As some of you may be aware of, I am currently in the hunt for my next motor. I currently drive an E92 BMW 330d, which I have remapped to approx 280bhp. I love the car, but I have always loved the look, and appeal of the RRS.

I had booked with my local dealer for a test drive a few months ago, and was really impressed with the new interior, new engine, and refinement, so yesterday I had booked an extended 24hour test drive, to give me a good feeling of how living with the MY2010 RRS will be.

My choice of vehicle will be Santorini Black with black leather and contrast stitching, black carpet etc...

They gave me Buckingham Blue with the most awful almond interior, and straight grain walnut finish (on Page 29 of the brochure it is the finish on that page.).The wood was like cheap B&Q laminate flooring. Granted it was the 'premium' perforated leather, but honestly - i don't know if it's worth the premium. Even more bizarre was the fact that I (the driver) had full lumbar support etc, but my wife only had manual control over it - really strange on a £50k + car.... Heated seats were nice this morning, but they took a bit of time to heat up, and the 'spread' was a bit uneven.

I was not impressed with the colour combo, and unbelievably, it soured my taste of the car from the start. My wife was really unimpressed with the looks of it (interior wise) too, and her overall feeling was one of 'cheap' and unfinished. The cheapness came from things like the plastic finish around the rear seats - they are certain to be scuffed from inadvertent kicks and heel marks. The other thing she didn't like (although it honestly didn't bother me) was the control knobs on the arm-rests! she just felt it quite dated the car.

My test vehicle had the H/K sound system, and I was extremely impressed with it - the clarity, range, and bass rumble was all excellent from it, although the Sat-Nav is awful - it neither zooms in close enough or is easy or intuitive to use. postcode searches (especially for Northern Ireland) seems to be redundant. My garmin nuvi is better at mapping, and for an integrated system on a premium vehicle, i just found it very lacking. My dad has a new Audi A8 and his sat-nav is leaps and bounds ahead of this one, and even my mother-in-laws jeep grand cherokee has a better integrated sat-nav system than the RRS.

Lights were very very bright on the vehicle. I think it had the bi-xenon lights, but nevertheless, they were very bright at night, and you felt very safe in it.

As a driving car I was very impressed. I took it on a good combination of motorway, A roads, B roads, twistys, straights, and not once did the car let me down. It felt surefooted through any corners, and the steering was very responsive, with minimal body-roll. it was able to propel itself quite rapidly for such a large vehicle, although a remap would definitely be on the cards, especially coming from a fairly rapid, torquey car currently with the E92 I drive.

Overall consumption was showing a healthy 29.8 MPG, which I dont consider to be too bad on a vehicle this size with only 1000miles under its belt.

Overall impressions.....

I liked the vehicle..... but didn't love it.

I dont know whether it was rose-tinted glasses I had before, or whether it was the (for me) hideous colour combination, but I am in a quandry..... I really wanted to love this car, i really wanted to drive it and place my order right away, but i will be leaving it back today just not knowing what to do.
I think I need to see my preferred colour scheme of Santorini Black, tinted glass, ebony interior with either lunar stitching or contrast stitching, and the gloss black, and i think it may appeal to me more. I just found my particualar combination too old, and not young enough.

can I see myself driving a RRS for the next couple of years? I think so.... but I'm just not sure!

I am now going to test drive cars I though I was coming away from - M3's, 335's, (but definitely not an X5 or X6, lol!)

I just feel for £50k, money may be better spent?

Anyway, these are just my ramblings, but I would love to know what some of you seasoned RRS drivers think about my statements - am I asking for too much?

The RRS:

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Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I posted yesterday how British car manufacturers seem to always be a few years behind what other manufacturers are offering in terms of spec or tech - you think you've got the best because it seems cutting edge, and maybe it was a few years back, but then you see another manufacturer's car and you see how the tech/spec has moved on. Even some "normal" cars like the new Avensys in top trip level have some better features then the new RRS.

The sort of things I mean are

SatNav - LR one seems to have stayed the same for last 4 years or so
Phone integration
iPod integration
PDC - we just get a beep, other manufacturers give you a visual display
Reversing camera - Where's the dynamic reversing guidelines?

And I agree with your wife about the armrest knobs, they're like something from the 1970s. Think all armrests look crap anyway on just about any car. Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.8::MG Montego Turbo::MGB GT::Rover Sterling::MGF::MG ZT 190+
Discovery Series II Td5 GS::Discovery 3 TDV6 S::Freelander 2 TD4 XS::Freelander 2 TD4 SE
Range Rover Sport TDV6 3.0

well i am glad i got at least 1 reply from 27 views!!!

Hi Ross...

Firstly I don't think there is too much wrong with the colour combo in fact I have Buck blue with Ivory and while the ivory looks good its very unpractical and If I were to choose again it would have been the ebony or almond...what might have improved "your" spec is the anigre inserts it just goes better with everything else IMO... As far as the Sat Nav goes I agree with what you say just not good enough. My biggest gripe and i know everybody is different but I'm damned if I can find a driving position that I really like and feel comfortable with just feel the seats are too short and and lack any leg bolster behind the knees resulting in aches and pains....I paid almost £64K for my car and having lived with it for a couple of weeks would say that £50K would have been plenty.....Having said all that I do really like my RRS but love takes time to blossom therefore I will reserve judgement for a wee while yet

thats actually a very interesting point you make Jim about the seating and lack of leg bolsters - its a major gripe also... the seats just feel somewhat short.

i've just went out and washed it there, and it is a big beastie, but i still think there's something about it which really appeals to me!

you are right about the walnut trim!, it is standard ,but you have to ask to change to the anigre ,a no cost option, (dark and shiny) which is ten times better!! .

i have the standard leather, and find it to be fine, the only thing i liked about the premium leather is that the black is blacker than what i have in standard trim.

overall i find the cabin a rather nice place to be, personally i think it is streets ahead of the merc and bmw offerings, and dare i say it you fell more cocooned in it compared to the FFRR

what you have to remember is that it is a utility vehicle albeit in a fancy suit ( a creased one at that - you can still spot the weld marks and crimping alon the door tops!!) ive had mine a few weeks now and i love it! MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

I have a Santorini black on order with privacy glass, but I have the almond interior and I have to say I like it. Each to their own I suppose. I can't comment on the sat nav as I have never haad a car with one, to be honest I don't think I will use it too much. My cars have never left this Island and I can get pretty much anywhere in Ireland North or South without the use of a sat nav. I also agree with you about the arm rest knobs, they do look a bit naff.
I am glad to see the mpg you had on your loan car because the one Hursts lent me was averaging about 21mpg when I got it. I did manage to raise this a bit throughout my day of driving so maybe it had been thrashed.
I have also really liked this car for a long time before I eventually took the plunge and placed the order, I'm expecting to get mine at the end of May and I can't wait. It will be quite a jump up in standard of car for me so it would be unfair to compare it to the A3 I currently drive. Other cars I had thought about were the Q7 (put off by the crap customer service I have received from Audi), X5 (My wifes favourite but I just can't warm to BMW's, a pesonal thing, plus ride was too stiff) and the Lexus RX hybrid (Makes so much sense as a company car but IMO looks don't appeal, though it was comfortable to drive and has a nice interior)
I may have picked with my heart and not my head only time will tell. Said RRS is now on order.

Hi Lawrence - sounds like you're getting exactly the car you're after...

maybe it's just been with me coming from a BMW coupe with an all black interior, that is what i am hankering after.

I'm returning the RRS to Hursts today for 4pm, so hopefully a few more miles under the belt will make me re-evaluate my decision!

Had my RRS just one week, back from my first decent days trip, 500kms, no motorways, just plain old Aussie back roads down South Australia's York Peninsula. I have to agree with your words on driving position, trip down seemed fine, no problem getting comfy, easy drive to site. Then after the day working in a wind-turbine tower the trip home wasn't so comfy and I struggled to feel the same as I did in my D3. I suggest its a matter of time.

As for finish, the look of my RRS is perfect, it is by far exactly what I wanted, as for 5.0L S/C motor, WOW, just awesome on the country roads, overtaking so easy now and fuel consumption was an acceptable 21mpg (13.3L/100km) for a car with only 400km. MY2010 RRS 5.0L S/C - finally has arrived, out with turbo lag, in with the neck breaking V8!!!
Santorini Black, Ebony & Contrast Stitch, Black Grand Lacquer Trims, Sunroof, Tint, Tow-Pack.

"06 D3 TDV6 - now with the wife"
"07 Malibu Responce LXI 340hp - ski boat"
"08 BMW F800GS - adventure bike"
"09 KTM 400EXC - trail bike"

I switched from a remapped BMW E92 335D M-Sport Coupe and I love the RRS. I wouldn't want to go back at all. The BMW eventually annoyed me being too low and hard riding and I didn't find the interior a nice place to be. Mine was too dark (everything was black inside and out) with a interior designed on a budget for the 318i. I never found the quality of the Sat Nav or leather very good in the BMW either - not that the RRS is much if any better.

One thing I do like about the RRS HSE is the value, just look at what it comes as standard with compared to a BMW X5, Mercedes ML or Porsche Cayenne. The RRS comes with 20" wheels, metallic paint, leather, air suspension, bluetooth/SatNav/HK Sound/ipod, keyless entry, Heated Memory Seats, parking sensors and rear camera which the other manufacturers will charge you for. I looked at the price list for the new Porsche Cayenne and the price would shoot up with the same options.

I love the light interior of mine and after 6000 miles I've not noticed any scuff marks yet.

There should be no problem with the dealer showing you a car in the colour combo you want even if its a customers car they must have lots of black cars if its like here. WINNER - 2009 ‘Just Doing What It’s Designed To Do’ Award

2010 TDV8 HSE Galway Green - Adaptive Cruise - Sunroof - Privacy Glass - 5 Spoke Alloys
2009 TDV6 3.0 HSE Buckingham Blue - GONE

Hi Big Pimp - my opinion for what it's worth.

I have my first RRS ever - got a new MY10 on 1st March. Had Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Porsche 911 (when I lived in the states). I have got exactly the awful combination you have test drove. Buck Blue with Almond - why cos i love it and it looks classy. Thats the beauty of cars, everyone has different tastes - i hate the black and Ivory combo - to me it's common and predictable. My last Audi was black inside and out and was just sombre and boring. I am 6ft - can easily get comfy and just waft around in serenity. I have done 5000 miles since March 1st and never have a problem. I test drove the X5 and X6 as well as ML and as for build and quality between the RRS and the others they were all much of a muchness. The sat nav in my last Audi and BMW 5 series were both crap and the RRS is streets ahead in my opinion.

I honestly believe that we all expect too much and if you have that attitude you always get dissapointed - my 911 - I had so many expectations and it didn't live up to them - it simply couldn't. So i bought the RRS and just thought - enjoy it ! don't worry about the little things you don't like (all cars will have that) and just get on with driving and getting the admiring glances you will surely get. this is my first 4x4 and it's totally different from cars and i don't think you can compare RRS against an M3 - if you have the money you should have both as they both serve different purposes.

I think your review is honest and your opinion - a little harsh but it's a lot of money to spend.
Dave 2016 MY16.5 HSE, 21" Rims, Waitamo Grey, Cirrus Leather, Extended Leather, Meridian sound

i ain't no dizzy rascal

big pimp wrote:

Hi Lawrence - sounds like you're getting exactly the car you're after...

maybe it's just been with me coming from a BMW coupe with an all black interior, that is what i am hankering after.

I'm returning the RRS to Hursts today for 4pm, so hopefully a few more miles under the belt will make me re-evaluate my decision!

Big Pimp

I also have your dreaded colour combination. I also think it looks classy. We all like different things and I don't like the black tinted Pimp look....which judging by your name, you do! I have an MY09 not an MY10 so still have the "old interior"...its fine for now although the new one is nicer of course.

My wife doesn't drive the RRS often but loves it as a passenger. If we discuss future car changes, she always says I can do what I want but I must keep a Range Rover of some description in the fleet! I do as she says because I can't afford to change (wives)

To me it sounds like you need to test drive more cars until you find something that you really like. If you like the RRS and the wife doesn't, either do as she says and be happy or trade in the wife. Gone - 2008 Stornoway Grey RRS 2.7 TDV6
Gone - 2009 Buckingham Blue RRS 2.7 TDV6
Gone - 2010 Alaska White RRS 5.0 V8 Aspirated
Gone - 2017 Chawton White RRS 5.0 V8 Supercharged
Current - 2010 Java Black RRS 5.0 V8 Aspirated
Current- 2024 RRS P400 SE Dynamic

hey guys.

thanks for all the replies (and apologies to any I have offended with my criticism of the colour combo!!!)

well, I have just left the RRS in after really enjoying it for the rest of my extended test drive.

I put my blinkers on, and ignored the colour combo which isn't to my personal tastes, and just got down to driving and enjoying the luxury of the car..... and I have been totally won over.

The RRS ticks all the right boxes for me - it's lovely to drive - so relaxed, so comfortable and so commanding sitting high up in the well fitted cabing.

it's not as fast as my car, but then, it's not supposed to be..... my car wasn't able to move for a few weeks of winter, but i'll bet the RRS would not encounter such problems!

i'm big into detailing, so I actually took some time this morning to properly wash and clean the dealers RRS this morning - if only to get a feel of how it is to wash! extended into off-road mode and I got in under the arches all nice and clean, and then dropped it down to access mode and was able to get the rest of it sparkling.

when the sun hit it, I understnd why the buck blue is so appealing - it had lovely purpely / navy tones in the sunlight and was very nice (although I'll still be ticking the santorini black option myself!!!)

interior still not my cup of tea, but when i was leaving it back to the dealer, as luck would have it they had a santorini black, with black leather (and walnut!) interior and both me and SWMBO thought it was nicer (in our opinions, of course) and was just more appealing.

when I got back into my E92, i really enjoyed driving the sportier car - like RichardM says - the low and hard riding is stating to grate on me, but I immediately missed 'my' RRS, and although I bade it a fond farewell, I know what my next car is going to be

Like you also say Richard - the HSE is so well specced (apart from the stupid passenger seats lack of matching electrics!) that no BMW or anything will comapre to what it has... infact, the only options I personally want now are a Sunroof, and the TV! The HK system is phenomenal - really really impressive, and so much better than my BMWs system.

keyless entry was a gift too, and very easy to get used to! Rear camera was amazingly clear, and not pixelly at all... the only strange thing is yesterday the camera had like yellow lines, and broken yellow lines in it - today it didn't!!! Bluetooth linked with my iPhone no problems, but i did find it a bit crackly?

To finish - thanks to all of you who have taken the time to give your opinions - you are the guys who are driving and enjoying your RRS's each and every day, and hopefully in the next 10 - 12 weeks, I'll be doing the same in my black exterior and black interior'd RRS just like you all.

Ross

hope you choose well and wisely, if you get the RRS you want you will love it, just too many made on a friday! both mine have been excellent, and much as I loved and adored my trouble free MY06, the new one is streets ahead, good luck purple people eater

There are no good days, just some days that are not as bad as others!


Gone RR 4.0 P38 Autobiography MY99 Red ( money pit)
Gone RRS MY06 2.7TDV6 HSE Rimini Red
Gone RRS MY10 3.0TDV6 HSE Bali Blue with lots of bits (never grew to love it)
Here Now - 3.6 TDV8 FFRR OVERFINCH Stornoway Grey - loving it x
My work car Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDci Zetec auto Estate in Silver