2013 Land Rover Range Rover

Whether its slogging down a slippery slope or dashing away for a downtown dinner date, the all-new 2013 Range Rover has got you covered.

In a land replete with low-slung, front-drive based crossovers purporting to be SUVs, there are few that still uphold the name with character.  And the Range Rover is the classic, quintessential example combining the highest levels of automotive comfort and capability.

In this all-new 4^th generation model, Land Rover has focused on weight savings and we’re not just talking a few pounds here and there.  This one tips the scales nearly 700 pounds less than before and it’s aluminum to the rescue where the lightweight metal is used exclusively in the unibody structure and in the chassis architecture.  Being thirty-nine percent lighter than the previous steel body, more aerodynamic than ever before and upping the gears of the automatic transmission from 6 to 8 improves gas mileage to 16mpg combined on premium – a 2mile per gallon bump.  And just as important, you feel the Range Rover’s newfound svelteness – instantly perceptible from behind the wheel where momentum and directional changes are greeted with more eagerness and expedition.  Land Rover has also reworked the four-wheel air suspension to further on-road handling and agility.  But if it’s spirited hustle you’re after the Range Rover Sport is the model for you while this model remains primarily focused on occupant isolation.  The Range Rover is especially adept at providing a serene refuge from the hustle and bustle.  Step-in is assisted by an access height for the air suspension which leads to a stout helm with a commanding view of the terrain.  Heated?  Cooled?  Massage?  It’s all yours.  The large side window has a perch perfectly suited for your elbow while the soft door close feature encapsulates you in a leather wrapped environment free of all outside disturbances.  Though large, the Range Rover is especially manageable giving the driver that king of the road assuredness aided further by trick cameras, blind spot alert and electric steering with a light touch at lower speeds.  Now even more inviting for rear seat passengers who enjoy over 4 1/2” of additional leg room, the cabin provides open airiness and quiet respite for up to 5.  And because lowering the bottom portion of the tailgate yourself would be too taxing, both sections are power operated opening to a plush carpeted cargo area suitable for a relaxing nap.

The 375 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 wakes things up with a satisfying growl but don’t get to used it…

I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you naturally aspirated V8 fans because even though you see one here, Land Rover has changed to an all supercharged lineup for 2014, meaning this engine gets replaced with a V6.

As is, this Range Rover is quicker than ever, capable of a 0-to-60mph time of just 6.5-seconds.  And having graduated from Land Rover’s Driving School…a video you can see here…I’m fully aware of the Range Rover’s unbelievable off-road prowess.  New this year, a fully automatic mode for the brand’s pioneering Terrain Response system makes easy even easier.  Or you can still preselect your conditions and get just the right setup for whatever lies ahead.  And even if you find yourself in over 35” of water, the Range Rover can now wade through it thanks to the repositioning of the air intake system.  And off-roading a Range Rover is so much fun for the sheer ambivalence to which it approaches its obstacles all while insuring you don’t become ruffled.  It may look pretty in Fuji White but it’s certainly not afraid of getting down and dirty.

The base model starts at $83,500 while my step-up HSE tester with a wide assortment of extras stickers for $95,620.  Supercharged and Autobiography editions can take it to over $130,000.  Breathtaking cash for extraordinary measures.