2023 Range Rover Review: A Stunning Blend of Luxury and Performance

The 2023 Range Rover is here, and it’s more than just a pretty face. This iconic luxury SUV continues to set the standard for opulence, capability, and on-road refinement. Let’s dive into what makes this latest generation a must-consider for those in the market for a top-tier luxury vehicle.

Exterior Design: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Sophistication

At first glance, the 2023 Range Rover might seem like a subtle evolution of its predecessor. However, up close, the details truly shine. The body panels are as smooth as glass, with not a single overwrought design element in sight. The signature vertical taillights now seamlessly integrate into the horizontal black elements of the tailgate, giving the rear end a futuristic, almost spaceship-like appearance.

Our tester sported a stunning $7,450 satin-finish gold paint job, which played beautifully against the blacked-out trim ($1,000), black roof ($1,000), and 23-inch black alloy wheels ($900). The result is a vehicle that commands attention without resorting to flashy gimmicks.

Interior: A Sanctuary of Luxury and Technology

Step inside the 2023 Range Rover, and you’re greeted by an interior that prioritizes simplicity and elegance. The dashboard has been streamlined, with vents now comprising a single unbroken element between the dark and light parts of the cabin. Window switches have been moved down near the door handles for easier access, and the center console offers significantly more storage space.

The 13.1-inch touchscreen and 13.7-inch digital gauge cluster look like integral parts of the design rather than tacked-on afterthoughts. The heated, cooled, and massaging front seats are supremely comfortable, making long journeys a breeze.

Rear passengers aren’t left out either. The short-wheelbase variant still offers ample space, with rear seats that recline impressively. The front passenger seat can be moved forward to allow rear passengers to use the foldable footrest, adding a touch of limousine-like luxury.

Performance: Power Meets Refinement

Under the hood, our tester packs a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant delivers brisk acceleration, but what’s truly impressive is how refined the experience is. The engine note never rises to a clamor, instead offering a distant rumble that reminds you of its presence without intruding on the serene cabin atmosphere.

The standard eight-speed automatic transmission does a commendable job, though it can feel a bit janky on downshifts, particularly in the last few feet of stopping. This minor quirk aside, the driving experience is one of smoothness and refinement.

Ride Quality: A Palace on Wheels

The 2023 Range Rover’s ride quality is nothing short of palatial. The standard air suspension soaks up nearly every road imperfection, returning only softness to the occupants. Even at Michigan’s 80-mph average highway speeds, wind noise is minimal, with only a bit of disturbance around the mirror and A-pillar.

The cabin remains free of any clamor that isn’t coming from the standard Meridian surround-sound system. In fact, the noisiest part of the whole Range Rover experience comes at the beginning and end of your journey, when the flush door handles extend or retract from the body – a surprisingly loud affair.

Technology: Cutting-Edge Features with Room for Improvement

The 2023 Range Rover comes loaded with all the standard safety systems its parent company can whip up. The adaptive cruise control is smooth and reliable, while the hands-on lane-keep-assist system dramatically reduces fatigue on longer road trips.

The surround-view camera and parking sensors make parallel parking a breeze, and for those who prefer a hands-off approach, available hands-free parking assist is on offer. Our favorite feature? The system alerts you when you’re parked too close to an object for the trunk to open fully – a small but thoughtful touch.

However, the infotainment system, while improved, still has some quirks. The 13.1-inch touchscreen runs JLR’s Pivi Pro software, which looks great and is generally easy to navigate. However, we experienced several instances where wireless Apple CarPlay stopped working mid-drive and wouldn’t resume until the vehicle was restarted.

Fuel Economy: Expected, but Not Impressive

With a V8 under the hood, the 2023 Range Rover’s fuel economy numbers aren’t going to win any awards. The EPA estimates 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, figures we had no trouble matching during our test period. While these numbers might seem low, it’s worth noting that they’re not far off from what you’d expect from a vehicle of this size and luxury.

Pricing: Premium Luxury Comes at a Premium Price

The 2023 Range Rover starts just over $100,000, but our V8-powered First Edition tester, loaded with all the bells and whistles, came in at a staggering $159,550, including $1,350 in destination charges. Add in the aesthetic packages mentioned earlier, and you’re looking at a bill of $169,900.

The SV trim is even more expensive, nearly cresting the $200,000 mark in short-wheelbase form. However, the First Edition isn’t far behind in terms of luxury and features.

Conclusion: A Benchmark in Luxury SUVs

The 2023 Range Rover is, simply put, one of the best luxury vehicle experiences money can buy right now. Its on-road demeanor is next to none, and it has a style and presence that many other luxury cars can’t match. While the price tag might give some pause, for those who can afford it, the Range Rover delivers an unparalleled blend of luxury, performance, and capability.

As we look to the future, with an electric variant on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how the Range Rover evolves. But for now, this latest generation stands as a testament to Land Rover’s commitment to excellence in the luxury SUV segment.

Tags: 2023 Range Rover, luxury SUV, Land Rover, V8 engine, interior design, ride quality, technology features, fuel economy, pricing, automotive review

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