The Range Rover L460 delivers quiet and luxurious experience akin to being ensconced in a cocooned five-star hotel room.
Our test drive unit was a standard wheelbase (SWB) five-seater unit with High Specification Equipment (HSE) trim, powered by a mighty petrol flagship 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (called the P530) from BMW which produces 530PS and maximum torque of 750Nm.
This is mated to a silky smooth eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
With a starting price of RM1,268,000 (duty-free) and RM2,488,000 (duty-paid), this luxury barge can only be appreciated by the ultra wealthy and the eye-watering price tags mean it comes with a barnful of sumptuous appointments and fantastic motoring technology as standard, in addition to various customisation options.
The fifth-generation luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), internally designated L460, has an elegant profile and a simple, clean exterior design, that exudes an aura of understated refinement.
Jaguar Land Rover says the L460’s precise detailing and clean, contemporary appearance contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.30, making this the most aerodynamically efficient luxury SUV in the world.
Decked out in a nice Batumi Gold exterior colour, our test drive unit also came with powered side steps that automatically deploy (optional item), as well as flush door handles that slide out as you approach with the key fob.
These powered side steps made it a lot easier to climb into the cabin, where there’s a charming mix of wood trim, soft touch materials and polished metallic surfaces.
The leather seats look beautifully tailored and are super comfortable, while the dashboard layout has an uncluttered design, dominated by a curved, floating glass 13.1-inch touchscreen.
The new Range Rover was designed to provide a tranquil sanctuary for passengers, and we certainly think the L460 succeeds in being one of the quietest vehicles to be driven in.
Jaguar Land Rover says the SUV’s Flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-Flex) delivers new levels of body stiffness and noise isolation, while third-generation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology also helps to deliver a first-class experience.
The latest ANC tech uses external microphones, and headrest speakers to create quiet zones for cabin occupants – like high-end ANC headphones.
Road and wind noise is well subdued, the rumble of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is muted, and even the blaring roar of motorcycles on the road is quite muffled.
The quiet cabin amplified our enjoyment of the Meridian 3D Surround sound system.
There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto support, and we found USB Type-C ports for front and rear occupants.
It has all-wheel drive (AWD) and next-generation Electronic Air Suspension in addition to a number of high-tech driving technologies, which means the L460 glides over road irregularities and feels quite composed when tackling road corners.
Also noteworthy is All-Wheel Steering to provide greater high-speed stability and the tightest turning circle of any Land Rover.
Fitted with high performance Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tyres sized 285/45 R22, our test drive unit provided a quiet, plush and refined drive on mixed routes of smooth highways and bumpy B-roads with rut-filled patches.
The steering feels light, and there is more than ample muscle on tap to propel the L460’s nearly 2.6-tonne unladen weight, while its 0-100kph sprint in 4.6 seconds means you can get up to high speeds very quickly.
The L460 has a 90-litre fuel tank, and Jaguar Land Rover says its fuel consumption can be 11.4 to 11.9 litres per 100km under combined WLTP data.
It might be possible to achieve real-world results close to those numbers, provided you are extremely light-footed and drive using very fuel efficient techniques.
Still, we really doubt that L460 owners would be overly concerned with its thirsty and petrol guzzling character.
The latest-generation Range Rover, while also being undoubtedly a very capable off-roader and filled with high-tech stuff to take on challenging terrain, is better appreciated for being a supremely well-appointed, cushy SUV that provides a soothing, cosy buffer from the external world.
For the super rich, this should be another fitting addition to their stables of ultra-luxurious machines.
The L460 also won “Best Extra Large Luxury Crossover/SUV” at the StarCarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2023, and award judges had noted that it’s the epitome of all-wheel superiority, coupled with luxury pampering and outright pace with price tags to match. — Photos by ART CHEN
SPECIFICATIONS
Range Rover L460 SWB HSE P530
Engine: 4,395cc, V8 twin turbo petrol, 32 valves, direct injection
Maximum power: 530PS from 5,500 to 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 750Nm from 1,800 to 4,600rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF automatic
Maximum speed: 250kph
Acceleration (0-100kph): 4.6 seconds
Capability and dynamics: All- wheel drive, All Wheel Steering, Electronic Air Suspension with Dynamic Response, Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking, Twin-speed transfer box (high/low range), Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), Automatic Access Height, Adaptive Dynamics, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Low traction launch, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Gearshift paddles, Brake Hold, Dynamic Launch, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Electrical towing preparation, Front and rear recovery eyes
Features: Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL, Sliding panoramic roof, 22-inch wheels, Semi-Aniline leather seats, 20-way heated and ventilated electric front seats with power recline heated and ventilated rear seats, three-zone climate control, Meridian 3D Surround sound system, third-generation Active Noise Cancellation, Automatic headlights, Automatic Headlight Levelling, Flush deployable door handles, Rain sensing windscreen wipers, LED tail lights, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electrically adjustable steering column, Cabin Air Purification Pro, Three-zone Climate Control, Air Quality Sensor, Pivi Pro with 13.1-inch Touchscreen with haptic feedback, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, Voice control, Bluetooth, Head-up Display, All Terrain Info Centre, Wireless device charging with phone signal booster, 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, powered gesture tailgate, soft door close, ClearSight interior rear view mirror
Driver Assistance: Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, 3D Surround Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Response, Lane Keep Assist, Park Assist, Front and Rear Parking Aid, Rear Collision Monitor, Rear Traffic Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter, Occupant Protection Assist, Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Options: Four-zone Climate Control, Electric rear side window sunblinds, Intrusion sensor, Deployable Side Step Kit
Price: starts from RM1,268,000 (duty-free); RM2,488,000 (duty-paid)
Warranty: Five-year standard warranty, free roadside assistance for first 3 years, anti-corrosion warranty for first six years, paint surface warranty for first three years
