1999 Land Rover Range Rover Price, Suspension & Interior

Makers of luxury sport/utility vehicles have been swarming to the lucrative SUV market like trendy ants on a trayload of spilled brie and biscotti. Yet, the vehicle that virtually created the premium-SUV concept back in 1987 still leads the crowd in terms of sheer unadulterated pampering. And why not? At $66,625, the Range Rover 4.6 HSE carries the highest suggested retail of any regularly distributed SUV in the U.S. (Only the limited-edition Callaway edition of the HSE and limited-access Gelandewagen by Mercedes-Benz carry higher sticker prices.)

Perhaps the most impressive feature in the Range Rover's arm-length list of standards is its wondrous electronically controlled air suspension, which automatically (or manually) raises and lowers the vehicle to accommodate different situations. It can be lowered for easy entry and exit, take a normal stance for everyday driving, or go up extra high for serious off-road use. More than a gimmick, this system is jungle proven.

Inside, the Range Rover treats passengers like British royalty (who, incidentally, have often been seen in their own Range Rovers). Both of its front seats are 10-way electrically adjustable, clad in Connolly leather, and heated. Plus, they're integrated into a two-position memory system that saves settings for the seats, outside mirrors, and instrument panel illumination, all of which are linked into the keyless remote entry system so the vehicle recognizes the driver by his remote handset and adjusts the settings accordingly. The Range Rover's climate control system is the most sophisticated in the class and includes automatic dual-zone temperature settings, micro-pollen filtration system, ice warning, electrically heated windshield, and a one-touch defrost program. This is accompanied by a potent 300-watt Alpine audio system with 12 speakers, six-disc CD changer, and weather-band radio--and perhaps the most advanced security system in the field.