$157,000 might seem like a lot of money for an SUV. But compare it to $350,000 or more and can sound like a bargain.
That’s the realm of the ultra-luxury SUV: Pricey and pricier. But do you need to go all the way to ‘pricier’ to get the best features in a luxury SUV? Range Rover says, no, you don’t have to skimp. The Range Rover SE LWB, the entry level model upgraded with a 3rd row of seating, shows why.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
How the Range Rover SE Embodies Ultra-Luxury, and How It Doesn’t
On the face of it, Range Rover is by definition, luxury. The brand’s flagship SUV is expensive, it’s fitted with fine leather upholstery, minimalist design and its demure exterior belies the capability that lies underneath; this thing can crawl the highest mountain trails and scoot across unmapped savannas, if you must.
Our test model, the LWB, was shown with a 3rd row of seating for a total of 7 seats (a $7,100 addition), and carried the upgraded V8 turbo engine ($24,000) that delivers 523 HP, a 128 HP boost over the standard V6 engine.
I spent the week driving it around New York and Connecticut; even though the V6 model delivers plenty of power, the V8 is a spoiler; acceleration is instant and you feel powerful and in control. It’s exactly what it should be.
Read: Land Rover Doubles Down On More Seating With The 2023 Defender 130
Want to Upgrade to a Higher Trim?
Of course, buyers can upgrade to the the 3-row Autobiography model for $172,800; it comes with the V8 turbo engine as standard, premium sound, upgraded leather and a few features that can be added to the SE as options such as head up display and a rear seat entertainment system.
The real advantage of the SE is that you can pick your options, but if you want them all, the Autobiography edition adds a bit more elegance.
The one thing you can’t do is order the very top of the line Range Rover SV, which carry’s the brand’s most powerful V8 that puts out 606 HP, with a 3rd row. It’s not available.
Read: Distinct, Elegant, Modern, Plush: The 2023 Range Rover Sport Evolves
What You Get for $117,200
It starts with a lot of nice engineering and thoughtful push-button controls for just about everything. However, those buttons are neatly tucked away and it might take some looking to find them (or, you can look at our photos; we show where most are).
Then, you get a comfortable open-feeling cabin that surrounds you in lovely leather, even in the entry level SE model. Here’s what else is included:
- 31 paint options, some with an additional charge
- 3 interior options
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- “Easy boot loading,” what Range calls the chassis height adjustment; this is also helpful for driving off-road
- A 13” center touchscreen
- A panoramic sunroof
- The power split tailgate
- Electric side window shades
- Heated 3rd row seats
- 4 full sets of child car seat LATCHes
What you don’t get is the option of center row captains chairs, which is disappointing for those who like them. The center row middle seat does have a fold-down arm rest, so passengers will be comfortable, but there’s no pass-through to the rear seat.
Read: The Land Rover Range Rover Luxury 3-row SUV Is Quiet-ish Luxury
How Comfortable is the 3rd Row?
Anyone who climbs into the 3rd row may want to stay for a while. It’s pretty nice. Both seats are heated (yes!) and there are air vents, cup holders, USB ports and buttons to move the center seats forward or back. The one caveat is that when center row seats are in position it can feel a bit claustrophobic, but otherwise, it’s really comfortable.
I was surprised to find that there are two LATCHes to install two kids car seats in the 3rd row, another nice detail that can make installing a child car seat in the 4rd row a bit easier.
How Do Kids Car Seats Fit in the Range Rover SE LWB?
If you’re a fan of the Kardashians or other pop culture celebrity shows you probably have seen posh families tooling around in a Range Rover. As one of the very few ultra luxury SUVs with a 3rd row, those who need this level of luxury in their lives don’t have a lot of choices. And if they have the kiddos along, they have to have car seats.
The Range Rover SE has 4 full sets of LATCHes in all; two in the 3rd row and two in the center row outboard seats. And, with the center row seats pushed all the way back, I measured 34” between the front seat set for me (I’m 5’8”) and the seat back of the center row seat. That’s plenty of space for a rear facing child car seat, which is great to know. Can you fit three across the center bench? Yes, with the right seats, the middle seat is wide enough and the floor in front of it is flat so it’ll accommodate a passenger, too.
The Range Rover SE LWB’s Liftgate Is One of My favorites
Another really thoughtful thing in the Range Rover SE LWB is the split lift gate. It opens up from the center and the lower portion opens down making the 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space feel much larger (there’s 43 cubic feet with the 3rd row folded down).
This does a couple of things: There’s room to work if you need to say, change a baby’s diaper or put shoes on your littles and don’t want to empty the cargo area to make room. It also allows you to reach in and grab something without taking things out of the cargo area.
It’s also great for containing things that roll around while you’re driving; they won’t roll right out when you open the liftgate.
Maybe the best, though, is this space for tailgating. You can sit with your legs dangling and they won’t rub against a dirty bumper. Isn’t that so thoughtful?
Range Rover also sells a tailgating kit with a backrest and padded seat if you plan to back up to the polo field and watch the match from the boot.
The Only Other 3-Row In The Ultra Luxe Category
When it comes to ultra-luxury SUVs with 3 rows, there are not a lot of choices. The Cadillac Escalade V pushes into the same price territory as the Range Rover SE LWB, but it’s a different animal. The Lincoln Navigator accomplishes many of the same jobs, as does the Infiniti QX80. But neither offer the over-the-top options like custom paint options and interior options that the Range Rover does.
For buyers who want to go really over the top, Bentley will outfit the Bentayga EWB, or extended wheel base, with a 3rd row, though it’s notable that the Bentayga’s starting price is much nigher and the 3rd row is a bespoke option so it may take some time to order and build.
But for families or buyers who want the ultimate in family luxury, the Range Rover is it. Every detail is well thought out, intuitive and easy to use (once you find the control, that is). The minimalist design will make even families with lots of stuff feel a bit less overwhelmed by it all. And Range Rover’s beautiful design inside and out will make you feel as if you’re living a special life. If you’re driving this SUV, by definition, you are!
