RANGE ROVER SV P615

Sports car-like acceleration

I test drove Land Rover’s flagship model, the Range Rover SV P615. Starting with MY24, the car features a 48V mild hybrid system that combines a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with a motor, and the grade name has been changed from MY23’s “P530” to the P615, which signifies a maximum output of 615 PS. In this article, I’d like to share my impressions, comparing it with the P530 I test drove earlier this year.

The BMW V8 twin-turbo engine has a maximum output of 615 PS/5855-7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 750 Nm/1850-5400 rpm, an improvement of 85 PS over the P530. Maximum torque is the same as the P530, but it can be generated at slightly higher rotational speeds. The mild hybrid is an ISG with an integrated transmission, which means that an additional 14 kW (19 PS) of motor output and 200 Nm of torque are added to this. A simple calculation would give a maximum torque of 950 Nm, but I couldn’t find any indication of this.

The specs are not just for show, and the moment you step on the accelerator pedal, the car accelerates like a sports car, making you forget about its weight of 2,770 kg (vehicle inspection certificate). Incidentally, when I looked up the notes for the P530, which is almost identically equipped, it weighed 2,720 kg (vehicle inspection certificate), so you could say that the mild hybrid system added 50 kg to the weight.

Smooth and precise shifting makes grand touring a breeze

Thinking back on it now, the MY23 P530 had plenty of torque and offered a luxurious ride, but when I drove the P615, it felt like the torque at low speeds was relatively weak. I can’t say for sure because I haven’t driven them directly, but the increase in engine revs and the rise in the speedometer made the P615 seem to have more torque, not just horsepower.

The car is also exceptionally quiet when cruising at high speeds, and the advantages of V8 engines, which are steadily becoming less common, are fully utilized with the clever 8-speed automatic transmission. By maintaining a low rotation speed of 1,400 rpm at 100 km/h, engine and wind noise are kept extremely quiet. This quietness, which is also common in BEVs, is the epitome of comfort even when driving on grand touring. Smooth and precise gear changes allow for full power, and on the highway, the car accelerates with ample torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission also shifts superbly, and of course it is easy to handle and smooth to drive even at low speeds in urban areas. You can enjoy a comfortable drive at any speed range.

On downhill slopes, the gears are properly locked and stable driving is maintained, giving a sense of security. The all-season Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires also provide excellent grip and high driving performance in bad weather and various road conditions. The P530 was equipped with winter tires for driving on snowy roads, and the softness of these tires was also comfortable.

A driving assistance system that reduces stress even on highways and in traffic jams

The ride is extremely comfortable thanks to the air suspension, which absorbs unevenness in the road surface well and minimizes shaking. There is no discomfort even when going over uneven surfaces. However, when you switch to Dynamic mode, the suspension tightens, allowing for sporty driving as well as acceleration. The steering, which conveys road conditions in detail, conveys just the right amount of information from the road surface, creating a sense of unity with the vehicle. The driving performance, which maintains a high level of stability not only when accelerating in a straight line but also when cornering, is a major attraction of the Range Rover.

We can’t leave out the driver assistance system. ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) supports stress-free driving on highways and in traffic jams. The settings can be easily made using the steering switch, and the ability to intuitively adjust vehicle speed and distance between vehicles greatly improves convenience in everyday use.

Another thing that always impresses me about the interior is the massage function. The Range Rover is equipped with five modes, including wave, pulse, combination, and hot stone, which allow you to relax your body even during long drives. This function is especially beneficial for early morning trips and long drives. The act of driving itself feels like a special relaxation experience.

On the other hand, there are areas where it feels like there is room for improvement in terms of operability. In the MY24 P615, climate control and driving mode (Terrain Response) switching are done on the display. This is not intuitive and is somewhat cumbersome. Furthermore, in the MY24 model, the climate control dial is located on a rather plain panel. Wouldn’t it be better to give it some other function? The recent trend is to place all operations on the display, as this makes it easier to achieve excellent design and functional updates, but from a fail-safe perspective, it would still be easier to use if physical switches were retained.

Although MY25 has already been announced

The 2025 model (MY25) was already announced in April, but the main change from MY24 to MY25 is the addition of a 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel turbo to the long wheelbase (LWB) model, with output increased by 50 PS to 350 PS. There are no major changes to the P615, which is equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo. In terms of equipment, the only changes are the addition of ClearSight interior rearview mirrors (SE grade and above), illuminated treadplates (SE and HSE grades) as standard, and the addition of a tire repair kit, so these are merely minor changes.

Even if your dealer has MY24 in stock, you might not need to wait for MY25. That said, these little additions do add to the Range Rover’s sense of luxury.

SPECIFICATIONS

Land Rover Range Rover SV P615 (MY24)

Body size: Length 5065, width 2005, height 1870mm

Wheelbase: 2995mm

Vehicle weight: 2770kg (vehicle with rear panoramic roof)

Engine: V8 DOHC turbo

Total displacement: 4394cc

Maximum output: 452kW (615PS) / 5855-7000rpm

Maximum torque: 750Nm (76.5kgm) / 1850-5400rpm

Transmission: 8-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front and rear 285/40R23

Vehicle price: 29.44 million yen

Land Rover Range Rover SV P530 (MY23)

Body size: Length 5065, Width 2005, Height 1870mm

Wheelbase: 2995mm

Vehicle weight: 2680kg

Engine: V8 DOHC turbo

Total displacement: 4394cc

Maximum output: 390kW (530PS) / 5500-6000rpm

Maximum torque: 750Nm (76.5kgm) / 1850-4600rpm

Transmission: 8-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc

Tire size: Front and rear 285/40R23

Vehicle price: 25.68 million yen (as of February 2024)