2015 Range Rover S/C LWB VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Range Rover S/C LWB VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

The Range Rover resides at the pinnacle of the Land Rover lineup. It’s their largest and most luxurious SUV. And if you care enough about those who’ll be riding in the backseat you’ll opt for one with an L on the side. It stands for long-wheelbase and it provides an extra 7″ of rear legroom.

Introduced last year, the long-wheelbase version is now offered for 2015 on the more common HSE trim with a supercharged V6. But my tester runs with the top-dog 5.0-liter supercharged V8 which makes a superior 510 horsepower and is mated to an 8-speed auto with Sport mode and paddle shifters. It’s a Flex-Fuel powerhouse which is used throughout the Jaguar/Land Rover lineup for customers who demand the best. As is typically the formula for vehicles costing over $100,000, this Range Rover buys you the consummate performance AND luxury vehicle. And in the case of this Range Rover, you can throw ultimate off-road skills into the mix, as well.

A base Range Rover stickers for about $84,500. It’s 10 grand more for the long-wheelbase and about 10 grand more than that for one with the V8. My tester mixes in nearly $13,000 in optional equipment for an as tested-price of $120,660.

Long wheelbase models contain rear window power blinds, a center console storage bin, an extended panoramic roof, and black door mirrors.

Not to mention enough legroom to comfortably transport NBA players; more than 5” greater than in a Mercedes S-Class Sedan. The seats also power recline with adjustable lumbar support and there’s an additional 2 zones of climate control, heated and cooled seats and controls for the roof blind. It’s an exceptional place to travel though one frequent complaint I heard this week is that the seat cushioning isn’t soft enough. A rear seat entertainment system can be added for $2,400.

And for the times when you’re the driver, don’t fret…this Range Rover satisfies from this seat as well with a remarkable resemblance to a Jaguar sedan on backroads. It goes without saying that power is prodigious; even after tacking on another 8” of aluminum body panels, this Supercharged still gets to 60mph in only 5.5-seconds; as fast as a number of sports cars. And that comes with a relatively impressive real world mileage of 16mpg aided by an automatic stop/start feature.

With the mighty supercharged V8 on board, a lightweight aluminum structure, and an air suspension the ride quality and handling is impeccable for such a vehicle. And of course it’s equipped with the usual panoply of true off-road features though this long wheelbase model seems like it was conceived more for chauffeur duty.

And when you’re not marveling at its SUV-defying on-road heroics you’ll likely be just as impressed with its core values; to handle even severe off-road conditions. With the suspension jacked all the up, there’s nearly a foot of ground clearance and though the added length slightly reduces its maximum breakover angle, the rest of its resume remains equal to its standard wheelbase counterpart including the ability to ford 3’ of water. No matter what’s below you, Terrain Response has a pre-programmed setup to take the guess work out of locking differentials and low range. Towing is maxed at 7,700 pounds. But while this Range Rover could be the SUV of your dreams that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

This 4th generation model debuted in 2013 but its cabin and associated electronics are already feeling stale exemplified by this slow acting infotainment unit.

A frequent complaint and one that’s being somewhat remedied by the new system found in the Discovery Sport. Ergonomics are off too, with a number of small annoyances that could use more tinkering, like the balky cargo cover, an optional cool box where stuff-it space needs to be and extremely slow, power-folding seats. At this price, Land Rover can do a better job of exuding a higher level of luxury and tech. On the plus side, the 19-speaker Meridian sound system is out of this world, massaging front seats are a nice touch, configurable mood lighting is very cool and I like the parallel and perpendicular parking assistant.

Plus, just look at it. In this extra charge Causeway Grey with the combination of LED and Xenon lighting its posture is one of extreme confidence and undoubted wealth. There are few vehicles that broadcast a fat wallet like a Range Rover.

When a long-wheelbase sedan just won’t do, Range Rover lets you take your tall friends off-roading in comfort.

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