Standard rear-axle steering makes it feel smaller than its size as it virtually shortens the wheelbase through tight corners. The roll bars work diligently to rein in the weight and prevent the beast from flopping side to side, while the steering provides a light touch and direct responses. The Range Rover sits high and weighs almost 6,000 lb, but it competently attacked twisty Napa roads, in part because the vehicle now links two miles’ worth of navigation data with its suspension to predict and adaptively damp the vehicle for the road ahead. Dynamic mode firms up the standard twin-valve Bilstein adaptive dampers and stiffens the active roll bars to help control body lean in turns. The off-road mechanicals also improve the on-road behavior. And when I took control of the throttle, it was easy to dial in the right speed without lurching forward too quickly and dashing the underbody on protruding rocks. Short overhangs and a tall ride height unlock a 34.7-degree approach angle, a 27.7-degree breakover angle, and a 29.0-degree departure angle for the short-wheelbase model, none of which were breached. The Range Rover’s Terrain Response system teamed with its low-range gearing, hill descent control, and off-road cruise control to automate many of the off-road maneuvers, leaving only steering and some throttle modulation in my control.Ĭlimbing grades as steep at 20 degrees proved easy, and only a 34-degree downward slope taxed the Rover’s ability, but it handled that challenge as well. While it wasn’t overly technical, it did challenge the vehicle’s ability to climb and descend steep grades. The media drive included off-roading on hilly vineyard dirt paths. Conversely, it can lower the vehicle 0.6 inch at highway speeds to better cheat the wind. Those are the only heights the driver can choose, but the Range Rover can also detect when it’s stuck and raise the ground clearance first to 12.8 inches then to 13.8 inches to help it crawl out of the muck. Its standard ground clearance is 8.7 inches, but an Access mode for ingress/egress drops it to 6.7 inches, an Off-Road 1 mode raises the ride height to 10.3 inches and Off Road 2 props it up to 11.6 inches. The 4WD system can disconnect the front wheels for better fuel economy, and the active roll bars can disconnect to enable full wheel travel to keep at least one wheel on the ground in extreme off-road situations.Īn air suspension with 4.9 inches of travel (actually 7.1 inches in certain situations) helps the Range Rover cut through the air on the highway, handle better on the road, and raise to clear off-road obstacles. With its hallmark all-wheel-drive system, six-mode terrain-management system, 48-volt active roll bar system, and active locking rear differential, the Range Rover doesn’t backtrack from its off-road roots. Powertrain performance is just one bullet in the Range Rover’s varied performance arsenal. Available for $18,300 less, it’s quieter when pushed, equally smooth, and its 5.8-second 0-60 mph time is still plenty quick. The 8-speed automatic works the same: reserved under normal circumstances, but quick to react when pushed or in the Sport mode that’s chosen with another flick of the shifter.Ģ022 Land Rover Range Rover at Napa Valley press drive, April 2022įor all the V-8’s power, the turbocharged inline-6 is an equally compelling choice. The power doesn’t punch you in the gut, but instead builds confidently and makes passing a breeze. The engine doles out scads of power and jackrabbit starts in vehicles like the BMW M550i and X5, but it’s tuned to act more civilized here. If the BMW V-8 recalls powertrains from the era when BMW owned Land Rover, so will its performance: Land Rover quotes a 0-60 mph time for V-8 Range Rovers of 4.4 seconds. It may be a BMW engine, but Land Rover had input in its development, ensuring that the oiling system can handle a 45-degree tilt off-road, the intake sits high enough for almost 35.9 inches of water fording capability, and the engine mounts can withstand a ditch drop when the path falls away. The V-8 appeals for its power, muffled growl, and smooth character. In addition, a plug-in hybrid with 434 hp and 41 miles of electric range is set for the 2023 model for a $3,900 upcharge and a full electric Range Rover is due in 2024.īoth current engines are fine choices. That’s offered only in the SE trim every other 2022 Range Rover comes with a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 good for 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. In a short three-month production run, the 2022 Range Rover arrives with Land Rover’s current mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbo-6 powertrain that shuttles 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic.
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