There’s a lot to love about the Ranger Rover Sport Supercharged, but to really appreciate it you need to drive through snow and sleet.
Fortunately the Rimini Red luxury SUV with an Ebony interior was brought to my door just before one of the area’s snowstorms. Now those from the snow belt where the fluffy stuff is measured in feet, not inches, may laugh, but there’s something to be said for a steady-as-she-goes vehicle on Baltimore’s slick streets.
Let’s put it this way: Land Rover isn’t kidding when they report the Terrain Response System handles snow/mud/sand/rock (OK — I don’t really know about rock) with ease. The real test was across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in rush hour when the Range Rover didn’t give a hint of a slip.
What’s nice about this vehicle is that you don’t need an advanced degree or encyclopedia-thick instruction book to adjust the throttle response and gears. There’s a user-friendly dial in the center console that’s within easy reach. Set the dial to your driving conditions and go.
» Engine: 4.2-liter 390 hp Aluminum Alloy V8
» Transmission: Six-speed electronically controlled automatic with CommandShift » MSRP: From $71,825
That’s not to say you shouldn’t pay attention. When I was driving at night it took me a few minutes (safely parked on a side street) to determine the best position for the car. Plus, it does take you aback a bit to feel it lower and raise when the dial is turned. Yet it’s worth a few minutes of experimentation to get to know the Terrain Response System. The reward is in the firm, steady ride.
Inside, the Range Rover Sport has all the extras you’d expect including heated front seats, real wood trim, leather seats, heated front windscreen with heated washer jets (no more frozen water!), adaptive front lamp, dual-zone automatic climate control, and plenty more.
It’s also loaded with technology, great for everyone but especially loved by gear heads. A 550-watt 14 speaker surround sound system, personal telephone integration system with Bluetooth capability, and voice control for audio and navigation give you tons of accessibility and options.
The Ranger Rover Sport comes in two models. I drove the supercharged model, which had a 4.2L 390 hp Aluminum Alloy V8 and packs 410 ft pounds of torque. Extras on my test vehicle included adaptive cruise.
