The Range Rover retains its iconic shape, but there are subtle yet distinct changes. All Range Rovers for 2006 get a new front bumper design, new headlamps and taillights, a new front grille and revised power vents.
Competing for sales with rivals like BMW and Mercedes luxury saloons , as well as their upmarket off-roaders the Range Rover is a luxury icon. However, ever since Ford took over the reigns at Land Rover the Range Rover's BMW sourced engines have been rather a source of embarrassment. Not any more though, as the Range Rover now features engines sourced from Land Rover's Premier Automotive Group relative Jaguar. So now the Range Rover is offered with a 306bhp 4.4-litre V8, or the range topping supercharged 4.2-litre unit with 396bhp. Both are fettled to cope with the additional strains that they might encounter off-road, with better dust and water-proofing and the ability to work at the extreme angles the Range Rover is capable of. Even better, though, is the new 3.6-litre V8 diesel that replaces the old BMW 3.0-litre six-cylinder. With 272bhp, it's effortlessly rapid, yet still manages 25mpg. New 19-inch alloy wheels are also offered. The supercharged derivatives are distinguished by additional styling modifications including mesh-design front grille and power vents, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, and special black-on-silver badges.History
A short historical background: born of the need to compete with the Jeep, the first Land Rover SUV tromped around its native habitat of Wales in 1947, before being linked with exotic safaris in British colonies. If you're thinking this short-lived relationship with the venerable German automaker will increase your chances of getting a solid product, you are correct. The current-generation Range Rover feels very much like a BMW, though as of 2006 the power under the bonnet is sourced from cousin Jaguar, rather than BMW. None of the Range Rover's legendary boulder-bashing capability was lost in this translation; through a combination of technology and experience, the German-British development team created a world-class vehicle in this regard. In addition, the Range Rover has one of the most appealing, luxurious interiors of any vehicle, not to mention refined road manners, thanks to unibody construction and a new rack and pinion steering system. Add up all of the above and, in short, you've got one of the most desirable luxury sport-utility vehicles around. The Range Rover, a more civilized version, came into being in 1970, and was introduced to American shores in 1987. In 1994, BMW thought it would be a good idea to buy Land Rover in order to gain entry into the lucrative high-end sport-utility market, but the acquisition proved to be expensively unfruitful. In order to cut its losses, the company unloaded Land Rover to Ford in 2000. During its short ownership period, however, BMW completed a significant amount of engineering work on this latest Range Rover.
Inside, the Range Rover's unique personality comes through, as it has the upscale ambience of a luxury SUV and the rugged feel of a serious off-road vehicle. Most materials are premium-grade, but there are a few out-of-character low-grade plastics. Buyers have their choice of cherry or walnut wood accents. The seating position is notably upright, but both front and rear passengers will find the accommodations supportive and roomy. Rear-seaters get their own climate controls and power-adjustable headrests. Don't expect too much by way of cargo space, though. The Range Rover falls short of its competitors in this area, offering a mere 63 cubic feet of capacity.