2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB: A Leather-Lined Luxury Torpedo [Review]

[Photo: Arv Voss]

OVERVIEW

With nearly fifty years of history under its belt, the Land Rover nameplate still reigns as king of the hill among luxurious, off-road capable SUVs. The 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB resides close to the top of the pecking order among Land Rover models. The Range Rover exhibits a remarkable blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Beyond the normal 5.0-liter Range Rover Supercharged, you can spec the long wheelbase Autobiography to encroach upon the $200,000 mark. However, base model Range Rovers start at $87,350. Even the least expensive base short-wheelbase Range Rover leaves little to be desired. Trim levels on the Range Rover rapidly increase the price and feature content. There’s the HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and the ultimate SV Autobiography Dynamic.

This year, new LED headlights represent the most significant exterior change up front. Besides that change, the 2018 Range Rover retains its rounded, more aerodynamic shape.

2018 Range Rover
The Range Rover eschews traditional buttons for a minimalist, dual-touchscreen layout. [Photo: Land Rover]

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The latest generation Range Rover exhibits a minimalist interior layout. In redesigning the model, Land Rover replaced the majority of buttons and knobs with dual touchscreens. It’s a high-tech approach, but it takes practice to master. The 2018 Range Rover has reshaped rear seats that feature a power backrest adjustment on every trim level. Other options include more adjustment with heating, cooling, and massaging with progressive trim levels.

The 2018 Range Rover uses an elaborate traction and stability control system, called Terrain Response 2, that provides modes suited to a variety of on- and off-road scenarios, plus a handy automatic mode that eliminates any guesswork. The model’s height-adjustable air suspension provides a smoother ride and up to 12.2 inches of ground clearance.

Autobiography LWB versions offer an Executive Seating package. That package provides even more comfortable rear seats that recline 40 degrees at the tap of a button. The seats also have eight-way adjustable headrests. There’s no third-row seat, but cargo capacity behind the rear seat stands at 31.8 cubic feet for base and HSE models and just 24.5 cu. ft. for models with the Executive Seating package. With the rear seats folded those figures rise to as high as 75.6 cubic feet for long-wheelbase models regardless of rear-seating arrangement.

There’s lots of room for personal individualization with the impressive list of Range Rover’s options, interior and exterior hues. All versions of the 2018 Range Rover include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, parking sensors and a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors are fitted to HSE and higher trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are sadly not included, which is a shame at this price point.

2018 Range Rover Supercharged
[Photo: Arv Voss]

PERFORMANCE

Propulsion for the 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB comes from a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. Thanks to an Eaton twin-vortex supercharger, it pumps out 518 horses along with 461 lb-ft of torque. Motive energy from the longitudinally-mounted front engine reaches the ground through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive 2018 Range Rover reaches 60 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds, despite the 5,404 pound mass.

Piloting the 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB is a joyous pleasure, with steering that’s quick, direct and precise, on a par with many luxury sedans. The height-adjustable suspension lowers for easy ingress and rises up to 12.2 inches of ground clearance for yeoman off-road use. The air suspension is taut, but not severe or uncomfortable on rough roads. Off-road, it loosens up allowing for 10.2 inches of wheel travel up front and more than a foot in the rear.

2018 Range Rover

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The Range Rover Supercharged LWB is a fine SUV. It truly feels like an off-road limousine. Regardless of trim level, all Range Rovers include a two-hour off-road lesson from one of the automaker’s driving school instructors, whether you decide to use it or not.

One downside of owning the most powerful 2018 Range Rover is fuel economy. The 5.0-liter engine does drink a lot of premium fuel. EPA figures for the long wheelbase model are 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Range Rover Supercharged LWB

On Sale: Now
Base MSRP: $108,895
Price as Tested:
$126,380
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8 w/ Eaton twin vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers
Drivetrain (Layout): Longitudinally mounted front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 518 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 461 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
Transmission: Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic with Gearshift Paddles.
Suspension: Front: Double-wishbone with air springs, Adaptive Damping and anti-roll bar

Rear: Multi-link with air springs, Adaptive Damping, and anti-roll bar

Brakes: Power-assisted, four-wheel ventilated discs
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport 275/40 R22/108Y
Fuel capacity: 27.3 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA): 16 City / 21 Highway / 18 Combined mpg

Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Length: 204.7 inches
Width: 81.6 inches
Height: 73.5 inches
Turning Circle: 40.5 feet
Ground clearance: Up to 12.2 inches (w/ air suspension)
Curb Weight: 5,404 pounds