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Vehicle Highlights

For 2005, Land Rover's flagship stands pat as the company introduces a new premium midsize SUV called the LR3. The current Range Rover was developed by BMW, which sold Land Rover to Ford in 2000. It uses a modified version of the V8 found in BMW's X5 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with separate gate for manual shifting. An antiskid/traction-control system is standard, as is hill descent control designed to limit speed on steep descents in forward or reverse. ABS and height-adjustable air-spring suspension are standard, as are front torso side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. The tailgate is a 2-piece clamshell design. Range Rover comes in HSE and Westminster trim. Westminsters come with exclusive pearlescent black paint and ebony wood interior trim, and include as standard heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, black leather upholstery, and rear cargo net. Westminsters come with 20-inch alloy wheels in place of the HSE's 19s. Added for '05 are a voice-activated navigation system and sound system with wireless cell-phone-link capability. All Range Rovers come with front and rear obstacle detection.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are really super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.