She ? Driving down the freeway in the Land Rover Range Rover the other day we started to discuss the virtues of spending $90,000 on an SUV.? Being a person who likes to get a lot of value for my dollar, I had to admit if I had that much money to spend on a vehicle, I would more than likely buy two really nice vehicles, rather than this one very posh sport utility.
On the other hand, if I could afford a Range Rover, why shouldn?t I have the best?
He ? We could argue that point back and forth all day, but there is no debate over the virtues of the Land Rover Range Rover ? it?s about as good as it gets when it comes to luxury SUVs.? Whether it?s the elegant and comfortable interior or the amazing performance, both on- and off-road, the top Land Rover model is the king of the category.
She ? From the outside, the classic British SUV is simple elegance with smooth sides rounded edges all contributing to the elegant Land Rover look.? Inside the new interior is a distinctive and luxurious as any luxury car we?ve driven.? Soft leather seats with contrasting piping and real wood veneers accented with strips of brushed metal and large intuitive controls.
Technology has found a home in the interior, too with abundant features including a new Thin Film Transistor LCD insurument panel, which when activated, gives the illusion of analog gauges in 3D.? The system allows for much more information to be presented to the driver.? There is even a new Surround Camera system that shows an overhead view of all around the Land Rover through five digital cameras.? This is exceptionally helpful for lining up a trailer for towing or even when climbing over boulders or logs, like that would ever happen if we owned one.
He ? The Range Rover never wants for power.? At 375 horsepower the base HSE version?s 5.0-liter V-8 is one of the most powerful engines available in any SUV and at 510-hp, the top level supercharged model is unrivaled except by exotic supercars.? Both direct-injection engines drive through a six-speed automatic transmission that automatically adapts to the driver?s driving style.? On pavement, the base engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, that?s not bad for a vehicle that approaches 6,000 pounds curb weight.? The supercharged version is good for a 5.9-second time.
Both versions have an EPA fuel economy rating of 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.? Our actual average during a week of driving was 15.9 mpg.
Combined with the most advanced vehicle dynamic technologies this vehicle allows driver to have his cake and eat it too with outstanding on-road handling and the best off-road abilities of anything on four wheels.
She ? The base HSE version of the Range Rover is equipped better than many SUVs with all the options.? Pricing starts at $74,425, but there is an extensive list of available options.? Our test vehicle came with a couple of packages and a few individual options that totaled nearly $93,000.? The Supercharged version starts at $95,125 and can go as high as $134,000 when equipped with all the extras, which includes the exclusive new Autobiography customizing package and the unique Chromoflare paint that adds $14,500 alone.
We haven?t see one of the custom Autobiographic editions or the custom paint, however that doesn?t seem like something I?d want to be scraping through brush.
He ? On several occasions in the last few years, I?ve had the opportunity to drive a Range Rover in some extreme off-road conditions and have always come away in awe over this vehicle’s capabilities.? One of the best parts, of going off-road is the simplicity.? Just select the type of conditions from the Terrain Response? system and drive.? The vehicle sets itself up to handle the situation in the best and safest way; all the driver does is steer and brake.? Perhaps that is a little oversimplification, but not much.
On-road driving is improved too for 2010, thanks to the new Adaptive Dynamics system that continually optimizes damper settings for the widest possible range of conditions.
She ? I certainly deserve a Land Rover Range Rover, and we could afford it if my husband would win the lottery?
He ? Obviously, ownership of a Range Rover is not for everyone, but for those who can afford the best, this SUV is for you.
[Rating:9/10]
