2023 Land Rover Range Rover D350 HSE Automatic L460

No, our art director hasn’t got lazy and slotted in pictures of last year’s Range Rover by mistake, here we present to you the 2023 model year car freshly out of the design studio.

While we agree that the front end looks quite similar to the outgoing car with an evolutionary look, once you look more carefully you’ll notice some detail changes, like tighter panel gaps. Take a look at the rear and the latest model is easier to spot thanks to a classier new look. The taillight clusters, in particular, are more dramatic and mark out this latest car compared to its predecessor that first went on sale back in 2018 in facelifted guise. Land Rover says that attention to detail has been enhanced, with a focus on quality to improve reliability in particular. Here we are one of the first magaazines to be able to drive the latest Range Rover on local and familiar roads, with most outlets restricted to a prescribed launch route. The 2023 diesel engine range has stayed the same for diesel fans in 3.0-litre straight six D300 and D350 guises, with a duo of new P440e and P510e plug-in hybrid options for those that prefer to go down the petrol and electric motor ecoconscious route.

Next year a pure electric Range Rover will join the fold, though so far, Land Rover has remained tight lipped over its specification. While the option to choose between standard and long wheelbase versions isn’t new, the choice of seven seats in the Range Rover is, with buyers able to choose from a couple of extra chairs on the long wheelbase SE, HSE and Autobiography editions. We haven’t been able to try the extended 5,252mm cars yet with seven seats, but it brings the Range Rover in line with rivals like the BMW X7 G07 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class X167 that have had seven seats for years.

While the engines may be a carry over from its predecessor, that’s just fine with us, as the 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine is glorious. Here we test it in 346bhp D350 guise and there’s effortless performance away from rest. Sure, it doesn’t feel lightning quick off the line, but there’s more than enough under your right foot in any setting.

Similarly, when the time comes to overtake, there’s a short pause, like every automatic these days, before it takes off like a bullet out of a gun, dominating the outside lane of the motorway. Engine refinement is impressive, as is how the engineers have managed to dial out road and tyre noise so well, with only some annoying fluttering around the door mirrors to be heard at a motorway canter. With our test car an early production prototype, we hope that this is resolved for customer cars.

It’s quite remarkable how easily the Range Rover shrinks around you, with the 5,052mm length and 2,209mm width shrinking noticeably when on the move. It certainly doesn’t feel anything like those bulky dimensions when tackling back roads, and you don’t wince every time you need to pass another vehicle. There’s a reassuringly planted feel to the way that the Range Rover conducts itself, with responsive, well-weighted steering, top-notch composure and an almost total lack of body roll when cornering. As you would expect, there’s excellent grip and peerless ability when it comes to off-road settings, in common with every Land Rover that has come before it. The standard air suspension is designed to cosset, with only the untidiest of road surfaces and deeper ruts finding their way into the cabin to ruffle the feathers of occupants.

Land Rover’s engineers have upped their game once more with the interior of this latest Range Rover. While there was nothing wrong with its predecessor, the attention to detail is at another level compared to before. Plush leather and tasteful wood inserts appear liberally throughout the car, giving an enhanced level of tactility. The 13.1-inch touchscreen is the central focal point of the interior, with Pivi Pro infotainment software, an easy-to-understand interface and the backup of wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. A sophisticated head-up display means that your eyes rarely have to wander from the road ahead, and attention to detail is sublime.

The driving position is commanding, with a good view out and all around the car thanks to deep windows, but the door mirrors are more compact than is normal on a car this size. Space inside is expansive, as you would expect, with excellent head and legroom both front and back, even with a panoramic roof fitted that normally hinders taller passengers. Wide doors give great access to the available space, albeit with a climb up. Boot space is generous, with 818 litres of carrying capacity with all of the seats in place, and a massive 1,841 litres with the rear chairs electrically folded down. There’s extra space under the floor where a spare wheel would normally go, and the split tailgate is electrically assisted, both top and bottom. Storing oddments around the cabin is easy thanks to a handy covered tray ahead of the stubby gear selector. There’s also a pair of gloveboxes, top and bottom, decently proportioned door pockets, a pair of cupholders and extra storage to be found underneath the central armrest.

FACTS & FIGURES2023 Land Rover Range Rover D350 HSE Automatic L460

• On sale Now
• In showrooms Now
• List prices £99,375 to £171,575
• Bodystyles 5-door SUV and 5-door long wheelbase SUV
• Powerplants 3.0 diesel automatic (296bhp and 346bhp), 3.0 petrol plug-in hybrid automatic (434 and 503bhp)
• Trim levels SE, HSE, Autobiography, First Edition, SV
• Also consider BMW X7 G07, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class X167
• Version tested 2023 Land Rover Range Rover D350 HSE Automatic
• Price £108,775
• Built in Solihull, UK
• Codename L460
• Generation 5
• Platform MLA
• Bodystyle 5-door SUV, 5-seats
• Layout Four-wheel-drive
• Powerplant 2,997cc, 6-cylinder, 24-valve, twin turbo diesel with stop-start and mild hybrid technology
• Gearbox 8-speed automatic
• Max power 346bhp @ 4,000rpm
• Max torque 516lb ft @ 1,500-3,000rpm
• Top speed 145mph
• 0-62mph 6.1secs
• CO2 emissions 205g/km
• Economy (combined) 36.1mpg
• Fuel tank 80 litres
• Range 655 miles
• Insurance 50
• BIK rate (2022/2023 tax year) 37%
• Size (length/width with mirrors) 5,052/2,209mm
• Boot space (min/max) 818/1,841 litres
• Kerb/max towing weight 2,505/3,500kg
• Euro NCAP rating Not yet tested
• Spare wheel (Full-size/spacesaver/run-flat/selfsealing/repair kit) £960/£290/no/no/std
• Warranty 3 years/Unlimited miles
• Verdict It’s the ultimate gentleman’s chariot. Peerless both on- and off-road, Land Rover has scored a bullseye with the latest Range Rover.
• Rating 9/10