The drive modes truly alter the character of the car and the way it behaves over surfaces. Together with the short-long-arm double wishbone front and five-link rear axle with multi-chamber air springs and adaptive damping, the Range Rover SV can trundle along at highway speed with ease, registering below 1,800 rpm, in “Eco” or “Comfort” modes. It can also sharpen things up—steering feel, responsiveness, and gear-shifts—in “Dynamic” mode, although, with the infrastructure seriously lacking the finish of more developed countries, the bumps and irregularities make this not the best idea. Given a smoother road surface with quality tarmac, this SV could munch miles quicker and corner incredibly well; its weight, bulk and roll kept in check. In a straight line and on gradual bends, however, the Rangie can cover some serious distance in a short time. Set it in “Dynamic” with the gear-level double bumped down to “S” mode, the exhaust note belies the car’s appearance and its M5 genes are indeed telling. A sonorous fly-by awaited passers-by on the ribbon of tarmac we found devoid of traffic.
Off that ribbon, however, there was moist grass, loose gravel, and slushy mud to navigate through. Fret not, Land Rover have the latest version of their venerable Terrain Response system in here with the additional “Grass, Gravel and Snow” and “Mud and Ruts” modes as well. The air suspension can raise the ride height from an easy to use “Access” or “Normal” mode to “Off Road 1” and “Off Road 2”, the last of which raises the Range Rover to its maximum ground clearance of 292 millimetres, with increased capability as well. The overall travel, that is, the difference between minimum and maximum height, is in the range of 88 mm at the front, whereas, at the rear, it is 105 mm. Going from “Access” mode to “Normal” mode sees the Range Rover L rise 35 mm at the front and 47 mm at the rear. From “Normal” to “Off Road 1”, the numbers are 26 mm and 30 mm respectively, with “Off Road 2” being an additional 27 mm at the front and 28 mm at the rear, respectively. Thus, the approach angle goes up to a maximum of 34.7°, the ramp angle to 25.9°, and the departure angle to 29° in “Off Road 2”, from the “Normal” 25.1, 20.1 and 24.5 degrees respectively. That is commendable for a vehicle of this stature. The phrase “refined capability” truly makes itself felt often.
Also see: Range Rover SV Video Review
Overall, there is a certain assurance the Range Rover gives the driver in all situations, more so when the going gets tough. It is equally capable of cruising down the highway and of tackling dirt, obstacles, and difficult terrain. Its electric power steering is well-calibrated and it also features active rear-wheel steering to tighten its turning circle. The advanced driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with selectable distance and speed, lane keep with active steering assist, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitor, and, among several other features, the many cameras that make for a super-useful transparent 3D rendering of the entire body on the large 13.1-inch centre screen which makes tackling all sorts of obstacles or difficult surfaces much easier. All of that apart, let’s talk about the efficiency aspect, too. After all, they have equipped it with a mild-hybrid system. In traffic and while getting out of the city, I saw close to five kilometres to the litre. Land Rover have a rated eight km/l (combined) on the WLTP cycle, so some open road running will certainly get better figures.
Besides being akin to a moving luxury studio apartment, most will see it used in urban situations by those with a “mine is bigger than yours” message emblazoned on their personality, rarely encountering any dirt other than a random puddle or one of many potholes. That’s just it. The Range Rover can be a luxury car, a soccer-mom mobile, a business express or a sport star’s ride of choice every day and more—all in one. Personally, the only thing I’d change about this spec in India is a switch from the 23-inch wheels to a more sensible 21-inch set of wheels with the accompanying higher-profile rubber. The Range Rover SV is perception-alteringly luxurious and capable and there is no dearth of ability for whatever the manufactured world can throw at it. It’s the equivalent of going to a star-studded restaurant and ordering everything on the menu.
