1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Trucks

2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review

From Colin Hefferon, for About.com

4 of 5

On the Road in the Range Rover HSE

2006 Range Rover HSE

(c) Colin Hefferon
A naturally aspirated 4.4L Jaguar V-8 as well as a supercharged Jaguar 4.2L V-8 are available. The 4.4L, which I tested, puts out 305 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. These are pretty significant numbers but I still feel they must be understated. This thing is a rocketship. The six-speed auto clearly has a lot to do with this extraordinary responsiveness. The gearing feels close to perfect. Step on the gas at almost any speed and you’re pushed back into your seat.

I tested the natural aspirated engine and it was plenty fast. The blown version, which I regrettably didn’t get a chance to drive, must be a monster - a very expensive monster, by the way. A friend whose enormously wealthy father recently ordered a supercharged version explained it this way: If you’ve already popped for 70 or 80 grand, you might as well go the extra ten so you don’t look cheap. Offhand, I can’t think of any situation where anyone opting for even the basic HSE will look cheap.

Once you’ve spent a few days with this beautiful brute, your worldview begins to change. It has extraordinary presence. Driving it makes you feel special. Few automobiles impart this kind of feeling.

I don't want to neglect mentioning the parking assist camera. It makes parallel parking a snap.

Index: 2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review

  1. Introduction to the Range Rover HSE
  2. First Glance at the Range Rover HSE
  3. In the Drivers Seat of the Range Rover HSE
  4. On the Road in the Range Rover HSE
  5. Journeys End

4 of 5

Explore Trucks

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Autos
  3. Trucks
  4. Research Pickup Trucks
  5. SUV Makes and Models
  6. 2006 SUVs
  7. 2006 Land Rovers
  8. 2006 Range Rover HSE Test Drive and Review - Range Rover SUV

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.