?2018 Range Rover LWB?
A Stretch Off-Road Limo

With nearly fifty years of history under its belt, the Land Rover nameplate still reigns as the proverbial ?King of the Hill?. The 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB resides close to the top in pecking order. There actually two LWB trim levels available ? the Supercharged and the Autobiography. Both exhibit an incredible off road capability regardless of the type of terrain and the on-road ride and handling qualities are exceptional as well. The comfort level is up to or beyond any other vehicle.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

The Autobiography LWB version can actually be outfitted to encroach upon the $200,000., mark while my 2018 Ranger Rover Supercharged LWB test vehicle?s as tested price came to a mere $126,380. Even the least expensive base short-wheelbase Range Rover leaves little to be desired with few wanting more. The stable elevates rapidly in terms of price and content from there through the remaining trims – HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and finally, the ultimate SV Autobiography Dynamic with progressively escalating levels of poshness.

The base sticker read $108,895 before factoring in the optional features and equipment which included: Drive Pro Pack, Tow Pack, Black Exterior Package, Vision Assist Package, 20-Way Heated/Cooled Front Seats, Ebony Morzine Headlining, Four-Zone Climate Control, Cabin Air Ionization, Meridian Sound System, Active Rear Locking Differential, 22″ Split-Spoke Gloss Black Wheels, Wood and Leather Steering Wheel, Domestic 110V Power Sockets, Grand Black Veneer, Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC).

 

Plush seating for five adults is courtesy of perforated Windsor leather. My test vehicle wore a Corris Gray exterior finish, complemented by an Ebony leather interior.

ICONIC YET MODERN STYLING

In terms of its visual appeal, the styling has changed little from last year?s example, yet its design is iconic and seems hold its magnetic charm, beauty and level of luxurious appointments. The trim standard-wheelbase model?s proportions tend to give it a more balanced look, but the long-wheelbase variant is far more spacious inside, adding about 7.3-inches of rear seat legroom and longer rear doors. This year, new LED headlights represent the most significant exterior change up front, highlighting the way. The somewhat bulky, conservative lines display an imposing presence. The overall look is now more aerodynamic, while retaining the classic clamshell-type hood and open, airy cabin.

Slipping into the sumptuous greenhouse, this latest iteration Range Rover LWB has replaced the majority of buttons and knobs with dual touchscreens. Yes, they showcase a forward advancement into the world of future high tech, bordering on flashy, but requiring practice to master. The new front and rear seats provide more levels of adjustment and an available massaging function. This year?s reshaped rear seats this year come with a power backrest adjustment on every trim level and the option of full adjustment with heating, cooling, and massaging with progressive trim levels.

GO POWER

Propulsion for the 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB comes from a 5.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged V8 engine with dual independent variable cam timing, direct fuel injection, Eaton twin vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers. The healthy V8 pumps out 518 horses along with 461 pound feet of torque. Motive energy from the longitudinally mounted front engine reaches the All-Wheel Drive System with Dynamic Response via an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission with Gearshift Paddles. 0-60 mph clicks off in a mere 5.2 seconds despite the 5,404 pound mass.

An elaborate traction and stability control system provides modes suited to a variety of on- and off-road scenarios, plus a handy automatic mode that eliminates any guesswork.

Supremely off-road capability for the 2018 Range Rover is provided by its height-adjustable, air-sprung suspension, most impressive in that it out-handles several sports sedans on pavement.

There?s lots of room for personal individualization with the impressive list of Range Rover?s options, interior and exterior hues.

OUTSTANDING DRIVER

Piloting the 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB is a joyous pleasure, with steering that?s quick, direct and precise, on a par with many luxury sedans. The height-adjustable suspension lowers for easy ingress and rises up to 12.2 inches of ground clearance for yeoman off-road use. The air suspension is taut, but not severe or uncomfortable on rough roads. Off-road, it loosens up allowing for 10.2 inches of wheel travel up front and more than a foot aft. Autobiography LWB versions offer an Executive Seating package with even more comfort with rear seats that recline 40 degrees at the tap of a button, eight-way adjustable headrests, and a smartphone app that lets passengers adjust seat and climate settings without taking their eyes off of their devices ?truly International First Class.

There?s no third-row seat and cargo capacity behind the rear seat stands at 31.8 cubic feet for base and HSE models and just 24.5 cu. ft. for models with the Executive Seating package. With the rear seats folded those figures rise to as high as 75.6 cubic feet for long-wheelbase models regardless of rear-seating arrangement.
The 2018 Range Rover offers a refrigerated center console as an option on some trim levels.

All versions of the 2018 Range Rover include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors are fitted to HSE and higher trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto are sadly not included ? a shame at this price point
Range Rover Supercharged LWB V-8s drink a lot of premium fuel: – the long wheelbase EPA estimates are 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

OFF-ROAD INTSTRUCTION INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE

Regardless of trim level, all Range Rovers include a two-hour off-road lesson from one of the automaker?s driving school instructors, whether you decide to use it or not.
The Range Rover Supercharged LWB is one fine SUV ? truly a stretch off-road limo.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB

Base Price: $108,895.
Price as Tested: $126,380

Engine Type and Size: 5.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged V8 with dual independent variable cam timing, direct fuel injection, Eaton twin vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers.

Horsepower (bhp): 518 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 461 @ 2,500-5,500 rpm

Transmission: Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic with Gearshift Paddles.

Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / All-wheel Drive with Dynamic Response

Suspension: Electronic air suspension with automatic load leveling and multiple modes: access, standard, off-road and extended height. Terrain sensing software and cross-link valving for improved off-road performance.
Front – Double-wishbone with air springs, Adaptive Damping and anti-roll bar. V8 S/C adds Dynamic Response system. Travel: 10.236-in.
Rear – Multi-link with air springs, Adaptive Damping, and anti-roll bar. V8 S/C adds Dynamic Response system. Travel: 10.709-in.

Brakes: Power-assisted, four-wheel vented discs with EBD, Advanced Emergency Brake Assist, 4-channel all-terrain ABS, electronic parking brake and Emergency Brake Lights.

Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport 275/40-R22/108Y mounted on-grooved dual spoke Gloss Black alloy wheels

Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Length Overall: 204.7 inches
Width: 81.6 inches
Height: 73.5 inches
Curb Weight: 5,404 lbs.
Approach Angle: 23.3 degrees
Departure Angle: 21.4 degrees
Ramp Breakover Angle: 18.3 degrees
Maximum Wading Depth 35.4 inches with Air Suspension
Ground Clearance: 11.7 inches
Turning Circle: 40.5 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 27.3 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: From 0.35
0 – 60 mph: 5.2 seconds

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.