2023 Land Rover Range Rover

THE RUNDOWN

An expert look at the newest and most important vehicles this month.

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2 0 2 3 L A N D R O V E R R A N G E R O V E R ~ B Y D A N E D M U N D S

Sleek and Chic

The new Range Rover’s singularly smooth exterior hides substantial changes within.

There’s a simple elegance to the new Range Rover ’ s design that stands in direct opposition to some of the more gimmicky new vehicles we ’ ve seen of late. Its proportions and roofline are unmistakably Range Rover, but precise execution makes the vehicle appear to be a design study brought to life. Smooth lines flow along the flanks with barely an interruption from gentle curves and subtle creases. It’ s as pleasing to the air as it is to the eye, with a remarkable (for an SUV) 0.30 coefficient of drag.

Wheelbases have been stretched 3.0 inches on both standard- and long-wheelbase versions, from 115.0 to 118.0 inches in the case of the former and from 122.9 to 125.9 inches for the latter. Their overall lengths increase by a similar amount, as the overhangs are largely unchanged.

Inside, the result is about an inch more legroom in the standard three-across back row, which can be classified as the middle row in the first-ever seven-passenger long-wheelbase version. Cargo space increases dramatically no matter how you flip or fold the seats. The extra length also comes into play underneath, where there ’ s room for a substantially enlarged 31.8-kWh battery for a forthcoming plug-in-hybrid variant.

A redesign of the rear suspension is equally significant. Land Rover changes the former “integral link” arrange-

Looking like a used bar of Irish Spring helps the Range Rover achieve a low (for an SUV) 0.30 drag coefficient.

Vehicle Type: front-engine; all-wheeldrive; 4, 5, or 7-passenger; 4-door wagon

Base .................... $105,850–$219,650

Engines: supercharged, turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 395 hp, 406 lb-ft; twinturbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8, 523 hp, 553 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Dimensions

• Wheelbase ........................... 118.0–125.9 in • L/W/H ............. 198.9–206.8/80.6/73.6 in • Curb Weight ...................... 5500–6000 lb

Performance (C/D est)

• 60 mph .................................... 4.2–5.8 sec • 1/4-Mile ................................. 12.7–14.5 sec • Top Speed ............................. 150–155 mph

EPA Fuel Economy

• Comb/City/Hwy ... 18–21/16–18/21–26 mpg

ment to a five-link setup, allowing for the implementation of standard rearwheel steering. The result is extreme maneuverability, to the point that even the new long-wheelbase vehicle ’ s 37.9-foot turning radius is significantly tighter than the old standard version ’ s 40.5-foot effort. This suspension rethink also opens space for the transverse electric motor that will appear in a full battery-electric version.

We ’ll learn more about the PHEV and EV models soon. But for now U.S. customers will have two engine choices, each backed by a smooth-shifting eightspeed automatic. The P400 sports a 395-hp 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt hybrid assist and enough beans to readily motivate even the 5600-pound three-row version. A Range Rover SE with this engine costs $105,850 for a standard-wheelbase five-seater or $111,850 for the seven-seater. In both cases, for $18,300 more, you can upgrade to P530 spec, which brings a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that makes a healthy 523 horses. If cost is no object (and you employ a driver), the exquisite range-topping long-wheelbase Range Rover SV four-seater runs $219,650.

“You don’t sit in a Range Rover, you sit on it, ” says Land Rover chief creative officer Gerry McGovern of the effect of the Range Rover’s traditional low beltline and vast greenhouse.

A V-8 FOR CLIMBING AND WADING — The P530’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 is a BMW-developed engine, but with specific changes Land Rover requested. Its high-mounted airintake tract enables a water-fording depth of 35.4 inches, while the revised sump prevents oil starvation when the vehicle climbs or descends steep off-road gradients or traverses hillsides of up to 45 degrees.