There are two engine options – a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol and a 3.6-litre V8 turbodiesel. The petrol engine is particularly quick because it produces a whopping 503bhp, but the 267bhp diesel is also capable of shifting the Range Rover's substantial bulk with impressive pace. Both engines come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Considering its abilities off-road, the Range Rover does an amazing job of protecting its passengers from rutted Tarmac - it’s a 4x4 limo. Some clever adaptive suspension technology means it rides superbly and the shortage of body lean is amazing for such a tall, heavy car.

The Range Rover's petrol engine is smooth and quiet, aside from an appealing whine from the supercharger when you accelerate hard. Although the diesel rumbles a bit at idle, it's hushed once up to speed. Road noise is well filtered out, but the Range Rover's large, upright body creates some wind noise at motorway pace.

You can expect big bills whether you're a private owner or a business user. All versions fall into the top company car tax band. Both engines have a thirst for fuel and maintenance and insurance costs will be high. You can get discounts on the list price - you’ll need to because residual values aren’t especially strong.

Reliability was the last car’s major flaw but the new model has turned that around. Mechanically the Range Rover now enjoys a fine reputation and the quality of the dashboard fittings and plastics is miles better than its predecessor’s, and a match for anything else you can buy.

The standard safety kit includes nine airbags (including one for the driver’s knees), electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control. Security kit is equally comprehensive and incorporates laminated side glass, which has safety, security and comfort benefits.

You perch throne-like in the Range Rover’s driving seat and enjoy excellent visibility and fine comfort. There’s a wealth of adjustment on both seat and steering wheel, allowing drivers of all shapes and sizes to get comfortable. The major controls are simple to use, but some of the smaller ones are fiddly.

The Range Rover is a large car, but you wouldn't know it from trying to clamber into the back through the awkwardly narrow door openings. All five passengers get decent leg- and headroom, if not quite that of a luxury saloon. The boot is big, though, and it has a useful horizontally split tailgate.

Diesel buyers can choose from Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography trim levels. The petrol model comes in only Autobiography. All versions are lavishly specced, with cruise and climate control, a CD multichanger, alloy wheels and leather trim. The clever dual-view display screen is standard on most models.