The new luxury off-road vehicle

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

It began as a four-wheel-drive Volkswagen concept called the Magellan, named after the 16th-century Portuguese explorer, and unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January.

It has now been confirmed as Audi's new lifestyle vehicle, an up-market off-roader aimed at the new Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, BMW X-5, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90, Lexus GX 470 ... a segment fast including Uncle Tom Cobbley and all.

Audi's new boss, Martin Winterkorn, has been reported as saying the four-wheel-drive will be on the market by around the middle of the decade.

It is expected to be built on the next-generation A6 platform, although there is talk that it could share its chassis with the Cayenne and Touareg.

It will also be powered by a choice of all-new diesel and petrol engines, including the W8-configuration units and a V10 diesel putting out more than 700Nm of torque.

Chassis aside, the new model will almost certainly replace the present Audi Allroad, the beefed-up and higher-riding four-wheel-drive station wagon.

Winterkorn hinted at such a change when he said the Allroad replacement "will feature more traditional SUV (sports utility vehicle) architecture".

It is therefore likely that the last of the Allroad models will be the 4.2-litre V8, due in New Zealand next year. There are two models at present - the 2.7-litre twin-turbo petrol and the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel.

VW is Audi's parent company. It described the Magellan study as "a multi-talented travelling concept for tomorrow's world".

"The Magellan reflects the wishes of drivers who cannot find the ideal vehicle for their complex needs in the classical sports utility, multi-purpose vehicle and estate-car segments, but who appreciate the core characteristics of these vehicle types.

"These characteristics include high seat position, off-road capability, spaciousness in both the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment, and agile handling. Another essential element is individuality, expressed in an intelligent technical concept and design far away from the mainstream."

The marketing-speak description pretty much applies to all the luxury off-road models. Each offers a package chock-a-block with saloon-like leather and electronics but with the added appeal of four-wheel-drive. Better vision from the higher ride height is a lure, too, say the marketing people.

The Magellan concept is 4685mm long, 1860mm wide and 1620mm high, smaller than the Porsche Cayenne, which is 4782mm long, 1928mm wide and 1699mm high.

The new Range Rover is the big guy in the group - 4950mm long, 1956mm wide (not including door mirrors) and 1863mm high.

The third-generation Range Rover will have its New Zealand launch tomorrow and Friday in Queenstown. The all-new vehicle is powered by a choice of BMW-built 4.4-litre petrol V8 and 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engines.

It has full-time four-wheel drive and uses independent suspension front and rear. It also features a host of technological innovations, to improve both on- and off-road ability.

"We believe the new Range Rover is the most capable vehicle in the world with the greatest breadth of on- and off-road ability," said the managing director of Land Rover New Zealand, Peter Lockie.

"It is supremely capable off-road and one of the world's finest luxury cars. While the interior and exterior is thoroughly modern it retains all the distinctive Range Rover styling cues."

One thing Land Rover hasn't retained is the price. The present top-line Range Rover Vogue costs around $135,000. The new models are expected to be priced between $175,000 and $185,000.

One Range Rover rival sitting around the same money is the 4.6-litre BMW X5, a $179,900, high-performance blood brother to the 3-litre six-cylinder diesel and 4.4-litre petrol V8 models.

It is called the 4.6is and features lower suspension, wider wheels and tyres, and aerodynamic additions for improved stability.

The engine is a development of the existing 4.4-litre and produces 255kW at 5700 rpm and 480Nm of torque at 3700 rpm, an increase of 40Nm over the 4.4-litre unit. Power goes to all four wheels through a five-speed Steptronic transmission.

The new addition is the best-equipped X5, with standard features including a built-in GSM phone, electric sunroof, onboard monitor with television, and a 10-speaker sound system with six-disc CD player.

Safety features include a total of 10 airbags: Side and head airbags for the rear passengers, and front, side and head airbags for the front seats.

The 4.6is is the first BMW road car to come with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, fitted with 275/40 (front) and 315/35 (rear) tyres. The wheel-arches have been flared to accommodate these.

A choice of four colours is available: Imola red, Estoril blue, titanium silver and sapphire black.