I'm looking at potentially getting my first range rover, having spent months trying to decide what I want and researching everything that fits my needs. I've been looking at RR, Cayennes, and Escalades. Honestly, my brain is completely frazzled, and I guess I'm kind of looking for some real world, genuine experience with either of those engines and the 2010-2013 L322 in general.

I only do about 5k miles a year, but this will increase a bit due to needing to tow my drag car to the track, hence looking at the above cars. My day to day journeys consist of 2.8 mile each way trips to the gym, and about 3 mile trips each way in the evening to pick them misses up from work. Also the very occasional trip down to Devon to my parents house. I also have two dogs I need to fit in occasionally. My back plays up on longer journeys, so needs to be comfortable, again, the reason I'm looking at the above.

First off, I'm not sure what engine would be best for my use. I'm more than capable of fixing anything. But I just don't want to be constantly fixing a car I don't use often, and the internet and anyone that has never had a RR tells me not to buy one!

Petrol, based on what you wrote. 2012 Vogue TDV8 in Aintree green over sand

As above, given those very low daily mileages, you’ll want a petrol, else you’ll likely have DPF regeneration issues if not more general problems (EGR’s etc) with a diesel engine not getting up to temperature. You could mitigate this by taking it for a decent drive once a week or so.

A Cayenne, RR and Escalade, albeit all large 4x4’s, are all totally different, so if you haven’t already, suggest test driving each to get a feel for them to see which suits you best.

My view, if you want a more dynamic / involving drive and space isn’t so important, go for a Cayenne (4.8 GTS would be my pick) but if you want to waft along in comfort with more load space, a 5.0SC L332 may be a better choice, I suspect this would tow a large trailer better than a Cayenne, although not as well as the L322 4.4TDV8 with its low down torque and 8 speed gearbox versus the 6 in the 5.0 SC.

Avoid the Escalade  Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

Yeah, that is why I am leaning more towards the 5.0, due to the short journeys. My F11 530D is starting to get a bit sick of them I think, as when I do get it on a long run, it seems a lot happier for a bit. The better economy on the longer journeys plus better towing capability, and gearbox (which I have in the BMW so I know how good it is), is the reason I'm conflicted in which one. I guess driving both is the only way to find out!

I drove an Escalade on Wednesday, but unfortunately it was a bit of a dog. I like American cars, and I have one of the engines from the Escalade in one of my race cars, so i know it like the back of my hand. They are very cheap for parts and will do 250-300k without many issues. Using it for trips to the shops etc might be a bit of a pain though. But everyone I've spoken to that has one, say they have no problem. Unfortunately bias is probably a big factor there. Obviously they are absolutely huge in side and pretty damn comfortable so that is handy for long runs and getting everything in for the track.

The Cayenne, I haven't driven yet. Certainly much smaller storage wise compared to the RR and Escalade though.

I guess the other option would be to get the TDV8 and use it as a tow car then get a cheap runner for daily duties, but I don't really want a car sitting there costing me money that barely gets used!