The Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most desirable vehicles the British auto industry has ever created, thanks to the brand's ongoing efforts to inject as much luxury as possible into this mid-size SUV. That's a trend that continues for 2018 as Land Rover updates its flagship model with refreshed styling built around new LED headlights and some new interior options.
Inside, the Range Rover can now be optioned with 24-way front seat adjustments and comes standard with a new dual-screen InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, a sunroof visor controlled with hand gestures and a wearable activity key that lets drivers lock and unlock their truck without carrying a traditional key fob.
The only change to the Range Rover's mechanical makeup is a new range-topping SV Autobiography Dynamic trim whose supercharged V8 this year makes an extra seven hp for power totals of 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
That engine is a 5.0L mill that serves most trims (Supercharged and Autobiography, in short- and long-wheelbase bodies) of the Range Rover with 518 hp, while a 3.0L turbodiesel is the motivating factor in the entry-level HSE Td6 trim with its 254 hp and 440 lb-ft.
Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As is Land Rover's way, 4WD is standard too, along with a terrain response system that tailors the drivetrain to a variety of traction surfaces.
As much as all that makes the Range Rover a lovely driver, it also incorporates a number of features conceived to make it just as pleasant to be driven around in by someone else. New this year in Autobiography trim is a stowable rear-seat console that deploys and stows with the touch of a button, while rear executive-class seating provides remote control over the front passenger seat to create maximum legroom in the right rear seating position. That seat is the best one there is, thanks to heated arm and calf rests and a massage function that can be optioned into the four outboard chairs.
If that doesn't provide enough control over your environment, there's a new smartphone app that allows the device user to adjust seat position, massage and heat functions and cabin temperature without looking away from the screen.
Thirsty? A refrigerator in the front centre console is a new option, and front and rear door pockets are now large enough to hold 1.5L bottles.
Land Rover is certainly not alone in the luxury SUV segment, especially not since Brit rival Bentley came along with the Bentayga. Rolls-Royce is apparently preparing to enter this ring, too, and Land Rover already faces serious competition from less-prestigious brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus and Infiniti, all of whom make big SUVs that combine luxury appointments with true off-road credentials at more attainable prices.
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