What's all this about?

Land Rover has announced a new special-edition Range Rover inspired by the “calm and beautiful British countryside,” and particularly the quintessentially British Cotswolds. Named the Burford Edition, after the town known as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds,’ Land Rover says just 10 examples will be built.

It’s called what?

You heard. The Burford Edition. Yes, we know… But Land Rover clearly sees itself as more of a lifestyle brand than a car maker these days. Prospective buyers are even being invited to a preview event at Daylesford Organic, which is one of ‘the’ places to be seen in the Cotswolds.

So what does the Burford Edition get?

In essence, the Burford Edition is a conventional Range Rover SV Long Wheelbase, which means there’s more room in the back for passengers to stretch out. Apparently, the colour palette is inspired by the Cotswolds, with Aether Grey bodywork in a satin finish, and metal script badging. Inside, there’s a two-tone cabin with Light Cloud and Cinder Grey upholstery created from woven textiles, which Land Rover calls a “desirable, luxury alternative to leather.” In the back, the Burford Edition also gets matching scatter cushions for added comfort.

Is that it?

Not quite. The Burford Edition also gets a V8 petrol engine — the 4.4-litre, BMW-derived mild-hybrid V8 with two turbochargers. It’s called the P615 in Land Rover parlance, which tells you it’s a petrol engine with 615hp, and that’s enough to lug the massive Range Rover SV from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 162mph.

However, it’s hardly the most efficient engine on the planet, returning around 24mpg on the official economy test, and emitting 264g of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

What's all this about Daylesford Organic?

Ah, yes. That’s the posh ‘farm shop’ in the Cotswolds, just between Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton. Anyone who’s anyone in that part of the world buys their £5.99 organic activated walnuts there.

Anyway, Land Rover has taken to hosting Range Rover House preview events at swanky locations, allowing prospective customers to get up close and personal with the car they’re thinking of buying. For the Burford Edition, Daylesford Organic has been selected.

They've invited me. How much will I have to pay?

Well, Land Rover has said the price will be revealed on application, so we don’t know exactly. However, a standard Range Rover SV Long Wheelbase P615 costs more than £170,000, so a limited-edition is likely to cost significantly more than that. And that’s before Daylesford Organic flogs you a 70g bag of walnuts for six quid.

James Fossdyke - 4 Apr 2024