2004 Land Rover Range Rover Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Range Rover cuts a distinct profile. Though all-new just last year (2003), it is instantly recognizable as a Range Rover. Its contours are smooth and taut, with just enough curvature to suggest substance and strength. Compared to less exclusive, but more conspicuously massive SUVs, the Range Rover looks trim, muscular, and athletic, like a formidable middleweight fighter next to a costumed television wrestler.

This newest Range Rover is taller, wider, longer, and higher off the ground than pre-2003 models. It's more than 5 inches longer in wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear tires) and nearly 4 inches wider in track (the distance between the right and left tires). It provides an amazing 11 inches of ground clearance. Though many of its body panels are formed from costly aluminum to keep the weight down, it still weighs nearly 5400 pounds, 400 pounds more than its predecessor.

The front end is strong and horizontal, capped by Range Rover's trademark clamshell hood. High-tech headlamps (with power washers) wrap around at the corners. Punctuating the bumper are two serious-looking round ports and a long, horizontal slot, all feeding air to the engine. Taillights echo the futuristic look of the front.

Viewed from the side, the latest Range Rover features a high beltline and a flat expanse of sleek metal dramatically slashed by Brunel-finish louvers that extract air from the back of the engine bay.

Underneath the skin is a steel monocoque structure with an integrated chassis that increases torsional stiffness by 32 percent over pre-2003 models. Increased body rigidity improves ride and handling and gives the Range Rover the ability to tow, haul and tote just about anything on or off road.

Interior Features

The 2004 Range Rover features a cavernous interior. Longtime admirers will not be surprised by a host of luxurious amenities, but some Range Rover loyalists may be surprised by the austere, straight lines of this latest design. Still, the interior is light and airy, with styling cues coming from ocean-going yachts and first-class jetliner seating, as well as fine furniture and jewelry.

Flat panels dominate the dash, with a discrete metal finish used for detailing around the instruments and controls. An in-dash LCD array displays essential vehicle information. A navigation system is standard and is designed for both on- and off-road navigation. Four cup holders are adjustable and accommodate many different sizes of bottles and cans. A premium Harman/Kardon 15-speaker surround-sound system comes standard equipment along with a power glass sunroof.

There is more head- and legroom than in earlier models. Seats are big and comfortable, with adequate side bolstering and lumbar support. Headrests are comfortable. Rear seats have split powered backrests.

There's plenty of room for gear. The tailgate was designed to support the weight of two adults, making the Range Rover a perfect vehicle for tailgate parties. The cargo area is longer and taller than in earlier models. The rear seats are split 60/40 for versatility when moving cargo and people. Luggage hooks on the floor of the cargo area are designed to keep items secure. A full-size spare tire is stored in a well under the cargo floor.

Four standard interior color schemes are offered: Aspen/Ivory, Jet/Charcoal, Navy/Parchment, and Jet/Sand. All include contrasting piping on the seats, and a choice of traditional walnut burl trim or avant-garde cherry.

In the Westminster edition, the powered driver's seat adjusts 14 ways, the front passenger's seat 12 ways. Both front and rear seats have two-level electric heating; even the steering wheel is electrically warmed. Interior leather is Jet Black, matching the pearlescent black exterior. The wood trim is grand piano-grade ebony. The only things on the Westminster that aren't Jet Black are the headliner and grab handles, which are ivory.

Safety equipment in all Range Rovers is comprehensive. Eight airbags come standard: front, side, and head airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, as well as head airbags for rear outboard passengers. Security is also a high priority, which means deadlocks and an ultrasonic alarm system. A panic button activates locks for extra security against attacks.