Discerning Luxury: 2016 Land Rover Range Rover SUV
The fourth-generation Range Rover debuted in 2013 as the world's first luxury SUV with aluminum unibody construction for significantly improved strength, agility and improved fuel efficiency. The roomiest (especially in long-wheelbase form) and most luxurious Range Rover ever, the model still retains the true dual-purpose spirit of the original, combining impeccable British craftsmanship and serene on-road comfort with the brand's renowned all-terrain capability. With recent additions of ultra-luxury variants, the Range Rover retains its position as the world's luxury SUV of choice.
Offered in Range Rover, HSE, Supercharged and Autobiography Black, the new vehicle takes a step forward with a bold evolution of the model's iconic design language. The strong aluminum body structure, acoustic lamination of the windshield and side door glass, and new-isolated engine mounts all help reduce noise. A split power folding upper and lower tailgate setup offers ease of access and versatility. The new-generation Range Rover is the most aerodynamic ever, with a drag coefficient (Cd) starting from 0.34. The body's elegant proportions, along with the subtle taper to the roofline and the clean treatment of the body surfaces, contribute to the contemporary look.
The distinctive headlamp and grille design, signature clamshell hood and 'floating' roof retain the signature Range Rover character. The rearward angle of the grille, sculpted corners and the lower A-pillar angle, highlight the streamlined shape. A modern interpretation of the vent motif appears on the front doors, since the fender vents were eliminated to help increase wading depth.
Distinctive signature lighting graphics use LED light blade technology, showcasing the hallmark interlocking circle design. The rear lamps continue the stacked theme of the previous model with a new design using LED technology. The LED center high-mount stop light, positioned under the tailgate spoiler, creates a blade of light across the rear of the vehicle when illuminated.
Base power for the Range Rover is generated by a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine. The V8 Supercharged model is powered by a 5.0L supercharged V8 prime mover. Optional locomotion is offered by a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel prime mover. HSE features an available 3.0L V6 supercharged engine that has 40 horsepower more than the base engine. All engines communicate torque to the ground through an electronically controlled ZF8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Since the first Range Rover model was introduced, all-terrain capability has been a fundamental element of the brand's DNA. The fourth-generation model employs advanced chassis technologies to further elevate Range Rover capability and performance, both on- and off-road. The new aluminum chassis architecture, combined with a four-wheel air suspension, gives the new-generation Range Rover exceptionally luxurious ride comfort and refinement, in concert with confident and agile on-road handling. The aluminum structure is also stronger and has been engineered to withstand the same punishing off-road impacts as all Land Rover models. Computer simulation tools more typically used to model crashes were used to analyze the punishing off-road load situations used in Land Rover engineering development, such as the crunching 'ditch drop' impact.
Different forms of aluminum components are employed within the structure: stamped panels, plus cast, extruded and rolled aluminum alloy parts are combined in a rigid structure where the strength is concentrated precisely where the loads are greatest. The resulting structure protects occupants using a high-strength and stable passenger cell, and provides a very stiff platform for superior NVH characteristics and vehicle dynamics.
Inside the passenger cabin, the sumptuous interior incorporates distinctive Range Rover design cues, executed with a contemporary treatment. Clean, elegant surfaces are presented using the finest leathers and veneers. The new-generation Range Rover provides occupants with a feeling of serene isolation. True to the Range Rover DNA, the Command Driving Position places the driver in an elevated, upright seating position to provide clear visibility and a superb sense of confidence and control.
The sculptured veneer surface of the broad center console appears to float above the supporting trim, highlighting the quality of the materials. The clean lines of the instrument panel and console are complemented by a control layout that features 50-percent fewer switches than the previous model.
The sculptured veneer surfaces of the center console and door panels are hand crafted, as is the sliding shutter that covers the cup holders in the console. Metal details provide contrast to the leather and veneer surfaces. Examples include the brushed aluminum pillars on each side of the center console, the rotary transmission control with its precision machined finish, and the distinctive air vents with each blade highlighted with a line of satin chrome. The aluminum finish on the center console is created using a proprietary technique in which the aluminum passes through more than 20 distinct processes to achieve an exquisitely crafted finish.
The Range Rover features intuitive controls with clear and elegant layout with two primary high-resolution display screens - a 12.3-inch display for the main instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touch-screen unit for infotainment and secondary functions. The display employs fewer rows of information, improving usability with bigger buttons and greater separation between them. 'Secret until lit' hard keys on either side of the display provide shortcuts to the most commonly used screens, such as Home, Audio/Video, Nav and Phone.
Legroom in the standard-wheelbase Range Rover rear seat extends to nearly 40-inches. An Individualized Rear Seating package provides the ultimate in rear seat luxury.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 115.0; overall length: 196.8; width: 78.1; height: 72.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L Supercharged V6 – 340 hp at 6500 rpm and 332 lbs-ft of torque at 3500-5000 rpm; 3.0L Supercharged V6 (HSE) – 380 at 6500 rpm and 332 lbs-ft of torque at 3500-5000 rpm; 5.0L Supercharged V8 – 510 hp at 6000-6500rpm and 461 lbs-ft of torque at 2500-5500 rpm; 3.0L V6 turbodiesel – 254 hp/443 lbs-ft of torque.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 3.0L Supercharged V6 – 17 city/23 hwy.; 5.0L Supercharged V8 – 13 city/19 hwy.; 3.0L V6 turbodiesel – 22 city/29 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 71.7 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 7,716 lbs
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, dynamic stability control, electronic traction control, hill descent control, roll stability control, trailer stability assist, Bluetooth hands free phone system, HomeLink garage door opener, perimetric alarm, engine immobilizer, front/rear park distance control with visual display, navigation system, off-road navigation system, rear view camera, keyless entry, central locking, active speed limiter, Xenon headlamps with LED signature lighting and tire pressure monitoring system. V8 Supercharged adds all terrain progress control and front fog lamps. Autobiography adds automatic adaptive Xenon headlamps with high beam assist, traffic sign detection with lane departure warning, reverse traffic detection with blind spot monitor and closing vehicle sensing, surround camera system, active locking rear differential, adaptive cruise control incorporating queue assist with intelligent emergency braking and active seat belts, and full size spare wheel.
Optional safety features include reverse traffic detection with blind spot monitoring and closing vehicle sensing, park assist – parallel park/parking exit/perpendicular parking, 360 park distance control, and heads up display.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover SUV starts from $84,950 for the Range Rover upto $139,995 for the Autobiography. Destination charges add $995.
