As you read this, we’re looking closely at a miniature die-cast scale model of a Land Rover Range Rover Vogue. Not only are we admiring it because of the detail, but also because it brings back memories of a first-generation Range Rover Police Patrol die-cast model we had when we were small. We’re at the showroom of Land Rover. On one side is a Range Rover Vogue. How can you not be drawn to it? It’s a simple yet stunning work of art. As we stare at it, the look of the first-generation Range Rover is evident.
The Range Rover has a trademark profile, which has been kept for four generations spanning over 50 years. It is perhaps the biggest influence as to why a lot of us equate the SUV with luxury as well as status.
Initially, the Road Rover (as it was originally called) came to life via a V8 engine. With propulsion now figured out, the engineers’ direction was to come up with a functional 4×4 vehicle developed from Land Rover’s blueprint while keeping the fundamental qualities of the Road Rover (plus giving it more comfort). The production Range Rover finally debuted in 1970, and it proved to be very popular. It was bold, it was beautiful, and it could go anywhere. This was the beginning of the ultimate luxury SUV, although the Range Rover was not intended to be a luxury 4×4. The British upper class was attracted to this practical and spacious ute, with coachbuilders customizing the vehicle through special editions soon enough.
While various V8 petrol engines have given the Range Rover a distinctive identity, turbodiesels were also developed and introduced in 1988, making the SUV more practical for specific markets.
One of the offerings in the current Range Rover Vogue lineup is a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, churning out 254hp at 3,750rpm and 600Nm at 1,750-2,250rpm, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. The Vogue 3.0 Diesel can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in eight seconds, and it can hit a top speed of 209km/h. With our road conditions, however, pulling power is what matters, making the diesel more beneficial.
Keeping everyone comfortable are double wishbones with a virtual swivel axis at the front and integral links at the rear, along with electronic air suspension
Keeping the driver and the passengers comfy are double wishbones with a virtual swivel axis at the front and integral links at the rear, along with electronic air suspension.
Exterior-wise, the Vogue exhibits the essence of the classic Range Rover with its recognizable silhouette, along with soft lines and smooth surfaces. A clean shoulder line highlights the clamshell hood and stretches across the car from the headlights, wrapping around the trunk lid. Gloss-black pillars emphasize the roof, reinforcing the Range Rover’s appearance. Up front, the wide rectangular grille is paired with matrix LED headlights with advanced driving beam and adaptive front-lighting system, providing excellent illumination. The rear, meanwhile, retains the simple look suggestive of the Range Rover’s lineage.
The interior is naturally posh, as you’d expect from a Range Rover—with Windsor leather and upholstery color options such as Full Ebony, Navy with Ivory, and Espresso with Almond. Meanwhile, the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system (featuring two 10-inch touchscreens) takes center stage. The top screen can be tilted up to 30° for the ideal angle, incorporating operations for media, navigation, 4×4 info, ambient lighting, and other vehicle settings. The lower screen displays climate control, drive mode, and Terrain Control settings.
For your listening pleasure, the Range Rover Vogue has a 19-speaker Meridian sound system powered by an 825W amplifier. Using Trifield technology, the system can identify the length and the width of the sound stage from each seat for optimum clarity. Capping off the interior’s luxurious feel is a sliding panoramic roof, offering light and an airy feel to the already capacious cabin.
What’s not to love about the Range Rover Vogue 3.0 Diesel? It is a great introduction to the largest, most luxurious version of Land Rover’s flagship 4×4.
This branded article was produced in partnership with Land Rover Philippines.
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