2022 Range Rover: looks, power, big money

Land Rover decided 2022 was the ideal time to introduce the most expensive vehicle in the multi-national manufacturer’s nearly 75-year history. It’s called the Range Rover SV LWB.

The rig is powerful. It features a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with 523 horsepower and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Its vastness and power also result in impressive versatility. The Range Rover has an 8,000-pound towing capacity and it can also accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in five seconds.

With its preposterously opulent collection of features, the new Range Rover is the quarter-million dollar car from Jaguar Land Rover. Since 2008, it’s been a subsidiary of India’s Tata Motors and makes cars in Brazil, China, India, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

Showcased in a circle on the back of the sport utility vehicle, the SV emblem stands for Special Vehicle. The LWB is the abbreviation for Long Wheel Base. Both sets of letters are accurate.

The new Land Rover is 17 feet, 4 inches long, four inches shorter than a Cadillac Escalade and three inches shorter than a Lincoln Navigator.

A sizable chunk of the Range Rover’s length is located in the jarringly large rear passenger doors. Open the modernized horizontal storm doors with recessed handles and behold a vast, plush cavern.

It’s a small condo, with two captains chairs with pillows, two entertainment screens and a vast mid-seat console. It’s part of a $19,700 option Range Rover calls its Signature Suite Executive rear seat configuration. The seats can be heated and cooled, electronically recline and have power footrests. It’s all ideal comfort while using the two large monitors mounted behind the front seats and compatible with all streaming devices.

There’s more. A built-in controller screen operates the seat functions, climate controls, lighting, power side window screens and sliding moon roof. Two cupholders also emerge from the center console, as does a small table via the push of a button. Below is another surprise — a refrigerator. It’s deep enough for a full-size bottle and two glasses.

While back seat occupants get the best of it, the driver and front passenger aren’t deprived. The front seats, console design, high-end materials all around, instrumentation and technology set the vehicle’s tone. The seats can be adjusted in 24 configurations, have multiple massage settings and can be heated and cooled.

For those further keen on adjustments, the gauge cluster not only lights up it can be changed to several different configurations. The entire navigation screen can be lifted and retracted.

Land Rover doesn’t do bland well inside or outside. The new top-line Range Rover’s exterior may outdo the interior. Twenty-three inches wheels, a new grille, new headlights, a re-designed rear look as well as a spoiler and new rear LED lights all enhance the SUV’s handsomeness.

The power rear upper and lower tailgates reveal a spacious cargo with another surprise. Underneath the bed, a compact compartment holds an easy-to-attach backrest and three cushions. It’s a comfort zone for two to join a tailgating party or for quiet respite of choice.

The best paint choice brings the vehicle into sharp focus with the combination of an Icy White Gloss finish and bronze-colored roof and trim. It’s a $9,200 extra, one of nine options with prices of at least $1,200. That’s a hefty bundle and it pushes the MSRP from $208,800 to $255,590.

With its massive engine, performance and 7,055-pound gross weight, the new Range Rover quickly consumes fuel with an average of 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 21 mpg on the highway.

The new Range Rover is among the top-tier of SUVs. It drives big, fast, quiet and powerful because it is. It’s a showcase vehicle with different platform levels, a concert quality sound system and the looks and feel of uber-luxury.

It’s a highly unnecessary SUV consumers will buy because it’s likely the only example in the neighborhood. It’s impressive and turn-your-head beautiful. It’s impractical for anything but complete comfort and luxury while driving.