2015 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged LWB Test Drive And Review: More To Love

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB (Long Wheelbase), and my affection is renewed. If possible, it’s even expanded.

I am on record with my love of the Land Rover brand, and the Range Rover Supercharged in particular. Range Rover got a complete makeover for the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover, losing 700 lbs and gaining additional capability in the process.

The 2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB carries a base price of $106,995. My test vehicle came in at $118,501 with options, California Emissions and destination charge. Land Rover’s 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty includes 24-hour Road Recovery Service and complimentary first scheduled maintenance. The EPA estimates that the 2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB can achieve 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined.

I view the Range Rover Supercharged as an ideal executive conveyance. Both behind the wheel and in the second row, the Range Rover delivers an excellent experience, with luxury amenities, a great ride and a commanding view of the road. The LWB version of the Range Rover adds an additional 7.8” between the axles (122.8”), which results in an overall vehicle length of 204.7” (7.9” longer than the standard Range Rover). The added length shows up in the cabin as 7.3” of increased legroom in the second row, further improving the Range Rover’s functionality. An already luxurious cabin becomes limousine-like.

Visually, it’s easy to distinguish the LWB edition of the Range Rover from the standard wheelbase version. The second-row doors have absorbed the additional length. This may have unintended consequences, as the second-row doors are now heavier and longer than before, and require more swinging space to open fully. You have to find a wider parking spot to avoid having your rear passengers dinging the sides of the car next to you. Of course, the true executive knows to wait until the driver opens the door from the outside, allowing unfettered egress to the curb.

I didn’t get a chance to take the LWB Range Rover off-road. The LWB version maintains much of the capability of the standard wheelbase version, with the same maximum approach and departure angles (34.7 degrees/29.6 degrees). Breakover angle is necessarily smaller (26.1 degrees vs. 28.3 degrees) – that’s just pure geometry, and the LWB comes in about 200 lbs heavier, which also affects performance. The important figures, minimum ground clearance (11.63”) and maximum wading depth (35.4”), are shared regardless of wheelbase. Out here in Los Angeles where I live, wading depth becomes important every time it rains, as every intersection turns into a lake thanks to our ridiculously poor drainage. I like having the confidence that a Range Rover can plow right through conditions that will swamp most luxury vehicles.

The additional weight of the Range Rover LWB nearly disappears under the influence of the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The Range Rover feels fast. Land Rover reports 0-60 mph times of 5.5 seconds for the LWB (vs. 5.1 seconds for the regular wheelbase). Enhanced electronic air suspension with automatic load leveling delivers flat, stable handling with great road feel. The eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and full-time all-wheel drive connects up to an alphabet soup of electronic systems: ABS, EBD, HDC, EBA, RSC, ASL, GRC and more. The additional wheelbase does affect the turning circle, extending an already wide 40.4’ diameter for the regular wheelbase out to 44.0’ for the LWB.

Until Bentley brings out its long-awaited Bentayga SUV and Maserati brings out its Levante SUV, Range Rover Supercharged LWB’s competition remains the same on the SUV front: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator for second row comfort; Porsche Cayenne Turbo S for performance. Some executives may prefer sedans or limousines to SUVs, but they’re missing out on the great seating position that an SUV affords the driver and passenger. And ironically, a Range Rover Supercharged LWB is less conspicuous than a limousine or a long wheelbase luxury sedan.

Source: www.forbes.com/sites/jasonfogelson/2015/03/09/2015-land-rover-range-rover-supercharged-lwb-test-drive-and-review-more-to-love/