Still the best SUV in the world

For 2005, the Range Rover, Land Rover's flagship vehicle, remains virtually unchanged over the 2004 model that we reviewed in April. The big news from Land Rover for '05 is the introduction of their new premium midsize SUV called the LR3. The LR3 earned Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year award for 2005. Look for a full review of the LR3 in the coming weeks.

Completely redesigned in 2003, changes for '05 are limited to improvements to Range Rover's electronic systems. Navigation, audio and telecommunications are all new and completely integrated using fiber optics. The navigation/audio system, which I strongly disliked with my last review, has been replaced with a new voice-activated DVD-based navigation system that uses the brighter and improved resolution VGA (video graphics display) as compared to last year's LCD unit.

In addition to the usual trip computer functions such as fuel consumption, tank range, average speed and the like, new for '05 is the 4x4 driver interface that graphically displays vehicle settings and positions, such as the angle of the front wheels, and direction of travel. Knowing wheel position is especially useful when in use off road, however it seems unlikely many of the $73,750 base price Range Rovers will see much more than a speed bump or gravel driveway.

Options are limited to just three: the heated accessories package ($1300) that includes electrically heated front and rear seats, an integrated ski bag and heated steering wheel; the luxury interior package ($5000) includes the heated accessories package and adds contour seats with 16-way driver and passenger seat adjustment, upgraded leather trim on the dashboard, door-pulls and storage box lid; optional seven-spoke, 20" alloy wheels with a full-size spare are also available ($4000).

Two modes will continue to be offered, the HSE ($73,750) and the limited edition Westminster ($86,000). The HSE includes three-zone climate control, 10-way power seat, GPS navigation system and power everything. The Westminster edition includes everything in the luxury interior package, plus rain sensing automatic wipers and the 20-inch aluminum wheels. Production of the Westminster will be limited to about 300 units.

Range Rover will continue to be powered by the BMW-engineered 4.4-liter 282 horsepower V-8. The only transmission choice is a five-speed automatic. A permanent four-wheel-drive system and a height-adjustable suspension are standard.

Range Rover remains a favorite choice for celebrities and professional athletes. It's a vehicle most people can only dream about owning and believe me it lives up to its reputation as one of the finest vehicles in the world.

While luxury and comfort abound, should you want to wander off-road the Range Rover can easily negotiate steep muddy tracks and ravines. I drove the Range Rover in rugged mountain terrain and was thoroughly impressed with its performance in road conditions that forced lesser 4x4s to turn back. As impressive was its ability to creep down steeply pitched trails and rough territory without the violent jostling usually associated with this type of excursion.

Still the leader when it comes to luxury, style and prestige Range Rover remains at the top of any exclusive vehicle list.

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