The Range Rover’s styling TDV8

The Range Rover’s styling has evolved very gently from its 2001 debut and the only significant alteration came in late 2009, with the addition of a more chintzy front grille and updated light units. For 2011, an optional exterior styling pack is available, although it is not fitted to our top-specification Autobiography TDV8 test car.

The engine is an enlarged version of the outgoing 3.6-litre V8 (itself only introduced in 2007). The update is needed not only to improve the Range Rover’s competitiveness but also to ensure compliance with Euro 5 emissions regulations.

In addition to its increased displacement, the parallel sequential turbochargers are also new. At low revs, a medium-sized variable-geometry turbo works alone, but a smaller second turbo chimes in beyond 2400rpm. Result: 308bhp at 4000rpm and 516lb ft of torque from 1500rpm to 3000rpm. To improve start-up times in cold temperatures, the steel glow plugs of the 3.6 have been replaced with ceramic items.

The TDV8 model is alone in receiving the new eight-speed automatic transmission (the supercharged 5.0-litre petrol retains a six-speed auto), but all models benefit from enhancements to the Terrain Response off-road system. With the addition of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control (which links the speed of descent to the throttle position, even when Hill Decent Control has not been engaged).

This builds on last year’s changes, which introduced a Sand Launch Control function. At the same time, Land Rover enhanced the Range Rover’s on-road credentials, with the fitment of continuously variable multi-stage damping, which replaced the previous two-stage system.