The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover sports the most refined design and technology rich models to date. Most significantly, Land Rover shaved an incredible 700 pounds from its curb weight during the 2013 redesign, and the current Range Rover weighs only 4,974 pounds. This was achieved thanks to copious use of aluminum, which now makes up much of the unibody as well as both front and rear subframes.
Five Range Rover models are offered: Base, HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic. Base and HSE models are powered by a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine capable of 340-hp and 380-hp respectively. In the Supercharged and Autobiography trim models Range Rover, a supercharged 5.0L V8 is utilized, providing 518 horsepower -- enough to make the Range Rover startlingly quick. The SVAutobiography Dynamic trim takes things a step further with a 557-hp version of the 5.0L V8 engine. A turbocharged Td6 3.0L V6 diesel makes an excellent compromise between power and efficiency. It makes 254 horsepower but an intense 443 lb-feet of torque, with a highway fuel economy estimated at 24 mpg.
All Range Rovers come with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which features steering wheel paddles for complete driver control.
All Range Rovers are equipped with Terrain Response 2 Auto, Land Rover's next-generation system of off-road control. The system provides enhanced capability across every terrain and automatically adapts to driving conditions and road surfaces. Additionally, Range Rovers feature an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system that splits torque 50/50 front to rear, along with a 2-speed transfer case for high and low ranges.
Range Rovers include 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, heated and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment. Front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, grained leather seats, 16-way power adjustable heated front seats, 10" Touch Pro Duo Infotainment system, a 380-watt Meridian sound system, 3-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, interactive driver display and interior LED accent lighting are also included.
Upgrading to the HSE brings more horsepower to the 3.0L V6 and adds 20-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, several more interior leather choices, soft-close doors and heated rear seats. Supercharged and Autobiography models move up to the 5.0L V8. The Supercharged trim is similarly equipped to the HSE but features 21-inch wheels, in addition to the more powerful engine. The Autobiography comes with all the bells and whistles, including 17 interior leather options, 24-way heated and cooled massaging front seats, power reclining heated and cooled rear seats, a leather headliner, 4-zone climate control, programmable ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, an even more powerful Meridian audio system and a rear seat entertainment with twin touchscreen displays. And finally, the SVAutobiography Dynamic steps it to the highest level of luxury and the most power with its 5.0L V8 Engine at 557-hp, Dynamic exterior accents and Dynamic Suspension tuning. The Autobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic also feature a Surround Camera System upgrade from the lower trim models. Autobiography, Supercharged and HSE Range Rovers are all available in long-wheelbase versions, which adds 7.3 inches to rear seat legroom.
Options allow for even more exclusivity in the Range Rover. The options list offers massaging front seats, entertainment package, front console coolers, surround cameras and full-size panoramic roofs among other classy upgrades offered.
Finally, safety is paramount on the Range Rover, and it comes loaded with a full slate of airbags and driving aids such as traction and stability control, cornering braking control and roll control.
All-aluminum Body Structure
Available Supercharged V6, Supercharged V8 Or Turbo Diesel Power
Impressive Handling Characteristics
Innovative Off-road Capabilities
Luxurious Interior
Notable updates for 2018 touch on both style and performance. The available Touch Pro Duo Infotainment system incorporates two touchscreen displays eliminating many buttons and knobs from the interior. New front and rear seat design, with available 24-way adjustable and massaging front seats, bring comfort to the interior. The interior also features an available air cabin ionization unit and Gesture Sunblind controls. On the outside, new LED headlights enhance the stylish exterior design. Those who choose the SVAutobiography trim level will enjoy a boost in horsepower to 557-hp.
The 2018 Range Rover retains everything customers loved about the previous models, and Land Rover has improved upon all of it. The result is a massively capable on- or off-road luxury SUV with loads of power, smart handling, extensive use of technology and more creature comforts than you can imagine. It rivals anything produced by Mercedes or Porsche, and in fact now weighs less than either the Cayenne Turbo or GL450, thanks to extensive use of aluminum. The result is the most refined Range Rover yet.
