For 2006, the Range Rover receives some underhood modifications: there are two new engines, a naturally-aspirated 4.4-litre V8 and a supercharged 4.2-litre V8. Other changes include a new front bumper design, new headlamps and taillights, new front grille and revised power vents; extra sound-dampening for a quieter ride; two new interior colours unique to the supercharged model; available adaptive front lighting; a tire pressure monitoring system; a rearview camera; and available rear seat entertainment package and satellite radio.

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Land Rover

Trim lines are now the HSE for the 4.4-litre, and Supercharged (S/C) for the 4.2-litre. Both models feature a steel monocoque body with aluminum-alloy front quarter panels, hood and doors, six-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift manual mode, fully active centre differential, and hill descent control.

Features on the HSE include 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-Xenon lights, rain-sensing wipers with heated windshield, front and rear fog lamps, HomeLink garage door opener, keyless entry, power windows, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon Logic7 premium auto system, Bluetooth telephone integration system, DVD-based navigation system, three-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, 12-way driver and 10-way power passenger adjustment with driver memory, leather-wrapped power tilt and telescopic wheel, deep-tinted glass, front and rear park distance control, power folding heated mirrors, 60/40 folding rear seat and integral Class III trailer tow hitch receiver. Surprisingly, even with the 23 hp boost over its predecessor, there is only a $500 increase over 2005.

The S/C model adds mesh-design front grille and power vents, 20-inch alloy wheels, unique badging, premium leather interior, Brembo front brakes and adaptive front lighting.

Brute strength in a tuxedo, the Range Rover is a rarity among high-end SUVs in that it looks equally at home at the country club or tackling sand dunes in the African desert, without a hint of irony at either. For all its luxury, it remains one of the most capable off-road vehicles available. The new engines boost the power even more, and the supercharged model is the most powerful Land Rover ever built.