Black beauty: Range Rover could be Batman's SUV

This review first appeared in the July 2024 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California --Built like a tank, with a "Santorini Black" paint job and ebony interior, the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE could be the sport-utility vehicle of Batman's dreams.

And priced at $104,655, it falls into the income bracket of Bruce Wayne.

Alas, it was mine for a week.  And let me tell you, I was the center of attention wherever I went.

Riding on 21-inch alloy wheels and spreading those broad shoulders, the tester was the very picture of intimidating menace. Not that I was minding that, I'll have you know.

When I was closing down on freeway stragglers, they typically darted out my way when they saw me coming.  You don't get that in a Honda Civic.

Given its size and fuel mileage readings of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, I figured the Range Rover would be a lumbering load on the open road.

I figured wrong.

The 3-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine (395 horsepower) produced startling leaps off the line.  And I was able to sprint the tester in and out of tight spots like it was a lightweight sports car.

Very impressive engineering, that.  And perfect fit and finish across the board.

Land Rover touts its luxury chops, and the tested Range Rover was loaded up with a sparkling package.

On the safety side, the beyond-the-norm list included emergency braking aids, roll stability control, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, 3D Surround Camera System and a sophisticated emergency collision system.

Human comfort/convenience perks included a power tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Windsor Leather surfaces and a panoramic sliding roof with power sunblind.

Volunteer passengers raved about roominess and comfort inside the cabin. I darn near had to drag them out of the vehicle.

Little wonder that Land Rover competes strongly with high-recognition luxury automakers.

This latest-generation Land Rover has plenty to boast about in the marketplace.