The Range Rover cuts a distinct profile, instantly recognizable as a Range Rover. Its contours are smooth and taut, with just enough curvature to suggest substance and strength. Compared to less exclusive, but more conspicuously massive SUVs, the Range Rover looks trim, muscular, and athletic, like a formidable middleweight fighter next to a costumed television wrestler.

This newest Range Rover is taller, wider, longer, and higher off the ground than pre-2003 models. It's more than 5 inches longer in wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear tires) and nearly 4 inches wider in track (the distance between the right and left tires). It provides an amazing 11 inches of ground clearance. Though many of its body panels are formed from costly aluminum to keep the weight down, it still weighs nearly 5400 pounds, 400 pounds more than its predecessor.

The front end is strong and horizontal, capped by Range Rover's trademark clamshell hood. High-tech headlamps (with power washers) wrap around at the corners. Punctuating the bumper are two serious-looking round ports and a long, horizontal slot, all feeding air to the engine. Taillights echo the futuristic look of the front.

Viewed from the side, the latest Range Rover features a high beltline and a flat expanse of sleek metal dramatically slashed by Brunel-finish louvers that extract hot air from the back of the engine bay to help cool the engine.

Underneath the skin is a steel monocoque structure with an integrated chassis that increases torsional stiffness by 32 percent over pre-2003 models. Increased body rigidity improves ride and handling and gives the Range Rover the ability to tow, haul and tote just about anything on or off road. It can tow up to 7700 pounds, or cruise at speeds up to 122 mph.