Range Rover SV P615: A lock on wheels

There's a bit of Bavaria in this Brit. Do you remember Rover? From 1994 to 2000, the brand belonged to BMW, where the then Range Rover was developed - with a BMW V8. The paths parted again: Rover faded away, Land Rover now belongs to Tata. But the British-German friendship remained and has now been reactivated: The new top model, the SV P615, features BMW's 4.4-liter V8 to show other power high-end SUVs their teeth with 452/615 hp.

Robert Knopf doesn't care about any of that. The Autosprint art director has always enjoyed driving a Skoda Octavia Combi. His current petrol estate is thirteen years old. How would he like the new Range Rover gem? Test drive! Robert is amazed: from up here, he looks down on other SUVs with his head held high, along with his children and cones. Even the neighbor in the expensive BMW nods approvingly, while Robert lets himself be massaged electrically by the sumptuous leather armchairs. Outside, the landscape passes by as quietly as in a silent movie.

Far away from everyday life
End of town. Robert grins mischievously, accelerates at full throttle - and stumbles: It takes a blink of an eye before 2.9 tons of precious metal gain momentum. «Slightly delayed - but then endless power reserves!» praises Robert. Because that fits in perfectly with the character of the Range: his lordship doesn't rush off, but takes a stance and then pushes hard. In figures: 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h (top speed 261 km/h). Most of the time, however, the powerful engine only slumbers in the background.

Floats completely off the ground
«You seem to float and don't feel any unevenness,» notes Robert about the suspension. In fact, the air suspension tailored to the SV is a marvel. In bends, the SV acts as if there are none: upright like Buckingham Castle. Even nasty speed bumps disappear like absorbent cotton. Wow! Despite all this, the giant (length 5.06, width 2.05, height 1.87 meters) remains amazingly agile. «Great overview,» says Robert, «and everything is in the right place inside.» Touchscreen yes, puzzles no, and «everything intuitive and with the best feel». Wow!

«Great» is Robert's verdict at the end. «How much does it cost?» Robert estimates four Octavia. Well, that would only be the basic range (from 156700 francs). The SV starts at 230,600 francs, the P615 at 27,6900 francs. In Robert's currency: seven Octavia. You're suddenly so quiet, Robert? Well, for a castle on wheels, 12.8 l/100 km in the test (12.1 l/100 km according to the factory) is still fair. «Range Rover is not abbreviated to the initials RR for no reason. Like Rolls-Royce,» is all Robert says.

Expert opinion: Range Rover SV P615
Not only Robert will miss this first class on tires: The Land Rover SV is less a car than a mobile wellness area. It could hardly be more upmarket - or more expensive.

Advantages
+ outstanding suspension comfort
+ grandiose salon atmosphere
+ Very superior eight-cylinder engine

Disadvantages
- Parking garages are becoming cramped
- frightening price