BE not deceived. Most humans like nice, luxury goods. However, due to financial constraints, we often suppress our desire for them. After that, we weigh every possible argument to justify our position. This car is one such luxury.
This is most likely not in your budget and will never be. If you can afford the exorbitant price, you will receive a car equipped with every detail to ensure your comfort on the road.
I think it would be best if we addressed this head-on. No one readingthis article has any intention of ever purchasing a Range Rover First Edition. If I had known its price beforehand, I would have been more hesitant to drive it. It is quite pricey.
By now, you are probably thinking, "Surely it can't cost that much,". In South Africa, where I had the opportunity to drive one thanks to my rich cousins, the base model of the Range Rover First Edition will set you back a hefty R3,53 million (US$195 190).
All you want and need is there!
As a result, no one is taking advantage of you. Getting your hands on it might be a struggle. The unexpectedly large vehicle has 23-inch wheels, a rather subdued but attractive appearance, and an otherwise smooth exterior that does not seem fit for the price of a real (pre-owned) supercar.
Lots of planning went into the design, but the interior of the First Edition is where Land Rover shines.
It comes with running boards. Remarkably, this vehicle hovers above the ground. It automatically lowers the suspension to let you in, which is a marvel. The door opens to reveal an autonomously retractable running board that spans the whole length of the vehicle, naturally between the tyres. Once you start it up and close the doors, it will return to its hiding spot.
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Drivers get the impression that they received their money's worth from Land Rover thanks to this and many more little touches. You need to spend some time inside to understand the company's achievements.
The entryway lights do a decent job of keeping you from tripping in the dark.
An exquisite companion
As soon as you step inside the cabin, you will feel as snug as a bug on a rug. It is not a five-point harness bucket seat. There is no way you are going to be moving that quickly. It is more like the kind of chair one would buy to sit for an extended period, perhaps to watch Netflix.
You can easily adjust the seat, and the headrest is quite plush. You are solely responsible if anything causes you discomfort. This is an exquisite road companion.
The driver and passenger front seat areas are plush. Beverage is likely a hazardous choice; however, there is a refrigerated container for soda and other soft drinks. The shifter, located on an island, sits between two areas that can accommodate your debris. You can conceal its contents from the public by lowering subtle panels over them.
As one would expect, it comes with USB ports and supports wireless charging.
The Range Rover First Edition features an optional sliding panoramic roof. Would you want some real sunshine on your pale skin? Just reach up and touch a ceiling-mounted switch. To let some natural light and air into the interior, you can either remove the cover or the entire panel.
Infortainment
In addition to Range Rover's heads-up display projected onto the windscreen, the driver also gets one of the nicest digital clock displays we have seen in a vehicle.
At its heart is a 13.1-inch touchscreen interface that runs Land Rover's operating system. You have the option to switch between Android Auto and Apple Carplay if you would like. However, those in the back end up receiving more than they expected.
An 11.4-inch touchscreen is standard in both back seats. If you are still unclear about the purpose of those displays, each rear passenger door comes with a pair of over-ear headphones.
You may hook up your gadgets to these displays (via Bluetooth), charge them (through USB), and pass the time while the driver whisks you away to your home, complete with a helicopter landing pad.
Road machine
It is only natural that a Range Rover costing R3,53 million would behave like a fluffy fantasy while driving. It is really easy to lose track of time when driving.
Even though it is big, the Range Rover First Edition has a surprisingly intuitive interface. Thanks to its camera and sensor integration, we were able to fit it into tight places where we had our doubts.
It is also remarkably agile. Something of this size tends to be top-heavy and swerves around curves instead of neatly navigating them. Here, it is not the situation. When it comes to handling, the First Edition is more like a car that weighs about 3,2 tonnes.
Surprisingly, it is also cheap. Impressively, a 3.0-litre petrol engine will use 11 litres per 100 km.
It is almost fast too. We were not paying attention to the timing, but according to Land Rover, it will reach 100km/h in around 6.1 seconds.
Additionally, it is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 234 kilometres per hour. You do not need dynamic mode, even for a quick takeoff. Being behind the wheel of the First Edition is incredibly easy, so there is no need to rush.
You likely have a full schedule, so that probably changes if you can afford to get one. We wish we had that amount of money, but we will never have it. Driving is a delight, especially when automatic features like lights and wipers take care of everything, making getting home as simple as flexing your ankle and twitching your forearm.
My decision
For the majority of Zimbabweans, a Range Rover First Edition is an astronomically priced vehicle. To purchase one, you will need to possess a significant understanding of the stock market, potentially have ties to the all-powerful super-wealthy, or have access to lucrative tenders.
If possible, you will not regret driving one. Why not go all out and pack in every single one of Land Rover's optional upgrades if you are able to pay the R3,53 million price tag?
In Zimbabwe, the price would probably double with duties and taxes.
Surely, they cannot charge that much more?
Specifications
0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds.
Camshaft: Variable double overhead cam
Fuel combined (L/100km): 11.8
Fuel Type: premium unleaded petrol
Induction: Turbo V8
Power: 390kW power RPM@5500
Size (L): 4.4L
Suspension front and rear: electronic air suspension
Tank Size (L): 80
Torque: 750Nm torque RPM@1800
Top Speed: 234km/h
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Valves/ports per cylinder: 32
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.
