Although Her Royal Majesty is no longer with us, her endless love for vehicles will live on forever.
As a Range Rover connoisseur, Queen Elizabeth II owned an array of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in her life, including a 1953 Land Rover Series I as well as a 2002 Defender.
As the Jaguar Land Rover brand was the royal family's predominant means of transportation, the British brand is no secret to American consumers either.
In Grasso’s Garage this week, it’s the 2022 Range Rover P530 First Edition. Our tester offered a short-wheel base, seating for five, all-wheel drive and an unbelievable exterior appearance. In March 2020, we tested the Sport HST, which really was a showstopper. But with the First Edition now in the Range Rover fleet, this dream of a SUV is appealing, comfortable and elegant, to say the least.
A 4.4-liter turbocharged eight-cylinder engine produced 553 pound-feet of torque and 523 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This couch-like ride was tremendous and smooth. While still offering that unfathomable appearance that many onlookers come to dream about, our tester came wrapped in Sunset Gold with a satin finish. Adding almost $7,500 extra to the price tag, the elegance was noticed by onlookers near and far. The black contrast roof, shadow exterior package and 23-inch wheels in Gloss Black definitely added to the ride, appearance and overall stance of the First Edition.
Finding negatives in such a standout vehicle is always tough, but one that jumped out on our test vehicle was the weight. Coming at over 7,300 pounds, the First Edition is a heavy vehicle. Although great for sticking to the road and creating a smooth ride for passengers, the vehicle seemed top heavy.
Our enjoyment for Range Rover is deep and for good reason. They really build an excellent looking automobile, but for the average consumer the brand is always the first thing you think of when you hit the lottery.
Range Rover P530 SV First Edition
MSRP: $158,200
MPG: 16 city / 21 highway / 18.4 as tested
As Tested: $169,900
