2015 Range Rover Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Land Rover is no longer just about rugged dependability. The stylish, elegantly appointed 2015 Range Rover sits at the top of the SUV pyramid, the reasons for which include superior cabin design and luxurious amenities, quick acceleration and off-road capability, and the latest in high-tech features. There are indeed few competitors in this vehicle class, and the ones that are advertised as practical alternatives have a good list of shortcomings.

Available in both a standard or long-wheelbase variant, the 2015 Range Rover offers buyers plenty of styling options and package trimming. Although the price is rather steep - approximately $110K for the base model - the Range Rover will not disappoint those who are looking for the perfect combination of luxury, style, and performance.

What's New For 2015
A number changes set this model apart from last year's offering. Land Rover introduces its new InControl Apps, featuring complete smartphone integration. The rear sets have a special new addition to the power-folding mechanism. They now operate a temporary forward-slide to the front seats to prevent the folded seats from jamming up. Another new addition is the Driver Assistance Package that includes full 360° parking sensors and lane departure alert. The long-wheelbase version is now available on the HSE trim.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy A New 2015 Land Rover Range Rover - The Pros

1) Great Acceleration With The V8 Engine

Not long ago, all of the heavier, medium- to full-size SUVs accelerated like overweight dinosaurs. This is certainly no longer the case, and the 2015 Range Rover V8 trims have as much giddy up as any of their competitors. The V8-powered trim can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. This is accomplished thanks to the powerful 5.0L supercharged engine, which delivers a total of 510 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

2) Elegant Interior

The interior materials are of the highest quality, with no cheap plastic to be found anywhere. The wonderfully appealing stitched leather is a real eye-opener. The wood trim perfectly complements the upholstery colors. The center stack has a nicely designed 8-inch touchscreen that is very easy to navigate. A total of 72 cubic feet of storage space is available when the rear seats are folded.

3) InControl Apps

This newest innovation from Land Rover is a very user-friendly addition to the already long list of high-tech features. The InControl Apps makes for seamless smartphone integration. The apps allow for customized appearance on the touchscreen and coding transfer for icon appearance, the result being that the icons on the touchscreen look exactly the same as those on the phone. 

4) Power Controls Galore

Even the base trim is loaded with automatic power controls. Power folding mirrors, power liftgate, and power tailgate are all standard equipment. The front seats are 10-way power adjustable, and the driver seats come with memory function. The uplevel HSE has power-closing doors. Of course, there is also a power sunroof on the HSE and other uplevel versions.

5) Available Vision Assist Package

Being able to know exactly what danger lurks in the blind spots is becoming more and more of a selling point. The 2015 Range Rover Vision Assist package comes with adaptive headlights, surround-view camera system, and rear cross-traffic alert. Buyers will love the Driver Assistance package option. This version contains all the features of the Vision Assist package and adds on self-parking and 360° parking sensors.

6) Full-Time 4WD

All 2015 Range Rovers come with full-time 4WD and Terrain Response system. The latter allows drivers to select from five different terrain modes that alter the traction and suspension settings. Eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trims.

7) Finest Audio System Available

The standard 13-speaker Meridian stereo system is top-notch, but buyers can select one of several audio upgrades on the higher trim levels. The Autobiography version contains a 29-speaker system that is unparalleled in the auto world. 

8) Transmission Selector Dial

One of Land Rover's most distinctive trademark features is the selector dial that rises up slowly form the center stack when the vehicle is started. Drivers choose the transmission and terrain mode quickly and efficiently before leaving the driveway.

9) Business Class Twin Rear Seats
Those who spring for the Autobiography version will enjoy the executive-like features in the rear seating area. Included are power-operated leather tray tables and the softest, most elegant twin seats available on any SUV.

10) Intelligent Seat Cargo Mode
Many SUVs do not offer a solution to the problem of snagging when the rear seats are folded down. The 2015 Range Rover includes a feature that automatically slides the front seats so that temporary manual adjustment is unnecessary.

Reasons You May Not Want To Buy A 2015 Land Rover Range Rover - The Cons

1) Bumpy Ride On Uneven Road Surfaces

This might be acceptable for off-road travel, but the unfortunate fact is that the 2015 Range Rover doesn't dampen out very much of the choppiness on rough pavement. Some buyers make this a big priority.

2) Underwhelming Acceleration On The V6 Models

Only the more powerful V8 trims have good acceleration. The smaller V6 offers plenty of staying power, but getting up to speed on the freeway ramp is a bit of a problem.

3) Sluggish, Heavy Steering

The steering is not quick-response, and it takes a bit of muscle to power the car around sharp turns at relatively high speeds. The 2015 Range Rover is not a very nimble SUV.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition

The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a worthy competitor to the 2015 Range Rover. Of important note is the turbocharged engine and diesel option available from Mercedes-Benz. The 2015 Porsche Cayenne has more horsepower and costs far less. However, many consumers favor the Range Rover because of its spacious cabin that is appointed with incredibly high-level materials.

Conclusion

If prepared to spend more than $100K on an SUV, it is supposed that comfort, luxurious amenities, and plenty of power-folding equipment are on the checklist. Although it doesn't handle quite as well as some of the competition and has only average fuel efficiency, the 2015 Range Rover from Land Rover is a really nice piece of hardware. It is rugged, spoils all who ride in it, and is available with a huge assortment of package options.