There are many ultra-luxury SUVs in the market but the Range Rover is something else.
As one of the best-selling brands of British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, the Range Rover is the epitome of opulence, thanks to its imposing look, modern techs, and upscale passenger cabin with plush materials and premium seats.
It offers sublime handling and the most comfortable ride courtesy of its fully independent air suspensions and sensors that can scan the road ahead for bumps or potholes.
But the ultimate catch is the fact that the Range Rover SUV is made by Land Rover, with 75 years of expertise in creating some of the most iconic and capable off-roaders in the world.
Thus, this makes the Range Rover not just a luxury SUV since it’s also equipped with an all-wheel drive system that the rugged Land Rover is known for.
For three days starting last 17 November, the Land Rover BGC boutique showroom, located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 24th Street, invited its well-heeled clients and fellow Range Rover enthusiasts to see the vehicles up close and the chance to drive some of the Range Rover models around BGC.
The Five Range Rover models on display were the Sport SE, the Velar S, Evoque R-Dynamic S, LWB Autobiography P530, and the SWB SE which is a plug-in hybrid.
Guests and enthusiasts at the BGC showroom were all in awe with the Range Rover’s new look — interestingly, now on its 5th iteration — which could also be described as having a subtle and minimalist vehicle style.
The SUV’s body design no longer has the “unnecessary creases,” and with its rounded edges and incredibly tight panel gaps, designers were able to attain the lowest aerodynamic drag yet for the Range Rover at 0.30 Cd.
While the impressive flush deployable door handles and slimmer headlights are impossible to miss, most of the design changes are at the back.
The redesigned rear lights are now “hidden until lit”, an industry-first, which means that the traditional clusters are cleverly concealed behind a gloss black tailgate graphic and become visible only when the hidden LEDs are activated.
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- THE Range Rover LWB Autobiography P530 broadcasts British elegance, style and luxury from every angle.
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- HIDING behind these gloss black tail gate graphics are powerful LED tail lights and brake lights.
Best accommodation
The Santorini Black long-wheel base Autobiography P530 could probably be the best among the models on display. At P24.99 million, this full-size Range Rover offers the best passenger space.
Its 24-way heated and cooled hot stone massage electric front seats and two Executive Class Comfort seats at the back that allow the passengers to stretch their legs and relax (there are retractable footrests, too) signify utmost luxury and comfort. Two 11.4-inch flat screens powered by a Meridian 3D Surround Sound System complete the SUV’s rear entertainment display.
The long-wheel base Autobiography P530 also has retractable screens for its rear doors as well as a large panoramic roof that offers additional privacy, if needed.
But visitors seem to have crowned the P13.99-million diesel-powered Range Rover Sport SE (in Giola Green) and the P6.7585 million Range Rover Velar S (in Varesine Blue) as the popular models.
Powered by a six-cylinder 3.0-liter mild-hybridized Ingenium turbo diesel, the full-size Sport SE offers plush interior materials, sophisticated digital technology and much-needed space for passengers.
THE Range Rover door handles extend outward from the door and then retract contributing to the vehicle’s sleek profile and improving aerodynamics.
The Velar S is similar to the muscular look of the Sport SE but with a less eye-popping price tag. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline that is mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
It also features a posh cabin, a smooth ride and more cargo space compared to other SUVs in the market. Plus, it comes with the “Range Rover” name proudly emblazoned across its face — one luxury feature its rivals won’t be able to match.
The more compact Evoque R-Dynamic S is another mild hybrid turbo diesel-powered luxury ride from Range Rover. With a price tag of P5.89 million, it possesses an expensive interior and boasts exceptional off-road capability (yes, this luxury ride can wade through half a meter of flood water!).
Positioned at the far corner of the display area is one unique offering from Range Rover. The Belgravia Green short-wheel base SE is a plug-in hybrid that can cover a distance of 80 kilometers in electric mode. This P16.99 million ride only needs 40 minutes to charge its 38.2 kWh batteries to 80 percent (5 hours to 100 percent).
Indeed, if you are lucky enough to be mulling over which among the fine-crafted vehicles from Land Rover is worth driving home, you only need this reminder: The latest models are better, more luxurious and elegant than their predecessors. Besides, they are made by Land Rover, so, how can you go wrong?
