Lexington, KY - I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Range Rover. I love the idea of a luxurious SUV that is as at home in Beverly Hills as it is in the hills of Tunisia. Land Rover's Range Rover is a tried and true any-surface vehicle that's not just nice to look at, but a pleasure to drive as well.
As I scaled the Bluegrass hills of Lexington, Kentucky aboard the
2013 Range Rover Supercharged I was reminded of all the reasons why this British brute is worth all the many pennies it requires to purchase.
What is a Range Rover Supercharged?
The Rover Company, responsible for creating the Land Rover brand, has been building off-road utility vehicles since the 1950s. The Range Rover has been around since the ‘70s. It didn't always look so sleek and sexy, but it's always been a highly capable off-roader -- and that's why the Range Rover is so well known the world over.
Range Rover's first vehicle was far from a luxurious model, and was pretty bare bones in terms of amenities. It was meant to be utilitarian and not much more. Today's Range Rover, now in its fourth generation, is all about all-terrain capability as well as luxurious accoutrements.
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| I love the idea of a luxurious SUV that is as at home in Beverly Hills as it is in the hills of Tunisia. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Technicalities
The 2013 Range Rover is available in two styles: Supercharged or Autobiography. While there is a nearly $30k difference between the two, they sport the same 510-horsepower supercharged, 5.0L LR-V8 engine controlled via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, both models also offer Range Rover's Terrain Response system and are height-adjustable as well. Permanent 4WD ensures the 2013 Range Rover remains surefooted no matter the conditions below its 21” wheels.
The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged starts bidding at $114,750, while its even-more-luxurious brother, the Range Rover Autobiography, opens up at $144k even.
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| The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged have a 510-horsepower supercharged, 5.0L LR-V8 engine controlled via an 8-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Driving the Range Rover Supercharged
Rolling along the streets of Lexington, Kentucky with luscious green fields on either side of me, the elegant the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged truly is as at home on smooth tarmac as it is on uneven gravel or even door-level wading water - which I quickly discovered via a special off-road course offered by Land Rover.
What I really like about the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged is the smoothness with which those 510 horses are put to use when the throttle is pressed. Nothing is jarring or shocking in the Range Rover; it's sinewy, silky, gentle, but man does it ever boogie. You'll quickly forget its size - I always do. Gear changes are imperceptible. Although the Range Rover sports steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, I didn't use them at all. The 8-speed handles itself so well, it's not necessary.
With near-12” of ground clearance and a maximum water wading depth of 35.4”, the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged could, essentially, take you anywhere you wanted to go in complete comfort and safety. From city streets to the Kentucky Horse Park grounds, my Range Rover happily went wherever I asked it to without trouble.
The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged also, blissfully, handles like a much smaller vehicle than it actually is. The electronic speed-sensitive power assisted steering system is accurate and connected without feeling too heavy or laborious.
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| The elegant Range Rover Supercharged truly is as at home on smooth tarmac as it is on uneven gravel or even door-level wading water. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Ins and Outs of the Range Rover Supercharged
There's no denying: This is one good-looking, classy SUV. The 2013 Range Rover Supercharged exudes aristocracy, sophistication and a hint of modernism. The newly designed front fascia is both menacing and regal. I adore the geometric, angular daytime running lights and the symmetrical layout of the new front fog lamps as well. The symmetry continues to the rear where the LED taillights are stacked to perfection.
Details like the continued use of threes throughout the exterior is also a nice touch; they can be found from the “gills” on the side to the turn signals and front grille.
Inside, the 2013 Range Rover Supercharged is as plush and comfortable as you'd imagine. Not much changed for this fourth generation save for the pop-up shift knob (first seen in the Jaguar XF, and now commonplace across the company's lineup of vehicles). Otherwise, it's standard Range Rover fair; which is fine by me.
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| Today's Range Rover, now in its fourth generation, is all about all-terrain capability as well as luxurious accoutrements. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
Comparing the Range Rover Supercharged
When it comes to big, bold luxury, off-road SUVs the pickings are a bit slim. While many claim to do it all, few actually can - especially to the extent that Range Rover does. However, should you be in the market for a Range Rover Supercharged you will want to take a look at the
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S,
Mercedes-Benz GL63 and the
BMW X5M, all of which can match the Rover in terms of luxury but will struggle to meet off-road capabilities.
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