2019 Land Rover Range Rover HSE

The privilege of owning a Range Rover comes with a princely price tag no matter which model you choose, but since it’s all about the luxury (isn’t it?), we’d go with the more expensive long-wheelbase model. It boasts extra rear-seat legroom and we’d pay to upgrade those rear seats to feature a power reclining feature with heat and ventilation. We’d also select the Drive Pro package, which adds adaptive cruise control with full-speed range, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.

The Range Rover has four basic powertrain lineups, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses: Entry-level models are powered by a supercharged V-6 while top-of-the-line models feature a raucous supercharged V-8; a diesel V-6 is also available. Every Range Rover comes standard with a selectable all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. We don’t have recent test numbers for a Range Rover with the standard supercharged V-6 engine; the diesel Range we tested in 2016 delivered passable-but-relaxed acceleration times. The V-8, on the other hand, delivers shocking acceleration runs and even the most committed environmentalists will have to admit it sounds glorious.

Every Range Rover comes standard with leather seats, a heated leather steering wheel, and wood-veneer trim. When you move up into the more expensive versions, that leather is extended to the headliner, the seats add a massaging function, and the carpet that lines the cargo compartment can be swapped for handsomely finished wood. That’s to say nothing of the metal armrest-adjustment knobs, satin-brushed metal cupholders, and bottle cooler that come in top-of-the-line SVAutobiography models.

A panoramic sunroof becomes standard on all models and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability join the options list; the two connectivity features are part of the free Smartphone Pack package on all 2019 Range Rover models. Those who plan to take off-road excursions with their Range Rover will be happy to know that Land Rover has revised the vehicle’s Wade Sensing system to better inform the driver when he or she is fording rivers. An updated adaptive-cruise-control system now comes with active steering assist, which should help drivers when they’re on-road. The plug-in hybrid P400e model–originally scheduled to debut for 2019–has been delayed until 2020.