Range Rover 4.4

The Range Rover, now in its third generation, has plenty of history and credibility behind it. The Range Rover has had an enormous amount of engineering time and money spent on it.

It shares many under-the-skin components with BMW's X5, such as engines and transmissions, until Land Rover's current owner Ford can install its own components.

The Range Rover's 4.4-litre V8 and five-speed transmission work well in downloading a smooth, thick vein of torque to the road. BMW's engineers tuned the 4.4-litre to sound like a V8 should, so you will find yourself accelerating hard just to enjoy listening to the engine.

Though not as sporty on the road as the X5 or Cayenne, the Range Rover has supple and safe dynamics with the best rough-road ride in the business.

Off-road, the Range Rover is still the king. It has all the right elements for success; an excellent low-range, height-adjustable air suspension, tough tyres and clever traction control.

Some others here may get where the Range Rover can go off-road, but simply will not do it as easily.

The Range Rover feels the biggest here simply because it is.

The cabin provides the most occupant space and comfort in the class and with the vast array of interior trim options, can be dressed to look just the way you prefer - from brushed aluminium to traditional wood. Everything fits well and you feel that your money is well spent, something that could not be said of some past Range Rover models.

Engine: 4.4 litre V8

Capacity: 4,398cc

Power/torque: 210kW/440Nm

Transmission: Five-speed auto

Kerb weight: 2,440kg

Dimensions: (L/W/H) 4,950, 1,940, 1,820mm

Price: $1,080,000

Bottom line: The Range Rover has all the class and kudos you could want in a prestige vehicle and equals its on-road ability off the road. It is a true all-rounder.