Auto News 5

The Aston Martin Rapide, Bentley Mulsanne, Ferrari FF, Land Rover Range Rover, and Roll-Royce Phantom are an incredibly diverse quintet, with priorities ranging from ultimate performance to overt opulence. However, one thing these high-end luxury vehicles all have in common is that they can accommodate four passengers. We drove them in England, on real roads and in real traffic, on wet and dry pavement, to find out whether the newest member of the group, the brawny 2013 Range Rover, can challenge and possibly eclipse its even more expensive rivals. In this group test, we are looking not only for speed, space, traction, roadholding, street cred, and the latest technological wizardries. What counts more than any individual strength is the blend of all-around ability and appeal. That includes appearance and ambience, whether your eyes light up when they spot a series of corners, how these cars perform when pushed, and the overall feel-good rating that, even in a four-seater, is defined not only by packaging and functionality but also by style and craftsmanship.