Goodbye! RR V8

[Roundown]

Traded the X5M for a 2018 RR V8. Growing family and the need for something with a bit less 'edge' pushed me over.

Initial read/comparison:

- iDrive/BMW hardware are far superior to even the latest (and lauded) offering from Range Rover
- the base Meridian sound system in the RR is much better than the HK system in the X5M
- the RR is waaay quieter. Double pane, 6mm acoustic glass and what appears to be better insulation largely eliminate road noise. Exhaust/engine noise makes it way into the cabin (I am assuming through the audio system?) above 2500rpm.
- the addition of "dynamic mode" for 2018 makes the RR feel a bit less portly, but it'll surprise no one here that the X5M is less wobbly in corners.
- not a materially larger trunk, but the cabin is/feels notably more spacious
- steering feels less chattery than that if the X5M, better on-center feel as well
- interior materials are nicer (no surprises)
- new massage seats for 2018 are worth the upgrade/a nice to have on long trips

Will miss the X5M greatly!


-

[Jaymax85]

Best of luck, I was looking at a rrs but was completely turned off by the poor build quality: plastic flimsy trim, gaps in trim, and boaty feel. I'm sssuming the reg rr is higher quality

[onfireX5]

How do they compare in acceleration ?

[iconoclast]

Going this route as well. What is different with the articulating seats for 2018 over the past years? Do they now offer an articulating squab like the E70 had or is just more features or improved?

[JMAN1111]

You have to compare Bang and Olufsen to Meridian...

M power for the win


You'll be back when the x7 comes out

[Quampa]

Congrats OP. These SUVs definitely have a presence and one of the most comfortable ones i've had the opportunity to drive. I used to have a 2012 version (before the facelift) and kind of miss it.

Enjoy it!

[WCH]

Congrats. RR have always had a visual appeal to me even though I have never owned one.

I'm going to explore a RRS SVR or Velar SVR later this year when my X5M lease is up since there likely won't be a new X5M for another year or so.

The new Cayenne Turbo is on the list as well - wife had the last generation Cayenne GTS, which was an awesome SUV. Just wish there wasn't a $20K premium for the equivalent Porsche.

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by Jaymax85

Best of luck, I was looking at a rrs but was completely turned off by the poor build quality: plastic flimsy trim, gaps in trim, and boaty feel. I'm sssuming the reg rr is higher quality

Agree RRS is disappointing and quite small (inside for its class).

The RR itself isn't much bigger than the X5 when it comes to storage and isn't available with a third row...packaging is compromised a bit for ride/off road hardware.

The new 2018 RR is a big leap in technology - that had been my big gripe previously. Again, still no iDrive (or CarPlay).

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by JMAN1111

You have to compare Bang and Olufsen to Meridian...

M power for the win


You'll be back when the x7 comes out

X7M, maybe...?

Fair point re: meridian.

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

How do they compare in acceleration ?

It moves, better than I expected, but it's not as urgent as the X5M. It's more than adequate for my use. Sort of regret not just getting the HSE.

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Going this route as well. What is different with the articulating seats for 2018 over the past years? Do they now offer an articulating squab like the E70 had or is just more features or improved?

The seats are uglier but apparently have bigger/better pumps for the massage feature. They seem meant for "larger" people. Nonetheless, first 200 miles were excellent.

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by WCH

Congrats. RR have always had a visual appeal to me even though I have never owned one.

I'm going to explore a RRS SVR or Velar SVR later this year when my X5M lease is up since there likely won't be a new X5M for another year or so.

The new Cayenne Turbo is on the list as well - wife had the last generation Cayenne GTS, which was an awesome SUV. Just wish there wasn't a $20K premium for the equivalent Porsche.

Thanks sir- the Velar SVR looks like it's going to be amazing. Velar, in my opinion, is the best looking SUV on the road.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by Roundown

It moves, better than I expected, but it's not as urgent as the X5M. It's more than adequate for my use. Sort of regret not just getting the HSE.

The RRSC delivers power in a much smoother fashion is more refined in terms of power delivery. I believe that is intentional to retain the qualities of being a passengers car and not a Driver's car like the X5M.

Originally Posted by Roundown

The seats are uglier but apparently have bigger/better pumps for the massage feature. They seem meant for "larger" people. Nonetheless, first 200 miles were excellent.

I didn't find them to be ugly or uglier but they definitely look bulky compared to before. I have not experienced the massage seat in the newer ones yet but hopefully they are better than what MB offers because those were barely noticeable and felt more like a rear passenger pushing on the seat than a "massage".

[avi8tir]

My major gripe with RR's is that, even in it's best form, the technology/infotainment is horrid. Im a techie so it's big enough of an issue that I won't even consider a RR.

[iconoclast]

2018+ have a new system while not the latest or innovative it is a quantum leap ahead of the 2006 Jaguar units they were using in their previous models. I was a big fan of the 2010-2012 navigation unit. It was simple, quick and did nothing other than give you directions, suggestions and outdated POI.

[m32]

Congrats on your RR. I had a RRS and loved the look and presence of it... just hated that it was always in the shop. I do love the look though!

Edwin

[P1]

Although there are a tremendous amount of them out there, I still wouldn't say no to owning one. Congrats.

[Roundown]

I should add that delivery took a bit longer than expected (late Feb) and I had sold my OE winter wheels and tires (anticipating early Jan delivery). As a stop-gap, I picked up four Toyo GSi-5 winter tires in 275/315 for $500 (2016 DOT). They're aggressive and loud, but they're an incredible bargain. They're performed more than admirably. If anyone is looking for an inexpensive winter tire that will mount to the OE 20", give these a look.

[Sergey8136]

Originally Posted by Roundown

Traded the X5M for a 2018 RR V8. Growing family and the need for something with a bit less 'edge' pushed me over.

Initial read/comparison:

- iDrive/BMW hardware are far superior to even the latest (and lauded) offering from Range Rover
- the base Meridian sound system in the RR is much better than the HK system in the X5M
- the RR is waaay quieter. Double pane, 6mm acoustic glass and what appears to be better insulation largely eliminate road noise. Exhaust/engine noise makes it way into the cabin (I am assuming through the audio system?) above 2500rpm.
- the addition of "dynamic mode" for 2018 makes the RR feel a bit less portly, but it'll surprise no one here that the X5M is less wobbly in corners.
- not a materially larger trunk, but the cabin is/feels notably more spacious
- steering feels less chattery than that if the X5M, better on-center feel as well
- interior materials are nicer (no surprises)
- new massage seats for 2018 are worth the upgrade/a nice to have on long trips

Will miss the X5M greatly!


-

You will miss x5m greatly , you can’t compare, it’s like apple and oranges, x5m doesn’t feel like SUV more like a sports sedan, where RR feels and drives like a powerful minivan it has power but no character, I own both 😉 good luck

[Skyracer]

Originally Posted by Roundown

As a stop-gap, I picked up four Toyo GSi-5 winter tires in 275/315 for $500 (2016 DOT). They're aggressive and loud, but they're an incredible bargain. They're performed more than admirably. If anyone is looking for an inexpensive winter tire that will mount to the OE 20", give these a look.

Thanks for the tip! When you say you had OEM before, were they Pirellis? I'm curious how you would rate the Toyos compared to the Pirellis for:

- ride comfort
- snow traction
- ice traction
- handling
- noise

TIA.

BTW, congrats on the new acquisition. That JLR V8 is a peach of an engine. I got my X5M as a DD this past fall, after two Jags (XFR and XFR-S); a shame that that Jag no longer puts that engine in any of their sedans.

[1230vani]

I just test drove a new 2018 RRS, though the infotainment looks very fancy idrive is still better somehow. Also if you need to change the language on the two middle screens, the speedometre language needs to be changed separately. Speedometre had a bit of lag. The bulky hood on RRS looks amazing but when you drive it X5 is more practical somehow as you see more. I gave up on the purchase as my wife did not like the car. RRS (not full size RR) has a few nice changes compared to tge older one, like new better seats, HUD option, new door elements inside, new ionized air con, new laser led lights (several error msgs - will be fixed by sw update im told).

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by JMAN1111

You have to compare Bang and Olufsen to Meridian...

M power for the win


You'll be back when the x7 comes out

There are several levels of the meridiam, B&O is superior IMO to meridiam , but i have not heard the top end version of meridiam