He’s right, of course.
GoodCarBadCar won’t deny the appeal of a basic Range Rover. But these days, a basic Range Rover goes by a different name: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which is itself a Good 12 winner in the $25K-$30K bracket. At the high end, the still off-roadable L405 Range Rover is a real competitor for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and maybe even the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
Like Baruth said at TTAC, the current Range Rover isn’t what it used to be and isn’t what it should be. That doesn’t mean the fourth-generation Range Rover isn’t spectacular. It’s exceedingly powerful, particularly beautiful inside and out, full of Bridge of Weir leather that you won’t find in lesser SUVs, equipped with a stereo that will have Jesse Cook’s guitar giving you goosebumps the size of an Evoque, and roomy enough to make you consider hiring a chauffeur.
The new Rangie isn’t the best Range Rover of all time, but it’s almost certainly one of the best new vehicles you can buy today.
Viable Alternatives: At the high-end, the Mercedes-Benz G550, and at the low(er) end, the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Dodge Ram – BMW 328i
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Chevrolet Suburban –
Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon – Porsche Boxster S –
Porsche Cayenne S – Land Rover Range Rover