Range Rover TDV8 Autobiography  15 | 08 | 2010Scotcars rating

On the road

The car is an absolute delight to take on to the road with superb visibility from the high ride height and acres of glass; plus there’s the grand feeling of space for everyone on board. Life onboard is totally effortless with clear displays, which have been brought right up to date with digital dials reproducing the conventional hands on the speedo and rev counter. On city streets there’s no denying it feels big — which it obviously is — but it’s very manoeuvrable and remarkably nimble.

Offroad it can tackle anything and no matter how frightening the landscape, one of the host of electronic transmission or ride height dials can call up the necessary technology. It all feels silky smooth, luxurious, capable and delightful and comes together in a package which feels just right. I took it over the demanding twisty route over the Campsie Hills north of Glasgow and it performed immaculately.

Comfort & Safety

As you’d expect from a car of this price, it is supremely comfortable, oozing luxury in all the interior fittings. The Autobiography spec extends the leather and wood to the steering wheel, which may seem extravagant, but it is very nice. On the safety front, you feel as if you’re encased in a luxurious tank. The test car came with a £1000 vision assist pack which provided side, front and rear view cameras in addition to the parking sensors; essentially they’re designed largely to avoid getting into trouble offroad, but the system’s also pretty nifty when you’re shuffling up next to the kerb and you want to protect your expensive alloys.

Should I buy one?

If you’ve got the money, absolutely. The Range Rover still has that status the German competition has never quite achieved.

Alan Douglas