Is this the best car I’m going to drive in 2014? Probably, and I don’t say that lightly. I know that it’s way off limits for most, but Land Rover claims to have quite a few orders for 2014 versions. If you take your eyes off the price tag just for a few minutes, you’ll get an opportunity to appreciate the impressive features of the Range Rover. It’s big, luxurious and inspiring. On the road, it is the ultimate in luxury. Its 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine has power to burn. One minute it is sensible and serene; the next it can roar into acceleration.

While big 4x4s have been criticised for being heavy on fuel, this Range Rover is more economical than many 10-year-old petrol cars. The progress in terms of economy has been so good that the rated figure of 13.3km/litre (7.5l/100km or 37.7 mpg) is almost achievable, I found. And that’s close to as economical as big 4x4s get. The Range Rover economy figure is similar to that of the new BMW X5, the equally luxurious Porsche Cayanne and the Mercedes Benz M-Class. Only the Porsche comes near the Range Rover price league.

I took the Range Rover on some lengthy road runs and then down some narrow off-road tracks, followed by a short spin on the land. On road, it is comfort true and true. The engine power is smooth, racing through the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The gear changes were smooth and almost unnoticed. That’s luxury.

Take the Range Rover off road and risk scratching its silver bodywork and it won’t let you down. Even with road tyres, it can handle most tracks as its four-wheel-drive system with a differential lock keeps the wheels engaged.

The Range Rover is the world’s first SUV to be fitted with a lightweight all-aluminium body. This helps to keep the weight to 2,160kg. The bodywork will also give the car more durability.

Step inside and that’s where you get the luxury experience. The seating is solid and supportive. There is a driver’s seat message programme available. I used it on longer journeys and, once accustomed to it, the end result was a far more relaxing drive.

The controls are novel and practical. Engaging the drive mode is effortless with pop-up buttons, while the off-road driving options are equally ease to select.

The new Range Rover is fitted with the next-generation version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. This analyses the current driving conditions and then automatically selects the most suitable vehicle settings. This is combined with a new lightweight suspension which gives good suspension travel even in the toughest of ground conditions.

The Range Rover full-time 4WD system has a two-speed transfer box, which works in in parallel with a sophisticated electronic traction control system to keep you going in rough and smooth conditions. As the driver, you have very few adjustments to make, while you do have the option of selecting the drive to suit the ground conditions. This new Range Rover allows for deeper river wading by an extra 200mm to 900mm. But I doubt if I would be risking my expensive Range Rover in that test too often.

The Range Rover doesn’t lose its roots when it comes to practicality. The towing rating is as good as it gets for a 4x4 at 3.5 tonnes. And Range Rover fits a full-size alloy spare wheel under the boot floor – another practical feature.

This machine is at a new level in terms of its off-road ability, combined with superb on-road handling. Body sway at corners is more controlled without compromising on comfort.

It’s easy to get comfortable with the new Range Rover, just try talking to your bank manager to see if he/she can be comfortable too. And you’ll have to be a good talker at €121,700 (£77,910 in NI). You’ll also need to be able to cope with the annual tax cost of €1,129.

The Range Rover Vogue is probably the most expensive 4x4 on the road today, so it was great to get the luxury experience behind the wheel. It’s not cheap but you get what you pay for. CL

Range Rover

Engine 3.0L V6 diesel

Engine power 254bhp

0-100km/hr 7.9 seconds

Economy 13.3km/litre

Fuel tank capacity 85 litres

CO2 emissions 196g/km

Road tax band F (€1129)

Main service 20,000km

Safety rating Five star

Towing rating 3.5 tonnes

Warranty Three years Entry price €121,700