Range Rover Mk4 Complete Review And Buying Guide

The fourth-generation Range Rover, known as the Mk4 or L405, marked a transformative era for Land Rover’s flagship SUV. Launched around 2012, this model shed significant weight compared to its predecessor, enhancing agility, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability while preserving the brand’s legendary off-road credentials. Inside, it delivers an opulent cabin rivaling the finest saloons, with soft-touch materials and cutting-edge technology. Whether navigating urban streets or rugged trails, the Mk4 balances serene comfort with dynamic performance.

Design Evolution: Bold Lines and Iconic Presence

The Mk4’s exterior design retains Range Rover’s signature squared-off silhouette but introduces sleeker, more modern proportions. Distinctive elements like contrasting metal side accents and the traditional split tailgate underscore its heritage. Improved aerodynamics contribute to better efficiency, and off-road angles—departure and approach—have been optimized alongside a wading depth reaching 900mm, making it more adept in extreme conditions.

This generation feels less imposing on the road despite its size, thanks to a lighter aluminum-intensive body structure that reduces mass by half a tonne. The result is a vehicle that commands attention without overwhelming everyday usability.

Interior Excellence: A Sanctuary of Sophistication

Step inside the Mk4, and you’re enveloped in luxury. Hard plastics are banished, replaced by premium leathers, woods, and metals that define true opulence. The cabin offers limousine-like space, especially in the rear, with ample room for five—or seven in extended versions. The redesigned center stack simplifies controls, ditching button overloads for intuitive touchscreens and haptic feedback.

Creature comforts abound: massaging seats, ambient lighting, and advanced infotainment keep occupants connected and relaxed. It’s a space worthy of high-society events or long-haul journeys, blending British craftsmanship with modern tech.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Command

Historically criticized for road manners, the Mk4 flips the script. It handles with precision, allowing confident placement on twisty roads or city lanes. The Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Response active anti-roll system deliver a supple ride on straights while minimizing body lean in corners. Dynamic mode sharpens responses for spirited drives, though it prioritizes wafting luxury over outright sportiness.

Full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing ensures traction in all conditions. Terrain Response 2 automatically adapts to mud, sand, snow, or rock crawl using sensors, with options like Hill Descent Control for controlled descents. On-road, it’s refined and quiet; off-road, unstoppable.

Engine Lineup: Power and Efficiency Balanced

The Mk4 offers a versatile powertrain portfolio. Petrol options include a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that propels the SUV to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, rivaling sports cars. Diesel variants, like the 4.4-liter SD V8, provide torque-rich performance for towing and efficiency, with combined MPG around 19 in some models.

These engines pair with smooth eight- or ten-speed automatics, offering low-end grunt for off-roading and effortless highway cruising.

Practicality and Space: Family-Friendly Giant

• Cargo Capacity: Up to 32.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding significantly with seats folded.
• Seating: Comfortable for five standard, with optional third row for seven.
• Towing: Rated up to 7,700 lbs with proper setup.
• Fuel Tank: Generous range suits long trips.

Despite its luxury focus, the Mk4 handles daily duties with ease, from school runs to expeditions.

Reliability and Ownership: Progress with Caveats

Build quality has advanced, placing it mid-pack in luxury SUV reliability surveys—sixth out of nine. Common concerns include air suspension, diesel particulate filters (DPF), and turbos in high-mileage examples, but overall durability has improved. Warranties cover 4 years/50,000 miles new, with used models holding value well.

Maintenance costs are premium, but the Mk4’s lighter design aids longevity. Prospective buyers should inspect electronics and suspension.

Trims and Pricing: From Base to Bespoke

Entry HSE models start around $83,300 new (2014 MSRP), climbing to Autobiography luxury peaks. Used prices vary by mileage and spec, offering value in a depreciated market. Key trims:

• HSE: Core luxury with V6 or V8.
• Supercharged: Performance flagship.
• Autobiography: Ultimate opulence with custom options.

Off-Road Prowess: Unmatched Versatility

Land Rover’s Terrain Response system shines, optimizing for diverse surfaces. Locking differentials and 900mm wading depth conquer rivers and rocks. It’s as capable in mud as on motorways, proving the Mk4’s dual nature.

Technology and Safety: Forward-Thinking Features

Adaptive cruise, 360-degree cameras, and blind-spot monitoring enhance safety. Infotainment supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in later models, with Meridian audio for immersive sound.

Why Choose the Range Rover Mk4?

This SUV excels as a daily driver, adventurer, or status symbol. Its blend of luxury, pace, and capability sets benchmarks, evolving the Range Rover legacy for contemporary demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Range Rover Mk4 reliable?

Improved over predecessors, ranking mid-pack in surveys, but watch for suspension and diesel issues.

How fuel-efficient is it?

Varies: 14-19 mpg combined for petrol V8s; diesels better at ~25 mpg UK.

Can it go off-road?

Exceptionally, with Terrain Response 2 and 900mm wading depth.

What’s the towing capacity?

Up to 7,700 lbs.

Is it worth buying used?

Yes, for value, but inspect maintenance history.