There is no mistaking the 09 Range Rover for almost any other vehicle available today. Its commanding presence is a function of more than just its shear size as the large, vertical front end treatment, and 20-inch alloy wheels mounted with all terrain tires attest. The ultra smooth body and glass transitions and vertical front-fender air vents make an immediate visual statement, as does the full 11 inches of ground clearance.
There are two models of the mid-size Range Rover: the HSE is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 that puts out 305 horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque and the SC, which is powered y a supercharged 4.2-liter V8. That engine churns out 400 horsepower and 420 pound feet of toque. Power is sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to Land Rover's capable 4-wheel drive system with low range.
A center console, flush mounted dial allows the driver to choose driving modes from highway to sand and snow to rock crawling and additional buttons access the two-speed transfer gearbox and electronic driver aids such as Rover's Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Decent Control.
Fuel economy for the Range Rover is 12 miles per gallon city, 18 miles per gallon highway.
Large ventilated ABS 4-wheel disc brakes make a design statement as well as provide stopping power as four-piston Brembo calipers are clearly visible on the front wheels.
Wood and leather abound inside the cabin as passengers ride in the extreme comfort of heated and cooled multi-adjustable seats while listening to the 710-Watt 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system and stay on course on and off road with the touch-screen navigation system. Rear seat passengers enjoy their own climate control and a two-screen dvd entertainment system. The supplemental restraint system on the Range Rover includes nine airbags.
The five-passenger Range Rover also has ample room as 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space can be accessed from the split-opening rear lift gate or the 60/40 folding rear seats.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover is $77,675. A fully loaded supercharged model can top $105,000. The Range Rover is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2009 Range Rover: a vehicle whose sheer size is backed up with equally impressive technology, comfort and functionality.