Rushing one morning along I-25 from the north, I felt somewhat out of place in the stretched Range Rover.
Normally, a Range Rover or Land Rover would be a wonderful means of travel for me – I appreciate the driving qualities of all, the Evoque/LR4/Discovery/Sport and the standard Range Rover.
In this one, though, the 2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB version, I can’t seem to get seated just right. Perhaps I should have worn my chauffeur’s cap. The LWB designation indicates it has been lengthened 8 inches, creating enormous legroom in the second row of seats. This was in answer to requests from wealthy in China and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for more comfortable space in the second row where they ride behind their chauffeurs. Even with the added length, it is only a four- or five-passenger, $118,000 model; it offers no third row.
With the added length, the rear door from front to back measures 51 inches; I can’t think of any rear door that compares to that size. Open with care when parked beside another vehicle, for the door swings out 8 to 10 inches wider than most car doors and may ding the one in the park space beside it.
To drive the Range Rover, of course, is opportunity to test the 510-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The power, of which delivery is very quick, is smooth as can be. The torque rating is 461 lb.-ft.
Not only does Range Rover offer its convenient shifter dial, it also is equipped with a smaller dial for selecting terrain settings, from normal to snow to mud to sand to rock crawl capability. Paddle shifters also lend quicker control of upshifts and downshifts. The paddles are positioned far out on the steering wheel crossmember and often are touched and unintentionally engaged when making a turn with the wheel.
The English-built LWB rides on a wheelbase of 123 inches, 7 inches beyond the regular full-size Range Rover. The powerful V-8 carries an EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 14/19; my driving resulted in an average of 18.8 mpg.
The Range Rover LWB’s sticker price of $118,501 includes, in addition to aforementioned amenities, voice-control navigation, 13-speaker Meridian audio with satellite and Bluetooth streaming, power blinds on rear side doors, panoramic roof, four-zone climate control, front massage seats, surround camera view, blind-spot monitor and lane-departure warning, power split tailgate.
Here are the specifications for the 2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB SUV:
- Capacity 5-passenger SUV
- Wheelbase 122.9 inches
- Length 204.7 inches
- Width 78.1 inches
- Height 72.4 inches
- Curb Weight 5,320 pounds
- Track 66.5 inches front, 66.3 rear
- Ground Clearance 11.6 inches
- Turn Circle 42.7 feet
- Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
- Engine 5.0-liter supercharged V-8
- Horsepower/Torque 510/461
- Transmission 8-speed automatic
- Steering power rack-and-pinion
- Suspension electronic air, automatic leveling
- Fuel mileage estimate 14/19
- Fuel mileage average 18.8
- Fuel Tank 27.7 gallons, premium
- Wheels 21-inch
- Tires Goodyear Eagle 275/45R21
- Cargo Volume 32.1 cubic feet
- Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 4/50,000 powertrain
Competitors Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Lincoln Navigator L
Assembly Plant Solihull, England
Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, United Kingdom 74%, Germany 14%
Base Price of Lowest Model $106,995; Base Price of Review Model $106,995; Destination Charge $925; Sticker Price $118,501.