2011 Land Rover Range Rover: Offering More Than 'Snob Appeal'

Highlight: The classic design four-wheel drive Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary this model year, with a limited edition Autobiography Black Model. A more exclusive model known as the Autobiography Black Ultimate Edition equipped with a pair of Apple iPads will be available later this year.

MSRP: $91,085 (Base Range Rover starts out at $79,885)

Major Standard Features: 19-inch wheels; electronic parking brake; push-button starter; a triple-zone automatic climate control system; a heated steering wheel; heated rear seats; power folding exterior mirrors; a rear-view camera; a navigation system and Xenon headlights

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 5.0-liter, 8-cylinder/375 (An optional 510-horsepower engine, too.)

Standard Fuel Mileage: 12-city/18-hwy

What’s New:

For the 2011 model year, while it’s subtle, Land Rover enhances the exterior design of the Range Rover. Don’t worry, if you purchased a 2010 model, one won’t notice any major differences, until entering the rear cabin. Once inside the rear cabin one will notice that this high-end SUV now offers optional limo-like power reclining rear seats, which is surrounded by a deeply tinted rear privacy glass to help keep the vehicle cool, while helping to maintain the anonymity for those being chauffeured. Yes, this is definitely a vehicle for the stars (or those yearning to become one.)

And for the music aficionado, a top of the line Harman/Kardon 1200-watt, 19-speaker audio system is now available.

Moreover, for those willing to risk taking this premium luxury SUV off-road, the Terrain Response system has been enhanced with improvements to the Hill Start Assist mechanism and a Gradient Acceleration Control. This vehicle is just as capable off-road as it is on the road.

Pros:

The Range Rover continues to reign supreme for those looking to have a high-end, standout luxury SUV. Our vehicle was equipped with the brand’s $4,600 Luxury Interior Package, which consisted of 14-way power adjustable front seats outfitted with Oxford leather, heated and cooled front seats, 20-inch wheels, a removable luggage net and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.

Also our vehicle was outfitted with two rear-seat DVD players, a 6-disc CD changer and rear seats that recline up to 8 inches. And with the rear reclining seats, the seat controls also include a facility for moving the front passenger seat forward to gain extended legroom, when the front seat is unoccupied. What else could one ask for? Having all of these amenities will surely make the rear occupants feel like a super star, while being chauffeured.

And while our vehicle wasn’t equipped with Land Rover’s Vision Assist Package, this is a package worth opting for. The $1,800 Vision Assist Package consists of a Blind Spot Lane-Changing System, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, Automatic High-Beam Headlights, and a Wide-View Surround Camera. By having this safety and convenience package, this will make this full size luxury SUV a glide to navigate.

Furthermore, the Land Rover is one of the few SUVs that allow the driver an enhanced electronic air suspension, with automatic load-leveling, to adjust the actual height of the vehicle.

Cons:

If carrying cargo behind the rear seats is high on one’s shopping list, be cautious about outfitting the vehicle with the optional reclining rear seats, since this will reduce the cargo space.

And for those unfamiliar with the Range Rover, it will take a moment to find the power door lock switch, which was hidden in the center of the instrument panel.

Moreover, with gas prices rising, when will Land Rover bring a diesel to America? It’s being reported that the British-built vehicle is available in other markets and that the fuel-sipping engine can garner a whopping 30-mpg.

The Verdict:

For those not wanting the run of the mill new-class of large, luxury SUVs, the Range Rover should be at the top of one’s shopping list – since it’s literally in a class by itself. Yes, there’s a reason why the vehicle is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Unlike many of its competitors, this vehicle is just as capable off-road as it is cruising around the city. In fact, Land Rover is the only one in its class to offer a driving school, which is known as the Land Rover Experience Driving School.

Now while many owners of the Range Rover only purchase this vehicle due to its snob appeal, it’s worth investing the time to see what this high-end luxury vehicle is capable of really doing – when put to the test by attending the school. Then, it will be quite obvious why the Indian-owned company, Tata Motors, is expecting consumers to continue paying top billing for the brand’s halo vehicle.

Pricing for the Range Rover starts in the high seventies and can reach well over $100,000, depending on how the vehicle is optioned.

Competition: Cadillac Escalade Platinum, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX570 and Mercedes Benz G-Class