Before giving my impressions of the new Range Rover, a quick history lesson seems appropriate: Land Rover was first introduced back in 1947. My earliest memories came from black-and-white movies with Land Rover as the vehicle of choice for African safari, vast desert and deep jungle-type movies. No doubt you’ve seen the same movies where the tire is mounted on top of the hood and the vehicle is fleeing from a charging rhino.

In 1970, Land Rover debuted the Range Rover, but didn’t cross the big pond with it until 1987, when it was made available in the United States. In 1994, BMW bought the Rover Group from British Aerospace and began designing a new world-class Range Rover; most of those efforts are displayed in the vehicle we have today.

But after continued financial losses, BMW sold the company to Ford in 2000 and it became part of Ford’s Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover division. Ford chose to continue the development of the BMW-based Ranger Rover instead of scrapping the design to create its own. What you have is a vehicle that’s more BMW than you would expect, with 41% German and 54% British content, as it rolls off the final assembly plant in Solihull, England.

Turning the key, which is located on the center console, starts the 4.4-liter, 305-hp, V8 engine. For 2006, Range Rover has abandoned the former BMW engines, replacing it with a new Jaguar powerplant. And, despite the Rover’s aluminum hood, doors and fenders, this heavyweight tips the scales at a portly 5,650 lbs, yet it seems to have ample power.

Still not enough power for you? There’s an all-new “fastest ever” 4.2-liter 400-hp Jaguar supercharged Ranger Rover that starts at $90,000 for ‘06. Both models get a new six-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous five-speed.

While I averaged around 13 mpg during my week of testing, I suspect those who can afford the nearly $75,000 cost of admission won’t be that concerned about mileage or the current $3.49 per gallon price tag for required premium fuel.

The Range Rover was completely redesigned for 2003 -- only the third time since 1970 – but amazingly kept its easily identifiable looks. Changes for 2006 are minimal with a new interior package offered that includes unique details, such as the multifaceted front grille and matching power vents, clear tail lamp lens, Brembo front brakes and 20-inch wheels and tires.

The Westminster limited-edition model has been discontinued. The previously used Torsen transfer case mechanical differential four-wheel drive system now utilizes an electronic clutch system. The Rover is also equipped with Ford’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which helps prevents skids.

The handsome exterior retains its pedigree boxy look, but masterfully adds elegant touches with contours that are smooth and pulled tight to the massive 20-inch wheels and 255/55HR tires, suggesting a muscular, athletic look. It’s more than five inches longer, four inches wider in track and has an amazing 11 inches of ground clearance elevated by the standard air suspension feature.

The front end features a wide horizontal two-bar grille with huge multi-element bi-xenon headlamps behind clear bezels that reminded me of a bubbling aquarium. The same look carries over to the tail lamps. Rover also retains its split tailgate. Dual vertical Brunel-finish “power vents” adorn front fenders and help to reducee engine heat.

Inside, occupants are treated to one of the most luxurious cabins in any vehicle with sumptuous leather seating and genuine walnut trim. Land Rover calls the look “yacht-like.” Our Zambezi silver exterior was accented by the striking parchment-colored seating with navy piping, carpeting, dash and door trim. Quality materials and craftsmanship are evident throughout.

As expected, there’s a deep list of standard comfort and convenience features; options are limited, but include a rear seat entertainment system ($2,500) with monitors placed on the back of front-seat headrests, Sirus satellite radio ($400), heated accessory package ($1,300) and luxury interior package ($5,000).

The instruments are easy to use, especially the tri-zone climate control system. A GPS navigation system is standard, but not particularly driver-friendly. The screen also houses the stereo controls, which are the most counter-intuitive I have ever experienced in any vehicle. I simply gave up trying to adjust the audio system.

While I’m complaining, one other major annoyance is the heated front windshield. It’s unlikely to get much use in our climate, but to heat the windshield, Rover uses fine, thread-like wires embedded vertically in the windshield. There are literally hundreds of these wires used and they reflect sunlight with thousands of sparkling stars across the entire windshield. I found it extremely distracting. Hopefully Rover will change its technology here.

There’s plenty of room up front with more head and legroom than earlier models. The big seats are extremely comfortable and supportive with plenty of power adjustment to fit any driver. The 60/40 rear seat features split-powered backrests and folds easily for additional cargo. But space is at a premium with a mere 63 feet of cargo room. While the Range Rover has incredible off-road capabilities, I doubt few will make the climb to Crown King or traverse the boulder and mountain trails of Arizona. Given the price, it’s more likely to be spotted country-clubbing or Scottsdale shopping. Not a problem; in fact, most of the improvements to the new Rover have been made to refine the driving and ride with a suspension that allows for a more comfortable, luxury car-like ride, if preferred.

The Range Rover is clearly alone at the top of the SUV food chain. I’m sure I’ll hear from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class crowd or the Hummer H2, Lexus LX 470 and Toyota Land Cruiser following that comment. But The G-Class and Hummer are crude by comparison; the Land Cruiser and Lexus are both dated and don’t even come close to the luxury pampering and complete capabilities of the Range Rover. For simply the best and most desirable luxury SUV available, nothing else compares to the Range Rover.

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