MADE in Britain. The bad news is that those are three little words that we see far too little of these days — especially on cars.

The good news is that those 13 letters can spell out something a bit special when applied to automotive engineering. In the case of the Range Rover, they signify something awesomely impressive.

There are less expensive, more environmentally-friendly, premier league off-roaders on sale, but nothing that rivals the classic refinement of the most distinctive 4x4 on the road.

Any car that lowers itself just to allow you to get on board is clearly in the elite class for comfort. And comfort is guaranteed, inside a whisper quiet, air-conditioned cabin that owes more to the feel of a luxury private jet than a car.

While the designers have been careful not to disturb the classic lines and timeless feel of Land Rover’s iconic flagship, technology has been shoe-horned into every corner.

The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a 12in wide Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen, though rather bizarrely the main ‘virtual’ features on this cutting-edge display are two old-fashioned analogue dials.

In the centre of the dashboard sits another world-first, truly eye-popping piece of techno wizardry – a dual-view touchscreen. This allows the driver and passenger to view different images on the same screen simultaneously. This means that the passenger can watch the TV or a DVD while the driver follows navigation instructions, all on the same screen. It has to be seen to be believed.

The test model added to the fun with two more screens fitted in the back of the front headrests, to keep rear-seat passengers amused.

More serious technology includes a more powerful braking system and a whopping great list of added active safety aids.

In addition, a surround camera system aids easier parking, towing and off-road manoeuvring, by using five digital cameras which relay a near 360-degree view to the touchscreen display. The cameras can be used at speeds of up to 11mph, with options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close-quarter parking and with towing.

The system is brilliant when reversing with a trailer, as guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image illustrate both the vehicle and trailer’s trajectory and these move in line with steering inputs.

To make night driving more relaxing, the Range Rover’s front headlights can automatically switch on high beam and dip when oncoming traffic is detected.

A flagship vehicle needs a paramount power source and the choice is either the popular 3.6-litre, 272 horsepower turbodiesel fitted to the test car, or a new 510 horsepower, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine.

Price: £77,880 Insurance group: 20 Fuel consumption (Combined): 25.4mpg Top speed: 124mph Length: 497.2cm/195.7in Width: 203.4cm/80in Luggage capacity: 35 cu ft Fuel tank capacity: 23 gallons/104.5 litres CO2 emissions: 294g/km Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage