By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 30, 2023) Land Rover most recent iteration of the Range Rover debuted just last year that brought all-new tech, new and improved powertrains and a more luxurious interior. Now for 2023, the highbrow British choice for pretentious motoring includes standard and long-wheelbase offerings in the base SE trim tested here and the return of the plug-in hybrid powertrain last seen in 2021.

For those with near royal means there's the munificently equipped Autobiography trim, and even a top shelf SV level whose price closely approaches a quarter-million U.S. greenbacks delivered directly from country of origination — Solihull United Kingdom. Our SE plug-in-hybrid model had an MSRP of $126,310 — half the price of the SV.



The exterior design of our Range Rover is an example of superb, simple elegant flowing proportions of smoothness with precision lines for panel gaps body details especially where the body panels meet the side glass absent moldings. Even the door handles are virtually flush and only evidenced themselves upon deployment of unlocking the doors and retracted when closed and locked. The front of the vehicle is massive yet the grille, headlamps and valance again smooth, subtle with just a hint of curves and creases. Out back the slim, vertical tail lamps were nearly visible from the Belgravia Green exterior color until illuminated. It's a look one finds nearly impossible not to stare and admire.

Inside, our Range Rover was upholstered with premium standard non-leather Ultrafabrics and Kvadrat textile seating material with seat surrounds on the sides in a woven wool-like fabric, rich and substantial.The seats were soft yet supportive, well-bolstered and optioned ($4,200) with heated, cooled massaging functions including the executive class rear seats. The overall looks are classy matching the appearance of the exterior.

While switchgear felt and looked rich and brushed stainless steel trim accented matched handsomely the buttons and controls for commands on the steering wheel and instrument panel. However operating the center instrument panel touch screen functions are confusing, fussy and difficult to source and use. Further, the voice controls were a near total failure and didn't recognize most command requests.

Other tech functions worked extremely well such as connecting wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Maps and turn by turn directions, and advanced driver assist features worked seamlessly and simply.

Absent since 2021, Land Rover brought back an upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrain for 2023 with more power and an estimated 50 miles of all-electric range more than twice as much as in 2021. Our Range Rover SE plug-in hybrid electric vehicle had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a 105-kW electric motor, and a 38.2-kWh battery pack. Output measures 434 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, and the Range Rover PHEV uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to power all four wheels.



Compatible with 50-kW DC fast charging it can reach an 80% charge level in less than an hour. However, driving the Range Rover in hybrid only travel fuel economy was dismal and I averaged just 17.2 mpg in mixed driving, significantly lower than the 21-mpg rating on the window sticker.

As part of our loan agreement from Land Rover we agreed not to take the SE off-road so we were unable to test what we know are perhaps its strongest features and reasons for owning one. Onpaved surfaces the Range Rover is a dream to drive, soft, supple, a near library quiet cabin on the highway with wind noise nonexistent. Acceleration was exceptionally quick despite its husky curb weight of nearl three tons of vehicle.

There was noticeable body roll during sharper curves and cornering moves but never a sense of out of control or even minor concern. Braking as expected was superb, steering on center and driving pleasure over-the-top rewarding and beyond enjoyable.

Overall, the Land Rover Range Rover is a stunning vehicle in appearance and built to impress. The driving dynamics are superbly refined with a ride and comfort level among the finest vehicles built today. And in the face of growing unpleasantness and unpopularity of fossil fuel powered vehicles in the name of climate change, it's the hope of British automaker the return of the plug-in hybrid Range rover can temper the disgrace of those who oppose oil in any form with a bit more favorable fuel economy numbers.

But given the geopolitical effects of combustion engine that remains doubtful. In all, the Range Rover PHEV is for the most part pretty marvelous. Mind you: give the astronomical price of Land Rover vehicles the Range Rover will remain as an aspirational vehicle for most people.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $110,500
Price as Tested: $126,310
Engine/Transmission: 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder gas engine w/plug-in hybrid electric motor
delivering a combined 434 horsepower and 457 lb-ft. torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 21-MPG gasoline only. 51-MPGe electricity + gasoline
Seats: 5

Where Built: Solihull, U. K.

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Typical for vehicles in this price range, it has not been rated by the government or insurance institute for highway safety for overall vehicle score, frontal crash, side crash or rollover risk.

Competes With:
BMW X7, XM
Cadillac Escalade
Lincoln Navigator
Mercedes-Benz GLS

Likes:
Opulent, cosseting interior
Superb ride and driving dynamics
Loaded with standard driver assist and optional features

Dislikes:
Fussy locating and confusing operating some touch screen controls
Expensive, very expensive
Dismal gasoline-only fuel economy