At first acquaintance, the Land Rover Range Rover has the haughty bearing usually reserved for a Rolls-Royce. However, this blueblood chariot is engineered to get its feet muddy. But even though leather trim and enough xenon headlamp power to light a used-car lot are good for on-pavement panache, what matters is whether the Range Rover can muscle a load. To find out, I hitched it to a 24' runabout.
With a tow rating of 7,000 pounds, the Range Rover had no difficulty keeping my long 5,100-pound payload in line. The steering response is deliberately slow to avoid wobbles at speed. The high-riding body seems impervious to pitch and roll. A coordinated air suspension filters out harsh road realities before they disrupt the cabin.
Because the Range Rover’s hood, doors, and front fenders are aluminum, it weighs less than similar luxury SUVs offered by Cadillac and Lincoln. It’s also quicker on its feet—even with less power and torque. Thanks to astute engineering and a unified body and frame, the Range Rover is stiffer and less susceptible to rattles than its predecessor.
Four-wheel drive is permanently engaged, and when necessary, electronic controllers will operate the brakes to aid traction. A low-range gear is available, but it’s intended for off-road use. When here’s a launch ramp at your disposal, even a bad one, a little gas-pedal assertiveness is all that’s needed to translate from wet to dry.
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