2012 Land Rover Range Rover Review

Overview

Ford the model year 2012, Land Rover Range Rover gets substantial updates. The SUV still exudes more premium-ness than ever. The New ultra-luxury Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition is new for the 2012 model year. The SUV receives revised exterior design details. A new optional Towing Preparation Package is standard on Autobiography. New Silver Pack groups popular options with enhanced value. The Autobiography edition features exterior design package as standard. Powerful engines, advanced interior technologies and enhanced driving dynamics strengthen the position of the 2012 Range Rover as Land Rover's complete luxury and flagship all-terrain vehicle. It has been termed as a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability in a stylish package.

Power and performance

The range-topping, 5.0-liter, 510 hp supercharged and 375 hp naturally-aspirated V8 engines deliver supreme performance. These lightweight, direct injection engines combine benchmark efficiency with outstanding power and torque. The naturally aspirated model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds; the models powered by the supercharged engine can rush to 60 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds. The 5.0-liter direct-injection engine is fortified with an Eaton? twin-vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers, all of which are packaged within the engine's V for a low overall engine height. The engine produces 461 lb.-ft. of peak torque from 2,500-5,500 rpm. The Range Rover V8 engines are specially engineered for off-road travel: a deep, pressure die-cast oil pan can accommodate extreme tilting angles, and belt drives are waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and starter motor. With the use of 5W-20 semi-synthetic oil, normal service intervals are extended to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. All models are equipped with a highly capable full-time four-wheel drive system featuring an electronically controlled infinitely variable locking center differential. The four-wheel electronic air suspension system with driver-selectable Access, Standard, Off-Road and Extended modes provide the renowned calm, composed Range Rover ride quality. On the Range Rover Supercharged and Autobiography models, the Adaptive Dynamics system yields driving dynamics that are uncanny for a vehicle of this type. The precision DampTronic Valve Technology? damper units replace conventional dampers (shock absorbers). These monitor vehicle conditions up to 500 times per second, optimizing the vehicle?s body and ride control in response to the driving style and terrain conditions, in both on and off-road situations.

Body and styling

Minor exterior trim changes mark the 2012 Range Rover models, including body-color side grille surrounds and door handles, gloss black headlamp and tail lamp back plates and a black front grille surround. The Range Rover Autobiography, already distinguished by exclusive exterior trim, adds as standard for 2012 the Exterior Design Package that was previously optional. This package adds unique front and rear bumpers, including fog light surrounds; upper and lower front grilles in Titan finish and unique quadrangle exhaust finishers. Opening the doors, one finds unique side sills, as well. The previously extra-charge optional wood finishes and wheels are now offered as no-charge options on this exclusive model. The Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition flagship model features a handcrafted luxury interior, using specially selected soft feel natural leather, to further elevate one of the finest interiors in the automotive world. Passengers will experience ultra-luxury accommodations within the envelope of the eminently capable Range Rover. Two stand-alone powered rear seats provide exceptional space and comfort for the rear passengers. The addition of a rear console extension; which includes a machined aluminum laptop table, drinks chiller, and two Apple iPad? devices as a standard part of the rear seat entertainment system; takes the Range Rover experience to new heights of luxury. The luxury theme extends to the rear luggage space, with a super-yacht inspired teak floor with metal and leather detailing. The interior story is completed with high-end semi-aniline leather seating and Oxford leather on the door casings, dashboard top and steering wheel. For the first time, Kalahari? wood veneers are used on the dashboard and door trim. Unique interior trim color combinations in either Dark Cherry & Ivory, or Arabica & Ivory, are available.

Safety Features

The 2011 Range Rover features a series of enhanced active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, available Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA), and Surround Camera system.