Driving the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4WD can be a little overwhelming at first, considering the amount and complexity of technology included in the vehicle. However, in just a few days I was managing quite nicely.
The 3.0-liter supercharged V8 cranks out a peak 380 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 322 lb.-ft. torque in the range of 3,500–5,000 rpm. The engine is assisted by an eight-speed automatic transmission. This delivers a fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg on the highway, for a combined 19 mpg.
The Range Rover HSE is an expensive vehicle with a price sticker of $92,650, and it is not a realistic purchase for everyone. But for those with the resources, the Range Rover is the all-accommodating luxury vehicle.
The HSE has numerous elite features that are standard. One example is the power tailgate. It’s electronically operated simply by performing a smooth upward movement of the foot beneath the sensor—eliminating the need to physically touch either the vehicle or the key fob. This makes it easy to load two bags of groceries or something large like a watermelon.
The interior ambient lightning is designed for comfort and convenience. The power tilt-and-telescopic, leather-wrapped steering wheel and Oxford leather front and rear seats complement the three-zone automatic climate control system to ensure satisfaction.
At the same time, the panoramic sliding glass roof with integrated power sun blind allows your mind to enjoy the outdoors as your body basks in the luxurious interior.
The 2017 Range Rover’s InControl infotainment system lives behind a 10-inch touchscreen. Connect and Connect Pro provides seamless integration with compatible phones and tablets, and InControl apps can channel audio material plus a wide assortment of information through these smart devices. Connect Pro offers Pro Services, which includes a suite of connected navigation services including route planning, traffic report, and places of interest.
SiriusXM and HD Radio expand the driving entertainment options. Good old Bluetooth and USB connectivity serves as the lowest common denominator for device compatibility. Technological data is transformed into sound through the remarkable 380-watt Meridian audio system. All together, InControl keeps everyone safe, entertained, and informed as they go about their driving adventure.
All the wondrous interior features are pointless in a car unless the car is safe. The engineers at Land Rover have assembled a package of safety and security benefits that are the admiration of the industry. Xenon automatic headlamps with LED signature lighting, rear-view camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, InControl Remote & Protect, and perimeter alarm with engine immobilization are examples of the engineer’s foresight.
Range Rover performs admirably in the city on smooth or rough roads, but it’s off-road where the Rover excels. Whether during a monsoon or desert twister, whether it’s below 40 F or baking at 120 F, the Range Rover HSE takes on all weather and compromising terrain with ease.
The 20-inch alloy wheels carry the load. Terrain Response driving optimization, electronic air suspension, twin-speed low-range transfer gearbox, All-Terrain Progress Control, and 4WD provide the framework for unlocking an unprecedented off-road experience.
The anti-lock braking system, Dynamic Stability Control, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, and roll stability assist help you reach your destination safely.
These basic, but essential, foundational features position you for an enhanced adventure that most people don’t have in their vehicle portfolio.
For more rugged travel, the Range Rover HSE 4WD is equipped with the core technology you need to take on the challenge with confidence, like Gradient Release Control, Reactive Grounding Response, electronic traction control, hill-descent control, and automatic speed limiter.
Range Rover sits tall and surrounds passengers with numerous comfortable, luxurious features. Be patient with all the different technologies because there will be a learning curve.
Once you have achieved mastery, you will be able to leap tall mountains, and follow a path like a speeding bullet as you go where few drivers have gone before.
Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile Roadside Assistance 6-year/Unlimited-mile Corrosion Perforation Warranty
