More power and improved economy. That’s what the new twin-turbo 4.4-litre diesel engine in the 2011 model year Range Rover promises. How has this seemingly conflicting combination of abilities been achieved? Sequential turbocharging plays a major role. Instead of both turbos working together, in the new engine the second turbo only comes to life at wider throttle openings.

Backing this up is an all-new eight-speed auto gearbox, and thanks to the greater torque on offer, the eighth gear enables the new engine to spin at just 1450rpm at 70mph (compared with 1900rpm for the old 3.6 TDV8), meaning cruising is even more relaxed than it was before. Kick that second turbo into action, though, and you’ll hear a new-found snarl as you pass through 3300rpm. You’d never guess it could come from a diesel Land Rover unit.

The revised dampers first introduced with the 2010 revisions and the huge new front brake calipers help give this latest Rangie superb on-road behaviour for a 4x4, while optional reclining seats for rear-seat passengers and even more leather for the interior (including the roof lining) mean the Autobiography model has many so-called luxury cars well beaten for comfort.

It may be 40 years old, but this latest, full-fat Range Rover still remains top of its class by a country mile.