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Range Rover 2010 – Commanding Presence By Jessie Lehail
Pricing
Base Price, HSE: $79,275
Base Price, Supercharged: $95,125
 One of most anticipated Range Rover’s ever is also the most sophisticated. The sales brochure and website is punctuated with words like distinctive, powerful, dynamic, and luxurious. Believe me wh |
en I say, I was skeptical. I have always been a huge fan of Range Rovers. Being nearly six feet tall and a woman, this vehicle seems like it would fit my persona perfectly. Not to digress, every SUV vehicle’s advertising landscape is littered with words like ‘powerful’ and ‘dynamic’, but when my dream vehicle -- the 2010 Range Rover was up for review, I did not hesitate. This after all was my opportunity to get behind the wheel; enjoy the tall, expansive space; and the gorgeous ride. What do I have to say about it? Well at one point, I felt blissfully catatonic. Then, I realized, I had better smarten up, especially since this vehicle is expensive and unfortunately, my pockets do not run that deep.
Wow, is this a powerful machine! Described as the most advanced, most powerful, complete luxury four-wheel drive vehicle today, the new 2010 Range Rover delivers on the promise of evolving its exterior design with some subtle changes, while detailing the interior with an array of enhancements. By the way, at this point there was no hesitation from me.
My salesman ‘du jour’ was eager to tell me that the Range Rover has introduced two all-new direct-injection V8 engines, both of which are shared with Jaguar. The HSE and HSE Lux models are powered by a 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, while the SC models get a 510-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, but designed for the Land Rover, and are  paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive system. Apparently, both feature variable camshaft timing and provide better performance, with lower emissions, than the engines they replaced without increased fuel consumption. What does this all mean? You can imagine my perplexed face. Well, to break it down, variable camshaft timing is simply a method of increasing horsepower and/or torque so there is improved emissions and improved economy. The new HSE can get to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, while the SC can make the same run in 5.9 seconds - very impressive.
Back to the subtle exterior changes, the Range Rover has thankfully not changed the beauty of its classic lines. If you did not grasp my lack of knowledge about vehicles, I apologize. My knowledge does not extend further than the simple fact of what I think looks aesthetically beautiful. Not to sound obsessed, but the Range Rover is stunning. Just so you are aware, the exterior changes include a new grille and bumper design, as well as new headlights and a slightly revamped interior.
Minimal changes on the exterior, has provided more focus on bigger changes to the interior of the Range Rover. Among the most noteworthy and well planned is that the traditional analog gauges that have replaced the 12-inch thin-film display screen with virtual dials and displays. To get even further into the pure sleekness of this machine, a touch-screen system commands navigation, audio, and entertainment functions from the center console. Lighting has been reconfigured and softness ensues, making the driver and their passengers look very glamorous. (That line I could not refrain from adding.) Lastly, the cabin is trimmed in satin-black and a range of natural wood veneers, further adding to the lustrous perfection.
Land Rovers have always been full of technology, and the new Range Rover does not disappoint. My new friend, the Range Rover salesman, keenly was adept at pointing out all the neat gadgets. He told me the most useful technologies are the available blind spot monitoring system and the 360-degree view cameras, similar to those in the considerably smaller Infiniti EX35.
It appears that if I ever needed towing, I could, with a flip of a switch, put the vehicle in towing assist mode. The camera system would provide guidelines to help determine where the trailer would be while backing up based on several user-entered data points such as the type of trailer, width, and number of axles. Adding further substance to unequivocal style, the new 2010 Range Rover successfully integrates craftsmanship and luxurious internal dimensions with an impressive array of advanced technological features. My salesman friend pointed out that the instrument cluster reveals the very latest high definition TFT-LCD technology, a revolutionary advance in the clarity of driver information.
Other notable electronic assistance systems included are an adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assistance, and automatic high beam headlamps. The adaptive cruise control system has four settings for following distance that range from 1 to 2.2 seconds of open road between you and the vehicle ahead. The system defaults to 1.8 seconds, which equals about 164 feet at 62 mph. Emergency brake assist uses the same radar as the ACC system and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. High beam assist will switch on the brights when the vehicle detects low light levels and then switch back to low beams when traffic approaches.
Perhaps the most important part of all these electrical gadgets is the all-new electrical architecture. The combination of the Controller Area Network and Media Oriented Transit System should share data across the vehicle's systems and save weight, with a side benefit of improved reliability, according to Land Rover.
The Range Rover has long been the king of luxury SUV’s and the 2010 version has garnered a lot attention with its dual task capabilities. Prices my scare some shoppers, since they can be way over the $100,000 price range. However, if you are shopper savvy and wanting to live out your dream, by the way, I am no exception in this realm, than take the plunge and purchase away. Really is there any other vehicle that looks as regal, while blending innovative technology? Did I mention the off-road prowess; excellent ride quality; lavish interior; acceleration and braking; high-tech safety and convenience features; and the opportunity for customization. Again not to sound like an echo, but the 2010 Ranger Rover is the pinnacle, the ultimate, most capable luxury vehicle. My goal apparently is set – I must live out my dream and purchase one.
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