For decades there has been one brand satisfying the desires of those who want luxury and adventure melded into one vehicle: Land Rover. The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB continues that legacy.
At 17.25 feet in length, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Rover SE LWB’s profile was just about as elongated as its name
Okay, so let’s say you’re the adventurous type who loves going way off into the back country, to do whatever it is people like you do back there. Now, let’s also say, you’re an exceptionally fastidious individual, who believes you deserve the best of the best. You want all the luxury you can get, but you also want a ride that will get you and your family all the way into the back country — and more importantly — back again.
To meet those requirements, you have but one real choice—the Land Rover Range Rover. Sure, every other luxury marque out there has something similar these days. However, while the Range Rover is often imitated, it has yet to be convincingly duplicated.
So, here’s a look at the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB 7 Seat with which I spent a week (BTW, LWB = long wheelbase). And yes, at 17.25 feet in length, the Rover’s profile was just about as elongated as its name.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
“My” LWB Range Rover was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 6-cylinder. The engine is said to be good for 395 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque at 2,000. While doubling up on supplemental aspiration might sound like overkill, there is some credence to Land Rover’s logic.
Powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline 6-cylinder, it puts out 395 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque
The electrically powered supercharger fills the gap the turbocharger leaves in performance at the low end. In other words, the supercharger gets the party started, giving the turbo (which is always late, being the diva that it is) time to pull up and set things all the way off.
The system operates seamlessly, giving the inline six the performance characteristics of a larger displacement engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission conducts output to all four wheels through a twin-speed transfer box.
According to the folks at the EPA, whose job it is to come with these numbers, you can expect to see somewhere around 18 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway and 20 combined. These estimates turned out to be pretty accurate, as I saw a consistent 20 mpg overall. Quoted towing capacity was 8,200 pounds.
Interior Accommodations
As plush as it is capable, the Land Rover Range Rover offers one of the finest interior treatments extant. In true British style, sumptuous leathers and woods graced the cabin. In a nod to modern times, Land Rover is now offering the Range Rover with sustainable interior materials options too. You can specify a leather-free environment, which brings along wool and other recyclable textiles.
The Range Rover SE LWB I drove could be configured to seat up to seven passengers. While this sounds good in theory, that third row — even with the extended wheelbase — was primarily suited to children. Standing 6’1”, I sat back there — because that’s part of my job — and it wasn’t an easy thing for me to do.
In true British style, sumptuous leathers and woods graced the cabin.
As you might imagine, cargo capacity with the second and third rows stowed away was cavernous at 92.7 cubic feet. However, that number dropped to 8.7 cubic feet with the third row deployed. Folding it away, while keeping the second row in place netted 43.1 cubic feet.
The good news is the LWB Range Rover’s roof is capable of supporting 220 pounds of cargo. A split opening rear tailgate made loading things easier, as well as provided a useful place to sit when required. The Range Rover will also lower itself to make loading cargo easier.
Comfort, Convenience & Tech Features
A “floating” 13.1-inch infotainment display was the focal point of my Rover’s center console. Aside from that, the Range Rover’s center stack was button free. Tastefully elegant, the minimalist look was a welcomed sight. The touchscreen monitor provided an interface for all of the Rover’s comfort and convenience features, as well as its off-road terrain controls. Many of those features could also be activated by voice.
Wireless CarPlay and Android compatibility were standard, as well as Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant. Additional standard features included a nav system, wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM satellite radio. My Range Rover also had the Meridian 3D Surround Sound System, with noise canceling — as if the Rover would ever deign to be intrusively noisy.
Driving Impressions
The touchscreen monitor provided an interface for all of the Rover’s comfort and convenience features, as well as its off-road terrain controls.
Conducting itself with aplomb, grace and sophistication, regardless of the circumstances, the refined Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB 7 Seat was the epitome of smoothness in operation.
Possessing more than sufficient power, acceleration was good, and its handling remarkably adroit — particularly when you consider we’re talking about a 17-foot-long SUV, measuring six feet in height and weighing 5,600 pounds. This agility is owed, in part, to the Range Rover’s four-wheel steering system.
Zero to 60 runs took just under six seconds and the 7 Seat Range Rover had no problem merging with fast freeway traffic. Ever dignified, the Rover’s exhaust note was subdued, while the sounds from the engine compartment in front of me assured me the powerplant was more than up to the task.
Steering could have provided a bit more road feel, but handling was good, and ride quality was commensurate with what one would expect from a luxury SUV with a six-figure price tag. Gratitude for this latter trait goes to the Rover’s electronic air suspension system with adaptive dynamics.
In Summary
Possessing more than sufficient power, acceleration was good, and its handling remarkably adroit.
Many have tried, but none have succeeded at dethroning the Land Rover Range Rover from its spot at the pinnacle of luxury SUV offerings. The long wheelbase version I tested proved equally capable to the abilities of its shorter siblings in every setting while providing seating capacity for a well-heeled family of six.
Yes, I know the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB 7 Seat will accommodate a septet. But do you really want to hear the youngest kids complaining about their siblings “touching” them all the way to the glampground? Trust me, you do not.
It’s best to keep them apart for the sanctity of everyone in the Rover. That reminds me, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system is offered as an option to keep your progeny anesthetized on long drives. I recommend it highly.
Pricing starts at $113,400. Price as tested for the example I drove was $118,610.
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