Riding the range
Range Rover Td6 performs well in an off-road trek
When driving a brand-new, $100,000-plus luxury SUV for the first time, you probably wouldn’t take it out in the Arizona desert over punishing, sharp rocks, down steep declines and over rutted, dusty trails. Well, I actually did— during the 2016 Range Rover HSETd6 launch program.
The “Td6” part refers to Rover’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine.Yes, a diesel, with intelligent stop/start and 440 pound-feet of low-end torque. Land Rover indicates that maximum torque output occurs at 1,750 rpm, making the diesel Range Rover well suited for towing (7,716 pounds) and off-roading, where maximum torque at a lower gear is needed. This oil-burner is extremely quiet with low vibration and is backed by an eight-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes with a locking torque converter.
“Formal, handsome with a rounded edge” describes the exterior of the 2016 Range Rover. The profile showcases a “floating” roof transitioning into a sloping windshield, down to a long hood supported by LED wraparound headlights and signature Range Rover grille.
Inside the new Range Rover, the design and switch gear have been simplified. You’re surrounded with the right mix of materials, tech and convenience including twin-blade sun visors, 12.3-inch TFT screen instrument panel combined with an 8.0-inch touch screen in the center for infotainment duty. The front seats are heated and ventilated, have massage functions and provide great visibility. Rear-seat comforts are first-class too with limolike leg room, dual LCD screens, chill cooler, extra lighting, panoramic roof and more aluminum trim.
On road, a suite of electronics and hardware including a Dynamic Response system (active anti-roll bars), four-corner air suspension for excellent wheel articulation, standard 20-inch alloy wheels/tires and variable-ratio electric power steering deliver a true luxury ride. Land Rover’s Adaptive Dynamics system features variable dampers for a great ride, control and composure. Dynamic Response independently regulates front and rear suspension units to reduce body lean in corners, improving handling and comfort andworking well on scenic Arizona highways. Acceleration is good with a 0-to-60 time of 7.1 seconds. Use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum throughout makes Range Rover light on its feet and fuel-efficient (658 miles on one tank).
Venturing offroad, my Range Rover provided confidence in mud, dirt, gravel — andwould in snow. The next-gen Terrain Response system (four different modes: General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand), combined with full-time fourwheel drive made some of Scottsdale’s tough off-road trials seem like a drive on a gravel road. The air suspension system allows up to 11.63 inches of ground clearance, and 3 feet of fording depth makes this SUV more than a pretty face.
The 2016 Range Rover HSETd6 is transitioning from previous classic, go-anywhere off-roaders with luxury touches to a true, tier-one luxury vehicle with technology, safety and go-anywhere capability.