Little did Land Rover know that when its Range Rover crossed the pond to the United States in 1987, it also would set off an automotive revolution: the creation of the luxury SUV. From that point, it didn’t take long for the Range Rover to establish itself as the epitome of the genre, a position that the new 2010 model will continue to enjoy.
The 2010 Range Rover HSE is powered by a new 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. With more than 5,500 pounds to move around, the Range Rover’s 7.2-second sprint from zero to 60 mph seems impressive. Around town, you would never guess that the Range Rover weighed so much as it gallops from stops with authority and feels surprisingly nimble for its size. However, if 7.2 seconds sounds slow to you, opt for the $95,125 Range Rover Supercharged with its 510 horsepower and 461 lb.-ft. of torque.
Standard on the Range Rover is Land Rover’s innovative height-adjustable air suspension system, giving you the ability to rise nearly a foot above traffic. At its highest setting, the Range Rover provides 11.1 inches of ground clearance, enough to put you at eye level with semi-truck drivers. The view from up there, we promise, is better than any other while inching along in Atlanta’s largest parking lot: rush hour on Georgia 400.
Inside, the Range Rover’s interior sets the luxury SUV standard with its exceptional fit and finish, long list of high-tech features and unsurpassed comfort. Range Rover uses luxurious leather to cover nearly every surface your hand touches. And, if it isn’t leather, then it’s a brilliant satin noble metal finish, as seen surrounding the vents, on the door handles and on the shift knob. Step into the throne that is the driver’s seat, and you’ll feel like you’re the king of the road. Whether on a long journey or a short trip to the market, you’ll know you have arrived once inside the Range Rover.
When it comes to technology, the Range Rover also sets the bar high. New for 2010, the Range Rover sports an innovative 12-inch TFT instrument display, replacing traditional gauges with virtual ones. In addition to the unique display, the 2010 HSE features a new Surround Camera System that makes towing and parking a breeze. Five digital cameras provide a near-360-degree view of the vehicle, a feature that’s especially useful when exiting parking garages.
The Range Rover’s exterior styling is distinctly Land Rover with its boxy shape and clamshell hood. The Range Rover’s LED auto-dimming bi-xenon headlamps cut through the night, making them the brightest headlamps that JEZ has ever tested. However, if fancy wheels are your thing, then we recommend turning to an aftermarket expert, because the 19-inch rims that come standard will leave you wanting more.
It’s no wonder you feel like royalty when driving the 2010 Range Rover. From its incredible off-road capability to its luxurious appointments, there’s no doubt that you’ll be the king of the road. The 2010 Range Rover is now available in Atlanta.