BMW's smooth and powerful 4.4-liter V8 delivers far greater power than the old 4.6-liter Rover engine. Output has been increased to 282 horsepower at 5400 rpm. Torque is 325 pounds-feet at 3600 rpm. Range Rover can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds, which isn't particularly quick but seems quick enough. Top speed is electronically limited to 122 mph. The BMW engine is cleaner and gets better fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 12/17 mpg City/Highway.
The V8 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission featuring CommandShift, one of the newest manual override systems in the luxury market. In the Range Rover, CommandShift can operate in both the high and low ranges of the transfer case for use on or off road.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are backed by Emergency Brake Assist, which applies full braking force in a panic stop even if the driver mistakenly relaxes brake pedal pressure, and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which helps reduce stopping distances by balancing braking forces front to rear.
The Range Rover is also equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which helps drivers stay on their intended course by preventing a skid. This electronic stability control system helps maintain vehicle stability at the limits of tire adhesion via a combination of yaw rate sensors, the antilock brake system, and the traction control system. When required, the system applies the brakes at one or more wheels to correct excessive yaw. For example, if the rear tires lose grip in a corner, a situation called oversteer can occur that can ultimately lead to spinning off the road; the system senses this happening and applies the brake on the outside front wheel to rotate the vehicle back onto the desired path. The driver need only steer where he or she wants to go.
Yet, while it's clear that the biggest improvement over pre-2003 models has been made in on-road handling, the Range Rover's off-road prowess has been significantly upgraded as well. We first discovered this on some of Scotland's rugged off-road tracks. We put it to a more thorough test at the excellent Land Rover Driving School at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Range Rover easily slogged up steep, muddy tracks most drivers would never attempt. Even more impressive was its ability to creep down steep, muddy terrain that would have left lesser vehicles parked against a tree. Its suspension articulation and impressive technology made driving over rugged terrain easy, smooth and comfortable with little of the head toss you get in most off-road vehicles. It's pretty clear that the Range Rover can go anywhere.
Increased ground clearance (11.1 inches), a sharper angle of approach (32 degrees), and a much stiffer chassis made negotiating Scotland's muddy, rutted backcountry a breeze. The latest Range Rover boasts the slowest low-range crawl speed in the industry: just 2.4 mph at 1000 rpm, good for traversing the world's worst terrain. Its gearing is the lowest in its class.
The transfer case can be switched between low and high range on the fly, at speeds up to 30 mph, eliminating the need to stop in the middle of a mud bog to change gearing. Additionally, advanced electronics provide for a dual-range throttle with on- and off-road calibrations. That makes for quicker throttle response on the road, while allowing precise throttle adjustments in extreme off-road situations.
Trails can be negotiated with more confidence thanks to an undercarriage protection system that includes a plastic skid shield and Kevlar engine protection. Off-road traction control allows drivers to tread lightly by minimizing wheel spin, and therefore trail damage, while off the beaten path.
Towing capability also commands respect. The Range Rover can tow a two-horse trailer or a large powerboat: up to 7700 pounds, with a 550-pound tongue weight. Next Page