With the new year upon us (and nearly a month down already) I feel it is time once again to answer that question I hear all-too-often: “David, what is your favorite vehicle?”
At the end of the day when it is all said and done (and money is no object), my fave still remains the flagship of the Land Rover fleet – the Range Rover Supercharged.
And most recently, the pride of Solihull, England and the guardian of her royal majesty has found its way back into my life, albeit for a mere half a fortnight.
Range Rover is billed the most capable AND luxurious SUV in the world. When you see the pricetag you will agree it darn well better be.
In 2011 Land Rover gave its SUVs a set of all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engines (mirroring what sister brand Jaguar did across its lineup) while also tweaking its innovative (and now copied) Terrain Response system and performing some minor cosmetic surgery as well.
Beefy Supercharged models receive power output now boosted to 510hp and 461 lb. ft. of torque pushing this beast from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. That is quite the bragging rights considering the Rover would just as soon choose a mountain trail as it would the tollway for its travels.
OK, the RR Supercharged is most likely going to become a victim of the stiffer fuel economy rules arriving soon but for now Land Rover is inviting everyone along for a memorable ride. This is the vehicle I will some day be telling my grandson about, you know, those stories that start out, “Back when I was your age” and then usually end up with something about snow and barefoot and uphill both ways.
The new engine has the Range Rover Supercharged feeling extra nimble these days and thanks to enhancements to the Terrain Response system in the form of Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control Range Rover can tackle any driving duties it is tasked with be it Girl Scout Cookie delivery or a weekend getaway on top of a mountain somewhere.
Other recent upgrades to the model line include improved interior equipment levels with optional reclining rear seats, laminated privacy glass, exterior design features enhancing Range Rover’s classic looks and an optional 1,200-watt Harman/kardon 19-speaker audio system. (OUR RECENT TESTER CAME WITH THE LATTER AND IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY I AM YELLING IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TESTING THAT SYSTEM OUT…A LOT!)
The Range Rover rides on one of the absolute best suspension systems on the planet, Land Rover’s enhanced electronic air suspension with automatic load leveling and multiple mode choices of access, standard, and off-road.
Range Rover retains its position as one of the world’s most complete luxury vehicles,” states Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director. “World-class engine performance and driving refinement combined with upscale interior enhancements offer unparalleled luxury and comfort which continue to make Range Rover a clear industry benchmark.”
Pricing for that unparalleled luxury and comfort begins at $94,820 with our 2012 Range Rover Supercharged tester rolling in at nearly 103 Large. And I believe not too many Rover buyers carry babyseats as putting the grandbaby’s into our test unit was a bit of a struggle. Oh, and if you hit the home improvement store have a friend with a truck or van on speed dial as despite how spacious the cargo area appears, some things just ain’t gonna fit back there.
Range Rover celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and the flagship shows no signs of retreat anytime soon. When push comes to shove I am sure Land Rover will find a suitable turbodiesel powerplant for this beauty when time comes that the US administration says 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway just ain’t gonna cut it.
That day is not this day, however, so for now I will join my fellow Rovers as we rage, Rage against the bureaucrats and the tree huggers as we will not drive gently into that good night! (Apologies to Dylan Thomas.)
I have always been enamored of the RR Supercharged, particularly since they beefed up the engine to a faintly ridiculous 500+ HP.
However, the MPG (or lack thereof) always troubled me, and the styling, while luxurious, was a tad too bland and screams of suburban grocery-getter for well heeled soccer moms. The off-road capabilities are astounding, but it comes in a package that 99.99999999% of owners would fear getting muddy, let alone truly testing its prodigious off-road skills.
I fall into the category of being an off-road poseur, so I decided to save $40,000 and purchased a 2012 ML350 Bluetec and have been extremely satisfied with its comfort and 20/27 MPG.