Luxury SUV a capable on- and off- road performer
Fourth generation of vehicle features improved fuel economy, automatic settings that monitor various driving conditions
Despite the current economic conditions and outrageous fuel prices there always seems to be a market for large, luxury sport utility vehicles in North America.
Affluent buyers find these rolling leviathans appealing due to the fact that they can haul a tremendous amount of cargo and provide a comfortable environment for passengers. Add to this the all- weather capabilities that come with four- wheel- drive and you have the perfect rig for shuttling the family and friends to the cottage or ski hill.
The Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most sought after SUVs in this segment due to its iconic looks, prodigious power, and off- road prowess.
The fourth- generation Range Rover has now arrived, and although it derives much of its styling from that of the previous model, there has been a significant number of updates. The basic profile of the vehicle is unchanged, but styling front and rear has been brought into the 21st century with the addition of modern lighting elements and subtle tweaks to the aerodynamics.
The Range Rover SC features a 5.0 litre V- 8 engine fitted with a supercharger. This marvellous mill produces 510 horsepower and 461 lbs.- ft of torque at relatively low rpm. Stellar performance numbers like these will appeal to the enthusiast buyer, as well as the image conscious consumer looking for something to brag about. Mated to a ZF- engineered, eightspeed automatic transmission, this potent pairing helps the Range Rover SC accelerate from 0- 100 km/ h in a scant 5.4 seconds.
While big power and blistering speed have their appeal, buyers of luxury class SUVs are also looking for refinement. As a result, Land Rover’s engineering team has worked hard to reduce noise and harshness within the engine and the gearbox. When driven in a civil manner, the Range Rover SC is a smooth operator.
As an added bonus, the engine has been engineered to use less fuel and there has been a significant reduction in harmful CO2 emissions. It also now incorporates start / stop technology.
The Range Rover SC features an advanced, all- aluminum structure that is immensely strong and weight efficient, but it has been engineered to withstand the punishing impacts of extreme conditions both on and offroad. The body is a monocoque design which has been optimized to maintain structural integrity, increase stiffness, and enhance passenger safety.
The inherent stiffness of the body and chassis helps bless the Range Rover with dynamic handling. In fact, the vehicle performs like a much smaller sports sedan when the pavement gets twisty. The electronic steering is responsive and precise, but ride quality suffers a little due to the presence of big 21- inch wheels and lowprofile sport tires.
When the pavement ends, or road conditions take a turn for the worse, you can be secure in the knowledge that there are few vehicles on earth that can match the four- wheel- drive capabilities of the Range Rover.
Land Rover’s well- sorted and proven permanent four- wheel- drive system has a 50/ 50 torque split and a twospeed transfer box for high and low range options. It is supported by the company’s latest version of its Terrain Response system ( Terrain Response 2), which now features an automatic setting to simplify its operation.
This innovative technology continuously monitors driving conditions and automatically adapts and optimizes vehicle settings — engine, transmission, centre differential, suspension and traction control — to best suit the ground surface.
For those users familiar with the previous system, they will be able to manually select the system settings by using the console mounted dial. There are five individual settings designed to help the vehicle tackle driving on slippery surfaces ( such as grass, gravel, or snow), through mud and deep ruts, and over sand. The system even features a setting for crawling over rocks.
The suspension has been revised to offer more wheel travel, while the air suspension offers the ability to increase ground clearance to a maximum 30.2 centimetres.
The interior is well designed with most controls, dials, and instruments within easy reach of their intended operator. I say most because the placement of the window switches makes no sense at all, as they reside atop the interior door panel opposite the side mirror. At 1.87 metres tall I still had to lean forward to operate them. Add to this the fact that in rainy Vancouver these switches will be drenched by water droplets whenever the window is opened. I can only imagine what effect this will have to the longevity of the electronics.
The seats are firm and wrapped in fine leather, and attractive lacquered wood trim is used to class up the cabin. Visibility is excellent out front and to the side due to the tall seating position and extended windows, but you will definitely learn to appreciate the large side mirrors and front and rear parking sensors.
A powerful three- zone climate control system will keep the clan riding in comfort on stuffy summer days in the Okanagan or blustery winter trips to Whistler.
While the Range Rover is impressive in size it only offers seating for five. Four passengers will be happier, because there will be just enough room for their gear and luggage.
The front bucket seats feature folding armrests which help to hold you in place during aggressive cornering manoeuvres or off- road hijinks. I found the rear seating area comfortable enough for my large frame and big feet, and a flip down centre armrest acts as an effective divider when transporting two adults.
The rear cargo compartment is a split gate design, which features a fold flat tailgate which makes a perfect bench, while the power operated upswing hatch will shelter you from inclement weather.
The arrival of the 2014 Range Rover has had an immediate impact on sales as the new model is more efficient and luxurious than its predecessor, but is also fitted with a host of new tech and safety goodies. This should help Land Rover stave off competition from the growing contingent of rivals from both Germany and Japan.