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2006 Land Rover Range Rover: Head of the Class
For every passion there is an obsession that goes unnoticed. When it comes to iconic designs and innovations from the United Kingdom, then an SUV called "Range" is it. Quiet as kept, every gentlemen and their lady craves one, but they will never let you see them sweating. No matter if you're shopping on Rodeo Drive or checking out the scene in Automotive Rhythm's (AR) home base of Washington, D.C., a Range Rover is likely to be spotted more often than not. Moreover, for 2006, Land Rover went for the TKO by endowing the "Range" with 400 charging horses. Even though Mike Jones isn't around, the British ambassador is still tipping the SUV scale.
Rewind the Range Rover scenario to a few years ago and the word on the street was that you had better get your change together if you were rocking a 4.0; to step up to the top-of-the line 4.6. That's when Jay-Z rolled on the NY streets with his Range Rover before partner in crime Damon Dash could even consider the thought. That's also when Land Rover was making their own engines and before the Germans took over. The previous generation of Range Rovers (2002-05) had BMW 4.4-liter V8s with 282-horsepower - a setback considering the top competition was scaling over 300-plus horsepower. On a one on one sprint, even the VW Touareg took the '05 Range off the line. In a rematch with the '06, the only complete luxury SUV that will hang with the Range in power is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, that's only if you purchase the all-new Jaguar-derived 4.2-liter supercharged 400-horsepower alloy V8. Yes! The Range Rover is now available supercharged. The HSE's base engine is a naturally-aspirated 4.4-liter 305-horsepower V8. Hopefully though, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Funk Master Flex, and the new NFL first rounders, which have all expressed interest to AR about the '06 Range, won't confuse the 4.4 as the shogun over the 4.2. The supercharger's block had to be shaved down so the supercharger could fit under the hood. That's why it's a 4.2!
Our Range Rover test drive was in Napa Valley wine country -- It was the perfect equation -- picturesque scenery, tasteful meals and prominent SUVs. Keep in mind, the added horsepower is not the only improvement to the Range. First, it all starts with styling. Though the boxy shape is pretty much the same, it does get new lights, a 4-bar grille and 19-inch wheels. The SC adds a mesh grille, side vents, and 20s. Aluminum skin is utilized on the front quarter panels, doors and the hood.
Inside the cabin is like a fantasyland. If you've never ridden in a Range and you're looking for a luxury SUV then I suggest you check the yellow pages for your local dealer. Point blank, neither the Escalade, Navigator, QX56, or LX 470 can touch the refinery and amenities offered in the Range. Especially the '06! I started my test in the back seat so I could catch the Incredibles playing on the headrest mounted LCD DVD screens (a $2,500 option). Land Rover says the cabin noise has been reduced by 50% and it all sounded good to me. The only setback with LCDs in the headrests is that you have to adjust your eyes according to how far the front passenger or driver is leaning. No doubt, the front driver's seat is the best position. The premium leather seats sit high, the heated wheel is firm, the foundry finish (brushed aluminum look) gives a tough appearance and the accelerator pedal releases supercharged adrenaline. Then you have the touch-screen navigation which is voice operational. But don't expect it to recognize slang or strong accents -- this is a Brit, you know! A rear view camera captures reverse moves on the nav screen for safety. The audio unit is a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 (plays exactly as the audio was recorded in the studio) digital surround system with 14-speakers and a Clarion six-disc changer in the glovebox. The notes are excellent but a changer in the glove? Come on? Range also gives you Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth for hands-free communication via your Blackberry or Palm Treo.
On the performance end, the Range uses a ZF 6-speed auto with CommandShift (for semi-manual shifting), fully independent electronic air suspension, and permanent four-wheel drive. And if you want to go trailing through the outback, the Range is as capable as a HUMMER.
The HSE is knocking at $74,950 while the supercharged model retails for $89,950 (Land Rover predicts 20% of Range Rover sales will be the supercharged model). If you can't swallow the thought of mortgaging a vehicle then try out the upcoming Range Rover Sport which we test drive next month. It adds more performance to the Rover brand and gives Land Rover a total of five models.
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