69 individual ECUs that can handle nearly 23,000 network messages. It’s like driving The Matrix.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa voice AI are all integrated into the upgraded version of Pivi Pro, featuring a 13.1-inch touchscreen (the largest ever in a Land Rover).

The graphics are sharp, and the user interface is generally solid, though it doesn’t quite match the intuitive nature of Mercedes’ MBUX. Haptic feedback is an option, but it can slow things down a bit, so you might prefer to switch it off.

Land Rover, like many others, has overcomplicated the climate control system with screen-only controls, removing the rotary dials that used to adorn the centre console. Though they were fiddly to use, the dials were much more intuitive than the current fingerprint-smudged screen configuration.

As for the boot, it’s spacious without being cavernous, providing 1,050 litres with the seats up. The “Executive Class rear seats” do eat into that space a bit, but it’s still more than enough for most family needs. 

It’s subtle, but still bold enough to notice

The Range Rover has shed its flashy trimmings and adopted a more refined, mature demeanor. Gone are the oversized intakes and bold bumpers, replaced by a sleek, sophisticated design that speaks with quieter confidence.

The exterior is cleaner than ever, with a smooth, almost gel-like finish that gives it a distinguished presence. Black gloss accents are thoughtfully placed throughout the exterior, enhancing its polished look. 

And yes, those two shark fin antennas perched on top aren’t just for show, Land Rover has acknowledged they’re essential to handle the growing number of wireless connections that today’s vehicles demand.

Confidence in spades

This Range Rover exudes confidence, and rightly so. It may not be as dynamic as some of its luxury SUV counterparts, but that’s not its aim. The Range Rover exists in its own realm, not concerned with proving itself beyond what’s necessary.

If you’re in the market for one, this plug-in hybrid variant is the one to get. The integration of electric power feels like it was tailor-made for the Range Rover, and you can essentially run on standalone electrical power as long as a charger is within easy access.

After 50 years of perfecting the formula, Range Rover knows how to nail the brief.

Technical Specifications

Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid

Engine: 3.0-litre In-line 6-cylinder, Twin-charged
Power: 542 hp
Torque: 800 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 5.0 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 71.5 litres
Battery Capacity: 31.8kWh

Price: S$806,888 excluding COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Land Rover Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Four distinct colour tones can be selected by prospective customers – Blue Nebula Matte, Ligurian Black Gloss, Marl Grey Gloss, and Sunrise Copper Satin.

Each theme has been curated by blending paint colourways with carbon fibre finishers and SV Performance seats.

Clients have the choice of innovative knit textiles or Windsor leather, plus exclusive branding on the front splitter, centre console, treadplates, and puddle lamps.

Inside, exclusive SV Performance Seats with integrated headrests, carbon fibre backboards, and illuminated SV logos offer comfort with heating, cooling, and massage functionality.

The redesigned steering wheel features more pronounced thumb grips, a thicker rim, and an illuminated SV Mode button. A short press puts the vehicle into SV Mode, while a long press opens the Configurable Dynamics menu.

Geraldine Ingham, Managing Director at Range Rover, said: “What makes the Range Rover Sport SV so desirable is its unique combination of dynamic performance, modern sporting luxury design, cutting-edge sensory technology, and breadth of capability.”

The Range Rover Sport SV boasts 626hp and 750Nm from its 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, clocking the century sprint in just 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 290km/h.

Such performance is supported by advanced technologies, including a sensory audio system with “wellness benefits”. Not sure why you would need those wellness benefits, but JLR has included them.

The airflow-enhanced design delivers a grounded aesthetic, with functional carbon bits throughout. For those who crave even more, specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 summer tyres extend the car’s cornering capability.

For those who wish to stand out, the Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two might be something you can probably keep in your “maybe I’ll order this” list.

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With prototypes now vigorously tested at some of the globe’s most unforgiving terrains, this vehicle is shaping up to be as audacious as it is innovative.

From the icy chills of the Arctic Circle at minus 40 degrees Celsius to the blistering heat exceeding 50 degrees in the Middle Eastern deserts, this Range Rover is being challenged to its core.

At the heart of these tests is the all-electric drivetrain, now being scrutinised under extreme conditions that would make even the hardiest explorer baulk.

The battery and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) which includes the transmission, electric motor, and power electronics, are all proudly assembled in-house by Jaguar Land Rover, a pioneering move for the brand.

The icy expanses of Sweden’s frozen lakes have become the proving grounds for Range Rover’s cutting-edge all-electric propulsion system.

Here, the vehicle’s performance on slippery surfaces is enhanced, ensuring that the Range Rover’s hallmark of handling all terrains and weathers with aplomb remains steadfast.

The Range Rover Electric introduces a new traction control system that redefines performance on icy or low-grip terrains. This system eschews traditional methods, which rely on the ABS unit, and instead manages wheel slip directly at each individual electric drive control unit.

This adjustment reduces the torque reaction time at each wheel from a typical 100 milliseconds to an astonishingly brief 1 millisecond.

Thanks to groundbreaking software developed by the Jaguar Land Rover team, this vehicle boasts precise EDU speed control for sharp management of wheel slip, minimising the need for ABS intervention. This traction maximises grip on all surfaces with a response that’s both quick and controlled, markedly elevating the Range Rover driving experience.

Thomas Mueller, Executive Director of Product Engineering, encapsulates the vision: “Range Rover with electric power signifies the customary Range Rover luxury, refinement, and capability, enriched with near-silent, fully electric propulsion; offering smooth and relaxed journeys.”

“Our rigorous physical testing and development program is designed to push the Range Rover Electric to its limits, ensuring that it remains unparalleled in its capability when it finally reaches our customers.”

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The world of Range Rovers has a new gem sparkling on the horizon, especially for those with a taste for something a tad more personalized and dripping with exclusivity.

Enter the Overfinch Dragon Edition Range Rover, inspired by none other than the Chinese Dragon. Only eight of these beauties will ever be produced, making it a collector’s piece.

This limited edition is based on the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover SV and Autobiography models but stands apart with its bespoke 24-inch Overfinch Vortex wheels, adorned with the Dragon emblem and a self-levelling centre cap. 

The exterior is further elevated with a selection of carbon fibre components and commemorative badging, setting it apart from its kin.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a striking red and black colour scheme that divides the front and back seats, each whispering tales of ancient dragons through a perforated dragon-scale pattern.

From the multi-coloured embroidery on the leather to the hand-laid graphics in the veneers, everything echoes the grandeur of the dragon. Even the gear selector gets in on the action, boasting a Dragon veneer, while special badging on the front centre console nods to this edition’s uniqueness.

And for that final touch of magic, illuminated tread plates and a numbered plaque proclaim your seat in this limited edition lineage.

For those whose curiosity has been piqued, the car is just an inquiry away on Overfinch’s website.

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The Range Rover Velar by most standards is a large luxury SUV. But, it’s pretty hard to stand out in a family of large luxury SUVs – cue the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and even the Defender and Discovery offerings from Land Rover.

The Evoque has form factor as an advantage, and that has helped it to sell more than the Velar. That’s why you take a second glance each time a Velar passes by; it has that rarity factor. 

Launched way back in 2017, this is the new facelift variant, and it has mostly kept its original appeal intact. A tech upgrade here, and a sprinkling of safety features there, and it’s off to the races.

And it’s a good thing the tech updates came about too – the Velar now plays against the standard crop of premium manufacturers. Think Mercedes GLE, Audi Q8, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Maserati Grecale. All expensive and heavy cars, but can the Velar edge out the competition?

Stirred Not Shaken

The Range Rover Velar’s exterior is a sleek blend of minimalism and elegance. Its silhouette is characterised by a cacophony of smooth lines and sleek proportions, creating a fast and dynamic look.

A rising beltline, falling roof, and pinched tail contribute to a modern and agile appearance, while the screen rake adds a sporty touch.

The facelift brings a refreshed front grille, headlights, taillights, and rear bumper.

These updates are understated yet effective in keeping the Velar’s facade relevant against new-age futuristic automotive design.

While the faux vents on the bonnet and below the door mirrors might not appeal to purists, they do play a subtle role in reducing the Velar’s visual heft and are crafted to complement the front and rear light clusters.

All of this means the Velar exudes a purity of design that seems almost untouched by time. Its surfaces are as pristine as smooth concrete, free from unnecessary lines or details.

Decluttering In Progress

Inside the Velar, you’re greeted with the familiar Range Rover ambience. The dashboard is a minimalist’s dream, characterised by clean lines and sparingly used ornaments. The central console’s T-piece design is both elegant and practical.

The facelift brings about Range Rover’s latest infotainment system, featuring a large, 11.4-inch Pivi Pro tablet-like screen that emerges from the centre dash. The system’s interface, with its typography and graphics, is on par with the best in the industry.

However, the new system has its quirks. The removal of the secondary touch screen and multifunctional control knobs means more reliance on the upper screen for various functions, occasionally making adjustments less intuitive.

Perhaps a physical volume knob would have been a nice addition too, to keep the lone gear shifter company amongst the large wood trim. A special nod goes to the Meridian sound system, which delivers a solid audio experience, especially tunes with punchy bass.

The cubby box replacing the lower screen is handy and stows away a convenient wireless phone charger, but its flimsy plastic lid somewhat detracts from the overall cabin quality.

The interior colour options have shifted away from light-coloured cloth to predominantly black non-leather choices; good for longevity, and being able to withstand the turmoils of everyday family use.

In terms of space, the Velar is competent but not overly generous. The front seats’ size slightly compromises legroom in the back, and the stylish roofline impacts headroom.

Yet, it still offers more room than an executive sedan. The rear seats are well-equipped with ports, vents, and lights for added comfort.

Storage space inside the cabin could be better, but the boot is spacious, albeit a bit shallow. Considering the Velar’s length, it outpaces many rivals in overall capacity.

Style Meets Substance

Before we get into the driving bits, let’s cover the engine choices. While overseas markets have an engine buffet table to feast on, Singapore has to make do with only the P250 non-mild-hybrid petrol engine. This isn’t all that bad, but you are left wondering if this was indeed the correct engine that the Velar was built to cradle.

No plug-in hybrid options are available either locally, and if you wanted a bigger engine included with your purchase, you would either have to specially indent one, or scale up to the Range Rover Sport or the big-boy Range Rover.

Still, the engine does a decent job of keeping things under control. Some non-hybrid engines have an awful delayed thump as they kick into life, but here it’s a smooth process.

There is some noticeable turbo lag, but it is mitigated once you rev past 3,000rpm, which is where the engine sits comfortably at. Not the best if you are looking to maximise fuel economy, but the 4-pot has enough grunt to get you propelled with urgency given enough throttle input.

Speaking of, fuel economy is reasonable in the Velar considering its heft. Across over 280 kilometres of spirited driving, my average was around 8.3km/litre. Although, I do wonder if a larger engine could actually help fuel economy since it wouldn’t be strained as much to get things in motion.

With 247bhp and 365Nm of torque on tap, you hit the century marker in a brisk 7.5 seconds. Keep your foot down, and the Velar can eventually touch 217km/h.

Like a proper Range Rover, the Velar is dignified and in command of most situations, with well-oiled accurate steering. Don’t expect to tackle corners with the grace of a sedan, but if you’re in a hurry, the sport mode does stiffen up the damping, lower the body and dedicate more power to the rear for extra bite.

If you wanted a Rangie to scurry round corners with, you should look at the Range Rover Sport, with its adaptive anti-roll bars and stiffer frame. The RR Sport also comes with grippy on-road performance tyres, unlike the Velar which comes with all-weather Pirelli Scorpions as standard. 

But, if you’re not into that kind of hot-shot cornering action, the Velar’s ride is civilised and quiet, ironing out undulations well. It’s a big relief from the thumpy and unsettling ride quality of other ‘sports’ SUVs. 

Of course, donning the Land Rover badge, the Velar’s CV also includes a host of off-road modes. Air springs give it more ground clearance and a larger attack angle, and traction and diff thresholds enable it to traverse incremental terrain.

Land Rover claims it has got wade sensing too, allowing it to brave a small flood, with doors that wrap down around the sills so you don’t turn your car into a fish tank. Sadly, there really isn’t anywhere in Singapore where you can properly give these features a go.

That ‘Wow’ Factor

The Velar fits snugly in a nice spot amongst the Range Rover catalogue. It isn’t too imposing in cities like its bigger siblings, and it still offers that quintessential refined driving security we’ve come to love from Land Rovers. 

The facelift didn’t change much to the car, but it did refine most of the things that bugged existing owners. All of that is wrapped nicely in a sleek package that turns heads as you trundle by.

The style and glam don’t hinder practicality too; it’s still roomy enough for a family, and decently sized for dense spaces. Plus, if you really wanted to, you could take the road less travelled.

Where rival SUVs just look the part, a Range Rover shows them how it’s really done.

Technical Specifications

Range Rover Velar 2.0 Dynamic HSE

Engine: 1,997cc 4-cylinder 16-valve, Turbocharged
Power: 247bhp
Torque: 365Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 217km/h
Fuel Economy: 10.1km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$361,888 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Wearnes Automotive

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Jaguar Land Rover has recently announced that it will now rebrand its name, being recognised henceforth as JLR. This rebranding aims to shift more focus onto the four subbrands it currently has in its arsenal.

The four subbrands in question are Range Rover, Discovery, Defender and Jaguar.

This change of strategy is all in a bid to reposition JLR as a house of brands. As quoted by Gerry McGovern, JLR’s chief creative officer “Our ultimate ambition is to build truly emotionally engaging experiences for our clients that, over time, will build long-term high equity for our brands and long-term sustainability for JLR.”

Financial motivations

This sudden rebranding appears to be motivated by JLR’s struggle in recent years to separate its large model lineup, and the rebrand is an attempt to create more distinct personalities between its vehicles.

With the updated branding, each Land Rover category is essentially being turned into a fully-fledged brand, further joined by Jaguar.

What’s going to happen to Land Rover?

Land Rover has been a British staple for the better part of half a century, and the absence of its name in the rebranding has already caused a storm on social media in the United Kingdom.

JLR has since confirmed that the name would still continue to live on as a badge on its SUVs. So then, what’s all the fuss about with the rebrand in the first place..? Doesn’t that make things a tad more confusing?

In any case, JLR has already put forth plans to repurpose its U.K. showrooms to incorporate these new changes. The major dealers will continue to stock all of JLR’s current models, while smaller outlets may only feature a few subbrands on sale.

This has already caused some controversy over the pond, where some dealerships in the United States of America have been asked to give up their Jaguar franchises due to the company transitioning to a heavily electrified future.

For our sunny shores, no changes have been enacted yet, and it will likely be business as usual, since Wearnes Automotive holds dealership status for both brands.

Just remember, it is now JLR, not Jaguar Land Rover.

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Hot on the heels of the new Range Rover, the British firm has released the new Range Rover Sport, which promises better performance and a tighter chassis, whilst still retaining its quintessential pantomime luxury experience. So, have they succeeded?

Well, to find out Range Rover has kindly invited me to test out the new Range Rover Sport on a closed circuit. This means no speed limits, nice.

Once the Range Rover Sport made its way onto the track, you can immediately feel its eagerness to get going, and the thing that catches you off guard the most is just how bitey it is at any RPM. No matter the speed, no matter the RPM, the Sport just gave more and more power, and it never felt out of breath as we careened around the circuit.

Plus, the Range Rover Sport really gave you the confidence to take the corners at speed, thanks to what the British boffins term mixed-metal architecture (MLA-Flex). The new Sport is touted to be up to 35% stiffer than its predecessor, and that made it much more composed through the corners, despite its heft and bulk due to its SUV stature. The car feels more responsive as well, with ample steering feedback that ensures you can feel every bit of sensation from the road.

Of course, this being a Range Rover, you need some relaxation too right?

While hurtling the car into the corner above 100, you can keep the seat heating on and even have a massage as you hear the tyres giving way underneath. The perfect setting to unwind for my scenario, as I was hooning the Sport through an absolute downpour, with torrential rain pelting down on the tarmac around us.

Also on display was the Range Rover Sport’s Integrated Chassis Control system. It’s specially tuned for the car, and ensures that you don’t end up in a tree (or cone in this case) should you take the next set of corners with a rather ambitious speed in mind.

However, this system does end up babysitting you through the turns, as it works its brains to command the car’s heft through. As soon as it detects any form of abnormality in the form of body roll or wheel slip, the system comes barging in, momentarily disabling any power input in order to compose itself better through the corner. In some cases, the car starts grabbing the brakes too, if it senses the rear getting out of line.

I will digress, this scenario will only happen if you are someone who chucks a 2.3-tonne car into a corner without any regard for personal safety. “Eh, what could go wrong?”

Though I did not get an opportunity to take the Range Rover Sport offroad, I’m fairly certain that it has the capabilities to shine on any terrain. The company has a renowned history of solid offroaders, and money’s on this being part of that group too. It even sports offroad adaptive cruise control, the first of which I heard in any car.

Overall, if you want something that is dressed to the nines in luxury, while still being able to keep pace with virtually anything else on the road, look no further.

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Land Rover is known for two kinds of cars. The first which you can depend on when scaling even the most treacherous terrain, wading through knee-deep water, or traversing the Sahara by land.

The other kind, denoted as Range Rovers are, well, commonly bought by football players and have heaps of luxury that flaunt to other road users that you made it in life. That’s not to say all Range Rovers are bad. They just do not have the same tough-as-nails, unshaved demeanour that traditional Land Rovers are famed for. Is that really a problem?

Well, I took the new Range Rover First Edition out for a spin to find out.

Party in the back

With such a pricey sales tag (almost a million!), one would expect the Range Rover to deliver luxury. And it does, in spades. You can opt for a classic 7-seater arrangement, or go ultra-premium with this 4-seater variant. There are technically 5 seats, but the middle seat is effectively sanctioned off as a centre console for rear passengers.

You really feel like travelling in first class in the back, with each seat bestowed with a wide variety of features. Seat heating, massage functions, full captain chair adjustments, the lot. Not surprisingly, rear legroom allowance is copious, and even full-sized adults have tons of wiggle room.

To get your daily dose of Vitamin D, a large sunroof floods ample amounts of sunlight into the cabin. Although, you cannot open it fully, which is a shame.

There’s just so much to do in the back, and it can be overwhelming for first-time passengers. Push a button, something pops open, or something mechanical whirrs to life.

Each rear passenger gets their own display screen too, which can be hooked up via HDMI. Ever had that urge to play Gran Turismo on your Playstation while on the go? Well, now you can.

But, how would one power the aforementioned Playstation console? The Range Rover has you covered on that, as it even comes with a centrally located 3-pin plug for charging. Even if you only needed type-C, the rear type-C ports are rated for 60W. These are the highest-rated USB-C ports I have ever encountered in any car.

All 4 seats also receive full massage capabilities. 6 massage functions are available, and you can pair it with either heating or cooling options. I found the hot stones function to be amazing on a cold rainy night.

With the 4-seater variant, boot space is slightly compromised thanks to the reclining rear seats. However, you still get tons of cargo space to cater to your needs. The boot floor comes with dividers too that help partition cargo, so nothing gets sloshed around while you drive.

Business in the front

The front centre console features a refrigerated component that chills your drinks as you drive. Especially useful in Singapore, so you can crack a cold one (PSA: Do not drink and drive) whenever you are thirsty.

A giant touchscreen sits front and centre, integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it works a treat. The touchscreen and UI work with minimal lag, although under bright sunlight, the screen can be pretty dim, and it can be hard to read the information on-screen.

HVAC controls are baked into two dials which work great, but the haptic buttons to set other items like recirculation are cumbersome to use, as they are not touch-sensitive.

There is no electronic parking brake button in the vehicle. Push it into P, and the car applies the handbrake itself. The terrain mode selector is by far the nicest feeling dial in the cabin, and you can switch terrain modes with ease.

The doors are really heavy, thanks to heaps of insulation, but the soft-closing mechanisms help a ton, meaning you don’t have to use uncouth amounts of strength just to shut the doors properly.

Regal Stature

The new Range Rover puts away large intakes and flashy bumpers and instead adopts a more grown-up, sophisticated look. The exterior is now much cleaner, and its smooth hair gel appearance exudes a finer, more distinguished persona.

The front sticks to Range Rover’s current design language but removes any bodily protrusions, while the rear sees more change, now adorned with thin vertical rear lamps. Black gloss trim pieces complement the overall design and are dotted around the exterior.

Unlike other cars, the Range Rover has two shark antennas up top, which Land Rover admits is only to feed the growing number of wireless connections that modern cars require.

Call me pretentious, but I love the metal-finished sunset gold colour on this car. The gold is subdued, and the metal finish gives it a premium look, similar to the back of high-end iPhones. Plus, you get the added benefit of not inviting pesky fingerprints.

Powerhouse

Under the hood, you’ll be pleased to know that the same bumbling 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 orchestra that sings to 11 when you mash the throttle is still present.

However, with enhanced insulation and better engine mounts, the engine is whisper quiet if you are gentle with it. It’s almost scary that it can be so quiet and docile, considering it can deliver 523 bhp and 750 Nm of torque whenever you please. Even if this weighs in at a whopping 2.5 tonnes, it can still do the century sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

Despite its large size, it’s actually fairly easy to get around town with, albeit with space constraints each time you try to find parking. During my media drive, I could not find a single parking space which fit the Range Rover. When I finally did find one that fit, I realised I was in a heavy vehicle parking lot.

But, one does not need to fear the chore of parking in this monster, for it has an array of sensors and a 360-camera suite that screams each time you come within breathing distance of an obstacle. Should you ignore the car’s warning, it will automatically apply its emergency brake.

Of course, being a product of arguably the best offroading brand in the world, going off-road with this is not a problem at all, and this car can happily tackle any terrain found in Singapore.

Not that there is any particularly challenging terrain to begin with, but regardless it’s not even a challenge for this car. When ‘crawling’ over undulating terrain, the heads-up display would also project the car’s tilt angle, and warn you if you are going overboard.

With a bumbling V8 having to haul so much weight, fuel economy goes about as well as you’d expect. With some mixed city driving, I managed to yield 16.5L/100km, or roughly 6km/L.

Not great, but you wouldn’t realistically expect anything better from something like this. And come on, which so much performance at your disposal, do you really want to be light-footed while driving?

Absolute Masterclass

Do you really need a car like this? Do most people need a car like this? Chances are this statement will be a no. But, above all else, this car delivers something emotional to you. It makes you feel really special.

Sitting in it, be it driver or passenger, you really feel like a king in a castle. Everything else just fades away, and you are wrapped up in this cocoon of absolute luxury. Just like our imaginary pretend kingdoms when we were children, this car makes you feel powerful.

Like a synthpop electro dance-rock melody that makes you feel like you’re on cloud nine, the Range Rover delivers this luxury experience to a tee.

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