First Edition Range Rover is fit for royalty
Although the royal majesty is no longer with us, her endless love for vehicles will live on forever.
As a Range Rover connoisseur, the Queen owned an array of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in her life, in addition to a 1953 Land Rover Series I as well as a 2002 Defender. With the Jaguar Land Rover brand being its predominant means of transportation, the British brand is no secret to American consumers either.
In Grasso’s Garage this week, it’s the 2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition. Our tester offered a shortwheel base, seating for five, all-wheel drive and an unbelievable exterior appearance. In March 2020, we tested the Sport HST which really was a showstopper. But with the First Edition now in the Range Rover fleet, this dream of an SUV is appealing, comfortable, and elegant, to say the least.
A 4.4 Liter Turbocharge 8-cylinder engine produced 553 lb-ft of torque and 523 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This couchlike ride was tremendous and smooth. While still offering that unfathomable appearance that many onlookers come to dream about, our tester came wrapped in Sunset Gold with a Satin finish. Adding almost $7,500 extra to the price tag, the elegance was noticed by onlookers near and far. The black contrast roof, shadow exterior package and 23-inch inch wheels in Gloss Black definitely added to the ride, appearance and overall stance of the First Edition. Riding in the back of the First Edition, is very similar to the upscale manufacturer Bentley. Makes sense now as to why the royal family enjoys them so much.
Finding negatives in such a standout vehicle is always tough, but we did notice one that jumped out on our test and that was the weight. Coming at over 7,300 pounds, the First Edition is a heavy vehicle. Although great for sticking to the road and creating a smooth ride for passengers, the vehicle seemed top heavy. Our enjoyment for Range Rover is deep and for good reason. They really build an excellent-looking automobile, but for the average consumer, the brand is always the first thing you think of when you hit the lottery.