Most Americans don’t realize Land Rover offers the Range in two sizes. To see how their latest build compares against other luxury SUVs they sent us a fully loaded Range Rover for a week of testing.
Everyone knows someone obsessed with Land Rover products. Much like Chevy guys or Ford fans, they can’t immediately quantify why they love them, maybe it’s genetic. Driving by our headquarters you will see several late model Rovers along with a classic Defender 130. So we have ample opportunities to experience them. But nothing could have prepared us for the power. The 5.0 liter supercharged V8 makes 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. With the low gearing needed for 4WD, it is one of the fastest SUVs we have driven.
Once your passengers stop giggling from the acceleration, you begin to notice how much detail goes into the interior. It takes some time to learn the unique placement of the controls, but its a nice change of scenery from the rest of the automotive world. Sound and heat insulation have been taken to the next level, almost making us forget about Florida. One of our major gripes has been the touch screen, so this year it is larger with a much-improved menu. Amazing audio is by Meridian is rated at 825 watts. Four-zone climate control and piano black wood trim are just a few of the ways it will surpass your expectations.
But there are a few things you need to know. Because the windows are flat and almost vertical, glare and reflections can be distracting at night. English roads are not as wide as ours, so the Land Rover isn’t as wide as domestic SUVs. The quality overcomes this, but if you need maximum cargo space look elsewhere. The belt driven intake manifold makes more power than you will ever need, but it also makes for a thirsty drive. Rated at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, only high octane can be used.
The aluminum body rides on air suspension that can be adjusted on the fly. Mood lighting and massaging seats are a nice touch after a long day, and your kids will like the reclining rear seats. If you thought soft close doors and panoramic roofs were exclusive to Germany, the latest from Land Rover will surprise you. The window sticker added up to $109,190, which is a significant investment. But if you need the best in luxury along with the world’s most capable off-road platform, your Range is waiting for you.
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