"No matter the engine, the Range Rover's transmission shifts nearly imperceptibly. Although eager to explore its higher ratios to smother any chance the I-6 or V-8 gets to make a peep, it downshifts quick enough that passing power was never a problem with either powerplant.
"The new Range Rover's steering is classically British: light, tactile, and low effort. With less weight on the nose, the P400 is the more enjoyable of the two tested powertrains on a winding road; both the SWB and LWB V-8 models we drove tended to lean and rebound on their outside tires, causing the need to make steering corrections not necessary in I-6 models.
"The Range Rover's new four-wheel-steer system doesn't make a noticeable difference on curvy routes, as the luxury SUV never really shrinks around you in the same way a Bentayga, or Porsche Cayenne do. On the other hand, the system makes a massive difference at low speeds and around town, allowing the Range Rover to feel about as maneuverable as a Honda CR-V.
"Ride-quality is generally great, though perhaps not quite as refined as we'd expect given air springs, electronic dampers, active anti-rollbars, and a road-scanning system. Both SWB and LWB models, especially the V-8-powered-ones, tend to gently roll and bob on less-than-pristine pavement as the 23-inch wheels glance off impacts. It's never outright unrefined, but the LWB P400 felt more buttoned down than the P530 versions, and more stable. If smooth sailing is your priority, we suspect a P400 on the standard 22-inch wheels is the Range Rover to have."
— Christian Seabaugh, Motor Trend
brk
"This might be controversial, but I prefer the power delivery of the base engine. Like the V8, there's an impressive torque band, with the peak spanning from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. But it's the electric assistance from the mild-hybrid system that stands out, helping the base engine feel nearly as sprightly off the line as the V8. At the same time, the straight-six engine revs freely and makes some great noises along the way. Don't get wrapped up in V8 grunt. This engine is a star in its own right.
"Both engines match up to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. Switch the Terrain Response knob over to Dynamic and set the transmission to manual, and the Range Rover feels a bit like a 5,600-pound Volkswagen GTI, blasting downshifts on corner entry only to add gears back with haste while accelerating out. It's a clever gearbox in full auto, too, holding gears as needed. I do wish the computer downshifted more aggressively while decelerating for corners, though."
— Brandon Turkus, motor1.com