Range Rover and G63 Rental
When you think ‘big expensive luxury SUVs’, there are two prominent names that immediately come to mind. 1, the legendary Range Rover and 2, the equally esteemed Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. They’re both venerated with a cult following of their own. Both Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz understand this too, as the contemporary models definitely evoke the looks of their respective roots that potential prospects seemingly dote. Therefore, we’ll be comparing the two, specifically pitting the Range Rover Sport SVR against the Mercedes-Benz G63 for parity. Similarities
Both the G63 and Sport SVR follow their genesis that dates far back. In fact, the original G- Wagen and Range Rover was introduced in the 70s. Similarly, both models slowly transitioned from rugged, essentially barebones off-road prowlers into extravagant status symbols that thrives at roving around cities. Of course, it can also be argued that these are amongst the most excessive automobiles money can readily purchase. Both of them are massive SUVs powered by ridiculous forced-induction V8s driving all four wheels endowing a 0-62 mph time of around 4.5 seconds. In other words, both of these SUVs will handily tail a modern Porsche 911 Carrera 4 off the line. Both SUVs also sports driving modes for different occasions. While buyers of either model will likely never see dirt in their hyper-luxurious opulent SUVs, both models haven’t lost their innate trail expedition aptitude. Both models have locking differentials, variable ride height, solid ground clearance, low range, clever computerized terrain navigation, etc. And while going off the beaten path, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of leather and exotic materials within the cabin.
Range Rover Sport SVR
SVR in the name represents the involvement of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team in the production. Powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that puts out 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the SVR sprints from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds all the way to 176 mph.
That said, most Range Rover Sport SVRs you’re going to see isn’t going to use even half of its neck-snapping prowess. Instead, you’ll see its other trait plainly displayed. Boasting the classic Range Rover shape and brawny, yet somehow sleek lines, it demands attention from the crowd while rolling on asphalt. While some may say it’s a tad ostentatious, there’s no denying the road presence that’s indigenous to almost all modern Range Rovers In terms of dynamics, the Range Rover Sport SVR has an edge as well. It’s relatively light at 5,093 lbs and it’s actually designed to dance around corners gracefully. You may have seen videos of one manoeuvring through the very technical Tianmen Road in 9:51. That’s an impressive lap for a 7-mile course with 99 turns. In fact, it outpaces a Ferrari 458 driven on the same road by over 30 seconds. And with all that handling finesse, you’ll still see videos of the same SUV that anyone can navigate tricky country trails in thanks to the Terrain Response 2 system.
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
It’s worth noting that the G63 AMG we’re talking about here is the latest iteration with the new V8. Powered by the 4.0-litre M178 twin-turbocharged V8, which is smaller than the SVR’s V8, it punches well above its weight class, producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The latter is especially remarkable when it comes to hills and overtakes. While it’s portly at 5621 lbs, the G63 AMG will certainly feel sprightly. Mercedes-AMG has somehow managed to preserve that peak torque throughout the rev range, allowing keen drivers to effortlessly surge pass cars on highways even just feathering the throttle. It’s quite comical when you remember that it’s a hefty SUV. That said, its lofty nature and weight encumbers it, compromising its cornering affinity
somewhat. It’s definitely still capable, and markedly easier to handle than the G63 it’s replacing. Its off-road capabilities are laudable, with fully-locking differentials, similarly impressive Dynamic Select terrain selection system. Although, arguably, the SVR is a more capable trekker.
Arguably, the G63 AMG is one of few cars that exhibit comparable road presence to the Range Rover. People absolutely love its decade-old muscular and geometrical styling retrofitted with modern touches. Thankfully it’s now an up-to-date SUV underneath despite conserving the classic look.
Verdict
Let’s admit it, both the Range Rover Sport SVR and Mercedes-AMG G63 are status symbols. People buy these to cruise around places like the Beverly Hills, and both will do an excellent job at that. However, I’m ever so slightly inclined towards the SVR, simply because I do love the subtle supercharger whine and thunderous, yet characterful exhaust note.