- Doors and Seats
NA
- Engine
NA
- Engine Power
294kW, 550Nm
- Fuel
Petrol 9.1L/100KM
- Transmission
NA
- Warranty
NA
- Ancap Safety
NA
2020 Range Rover Vogue P400 review
The Range Rover Vogue has a new, entry-level petrol engine. Does it deserve its $200K price tag?
- Ultimate luxury
- Impressive driveline
- A personal experience
- Terrible warranty
- Beyond expensive
How does this compare on price?
The Range Rover Vogue P400 features the new Ingenium six-cylinder engine and starts from $201,395 before on-roads.
There are no true direct competitors to the supremely luxurious and large Vogue.
Similar options include the BMW X7 M50i, which starts from $171,900 before taxes and fees. This option is a little sportier and less grand than the full-sized Vogue.
Another similar choice is the new Audi SQ8, which starts from $165,500 before on-road costs.
Both of these vehicles are far more dynamic than the Range Rover. However, neither one of them is likely to perform as well in an off-road scenario. The BMW and Audi represent performance SUVs that are more at home on a twisty road than a muddy paddock.
If you’re buying the Range Rover for its abilities off the beaten track, and plan to use it in light off-road scenarios, then it represents a truly unique proposition in the segment.
You could opt for the cheaper Lexus LX570 S at $169,131 before on-roads, but it does not deliver anywhere near the levels of sophistication and luxury found in the Range Rover Vogue.
What is it like inside?
Residing in the interior is a truly luxurious experience. Once the soft-close doors latch themselves automatically, you’ll find yourself admiring acres of hide and natural woods.
The seats are finished in Windsor leather, which is Range Rover’s terminology for a high-end nappa leather. Fit for a king, the pews look and feel sumptuous, and are in keeping with the SUV’s premium demeanour.
Despite looking and smelling a little old fashioned, there are some technological treats to be discovered. Range Rover has fitted its latest Pro Duo twin infotainment system that employs two 10.0-inch touchscreens to control the SUV’s numerous technologies.
It is an advanced system that is quite easy to familiarise yourself with. It looks and feels high-tech and adds a sense of modernity to the cabin.
Space is in abundance, and myriad large storage areas available around the cabin. Rest assured that on a road trip, you’ll be finding things to fill the cabin, and not figuring out what things to leave behind.
As expected, the second row is large. The vehicle tested was the short-wheelbase option, and there was still plenty of room for both adults to reside in comfort next to a large children’s seat.
The cargo area is cavernous at 900L, making it larger than both the BMW at 750L and the Audi at 770L.
However, the Vogue is only offered as a five-seater. If you require seven seats, the Range Rover Sport is your next best choice from within the same brand.
Is it a safe car in this segment?
Australian crash-test body ANCAP has not provided a test score for the Range Rover Vogue. This is the same story for both the BMW X7 and Audi SQ8.
Despite any official safety rating, the big Range Rover lacks most modern forms of active safety systems as standard. Accident-avoidance technology such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and rear traffic monitor are not included at the manufacturer's list price. They are part of equipment packages that the customer must pay for.
The only active safety system fitted for free is low-speed autonomous emergency braking. Others in the segment include the latest, most advanced driver assist systems as standard.
If safety is a high priority, you’ll either have to pay for extra equipment or choose an alternative.
How much does it cost to maintain?
The Range Rover Vogue’s servicing bill is included in the cost of the car. However, this offer only covers the first five services, or 130,000km, whichever milestone is achieved first.
What does it have under the bonnet?
The model-year 2020 generation of the Range Rover debuts its latest petrol engine – an all-new inline six-cylinder that features two compressors and a clever e-starter motor.
There is a 48-volt electric supercharger to introduce low-end torque, and a twin-scroll turbocharger to carry the powerband right up through the higher RPM range. On top of that, it features an advanced starter motor that is able to harness excess energy from the engine and redeploy it when required.
Power figures come in at 294kW and 550Nm of torque from 2000rpm right through to 5000rpm.
It is an incredibly advanced driveline that debuts lots of new technology for Range Rover. Also, due to being an inline six, it is inherently smooth, which you can feel when behind the wheel.
The engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic produced by German power-transfer specialist, ZF. It is an excellent transmission that’s equally as smooth as the motor, which makes for a great pairing.
This results in the powertrain becoming a standout feature of the package, and worth experiencing if you’re considering either the diesel V6 or petrol V8 alternatives.
What is its economy like?
Range Rover claims that the Vogue uses 9.1 litres per 100km on a combined cycle. During our testing, we saw fuel usage climb to 11.3L/100km. Our testing regime includes a mixture of highway driving and city commuting through peak-hour traffic.
If you spend more time on the freeway, then you’ll get close to the claim, or even beat it. If you’re primarily a metro-dweller, expect consumption to rise deep into the 13s.
Stop-start traffic can affect the efficiency of the highly complex driveline. Also, its 2.3-tonne weight does not lend well to accelerating and stopping continuously.
What else should I consider in this segment?
Both the BMW X7 and Audi SQ8 are similarly priced options that offer size and luxury. They are both a little sportier, however.
If you’re considering a Range Rover Vogue more for the statement it makes, as opposed to how large it is, then it is worth considering the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Cayenne S kicks off from $156,200, and the GLS400d from $153,300, both before on-roads.
Any problems I should look out for?
The Range Rover Vogue is eight years into its product life cycle, which includes a mid-life update. By now, most gremlins and faults should have been ironed out with regard to the car’s technology and systems.
However, the petrol straight-six engine is brand new, meaning its reliability has yet to be proven. The ZF eight-speed transmission is a carryover item and is known to be robust and trouble-free.
Should I buy it?
If you’re considering a stunning, premium SUV to take you and the family to a hobby farm or country estate on the weekends, then the Range Rover Vogue makes for a sound choice.
It’s unique. There isn’t much else in the premium segment that offers such a combination of space, off-road ability and sheer luxury.
The cost is worth a discussion, however. The test car provided to us did feature a few options, which drove the price up to $240,320 before on-roads. Depending on your own configuration, its price can rise up to the higher end of $200K quite quickly.
If you opt for the longer-wheelbase option or choice of petrol V8 versions, then you’ll be deep into the $300K territory. However, if this isn’t a problem, then you’ll find owning a Vogue nothing but a pleasurable experience.