Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are backed by Emergency Brake Assist, which applies full braking force in a panic stop even if the driver mistakenly relaxes brake pedal pressure, and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which helps reduce stopping distances by balancing braking forces front to rear.

The Range Rover is also equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which helps drivers stay on their intended course by preventing a skid. This electronic stability control system helps maintain vehicle stability at the limits of tire adhesion via a combination of yaw rate sensors, the antilock brake system, and the traction control system. When required, the system applies the brakes at one or more wheels to correct excessive yaw. For example, if the rear tires lose grip in a corner, a situation called oversteer can occur that can ultimately lead to spinning off the road; the system senses this happening and applies the brake on the outside front wheel to rotate the vehicle back onto the desired path. The driver need only steer where he or she wants to go.

The Range Rover's off-road prowess continues to set the standard for the class. It easily slogs up steep, muddy tracks most drivers would never attempt. Even more impressive is its ability to creep down steep, muddy terrain or gravelly tracks that would leave lesser vehicles parked against a tree or teetering on the lip of a cliff, thanks in no small part to Hill Descent Control, a technology Land Rover pioneered that automatically balances engine and brake application to maintain a stable, controllable rate of descent. Its suspension articulation and impressive technology make navigating rugged terrain easy, smooth and comfortable with little of the head toss you get in most off-road vehicles. It's pretty clear that the Range Rover can go anywhere.

Off-roading has become even easier with the simple Terrain Response control with separate settings for general driving on pavement, for grass/gravel/snow, for sand, for mud and ruts, and for rock crawling. The system is so effective that it preloads the differentials to enhance traction based on specific terrain.

The Range Rover boasts the slowest low-range crawl speed in the industry: just 2.4 mph at 1000 rpm, extremely important when traversing truly rugged terrain. The transfer case can be switched between low and high range on the fly, at speeds up to 30 mph, eliminating the need to stop in the middle of a mud bog to change gearing. Additionally, advanced electronics provide for a dual-range throttle with on- and off-road calibrations. That makes for quicker throttle response on the road, while allowing precise throttle adjustments in extreme off-road situations.

Trails can be negotiated with more confidence thanks to an undercarriage protection system that includes a plastic skid shield and Kevlar engine protection. Off-road traction control allows drivers to tread lightly by minimizing wheel spin, and therefore trail damage, while off the beaten path.

Summary

The Range Rover may be the ultimate in style, prestige, luxury, and off-road capability in a sport utility. Upgrades for 2007 keep it in contention for best in class. The Range Rover offers European style and pedigree, which isn't available at Lexus or Infiniti. It offers off-road capability and cargo space that BMW X5 drivers can only dream about. Not even the new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class competes with the Range Rover in on-road luxury or off-road prowess. In short, the 2007 Range Rover enhances its reputation as the standard to which other SUVs aspire. It is a pleasure to drive and it's easy on the eyes. For many, it truly is the SUV world champion.

New Car Test Drive correspondents Larry Edsall and Tom Lankard contributed to this report based on test drives in Northern California

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Land Rover Range Rover HSE ($76,535); Supercharged ($92,035)

Engines:4.4-liter DOHC 32-valve V8; 4.2-liter DOHC 32-valve supercharged V8

Transmissions:6-speed automatic with CommandShift

Safety equipment (standard):front, side and head airbags for driver and front-seat passenger, knee airbag for driver, side and head airbags for rear seat outboard passengers, front seat belt pre-tensioners, child seat tether anchors, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, All-Terrain Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, Terrain Response technology, tire pressure monitoring system, Hill Descent Control, front and rear fog lamps, rear-view video camera

Safety equipment (optional):N/A

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Solihull, England