Model Strengths:
Off-road ability; acceleration (SC); Terrain Response system; versatile ride; interior comfort.
Model Changes:
For 2008, Land Rover's Range Rover receives new leather dashboard trim. The entry-level HSE model now rides on revised seven-spoke alloy wheels, while the SC now features auto-dimming exterior mirrors. The optional cherry wood trim found on the SC in 2007 is no longer available.Also for 2008, the Range Rover Westminster debuts, with production limited to 500 units. Aside from a number of unique visual treatments, a four-zone climate control and a rear seat entertainment system are included.
Model Value:
The 2008 Land Rover's flagship Range Rover has few peers and stands as one of the most luxurious and off-road-capable sport utility vehicles at any price. A proven platform, powerful engine choices, and well-equipped interior combine to form one of the most attractive true trail warriors available.
Model Overview:
The 2008 Range Rover comes in two luxurious variants, the V8-powered HSE, with a 305-horsepower 4.4L engine, and the SC model, with its 400-horsepower 4.2L supercharged V8. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport and CommandShift modes.One of the Range Rover's primary strengths is its smart and sophisticated suspension design, which allows a smooth, quiet highway ride yet is rugged enough for some of the toughest off-roading situations.The Range Rover comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive. Skid plates are included underneath, and both engines have special protective measures against dust and water contamination, rock damage, and driving at steep angles. Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which enables a wide range of vehicle components to change depending on terrain, is also standard on the Range Rover. Terrain Response has five modes: general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl-each with specialized responses for the throttle, transmission, differential, brakes, and suspension. An electronically controlled variable-locking center differential, for increased traction in specific situations, is standard on both models, and a rear-axle differential is standard on the SC and optional on the HSE.The interior includes a handsome gauge cluster, plenty of storage bins, and a new three-zone climate control system with 15-percent better cooling capacity. Heated seats are standard, with cooled and ventilated seats (backrests included) available on the HSE and standard on the SC. Real wood trim is used throughout, and the interior includes triple-layer lamination for the windshield to help reduce noise.The high-performance SC model adds larger 20-inch wheels, along with stronger stopping power from larger Brembo brakes, plus chrome exhaust tips and an adaptive front lighting (AFL) system that helps illuminate into corners on dark roads.Options include a rear-seat entertainment package on both models, and a Luxury package on the HSE, with the heated and cooled seats, upgraded leather surfaces, and AFL.The Westminster Package can be added to supercharged models. This package, which is limited to a run of 500, includes 20-inch alloys, oak interior treatments, special badging and floor mats, four-zone climate control, and a rear entertainment system. This premium option group adds $12,000 to the SC's list price.