Greetings all,

Last week, I traded in a 2009 Ford Expedition Limited on a new 2012 Galway Green, Range Rover supercharged. I have put a whopping 500 miles on it so far with no breakdowns

As a new member to the owners' club, I though I would share my initial impressions. & and ask for some info.

Overall I'm happy with the purchase. This is an impressive vehicle that is let down with by some minor details, which maybe some of the members here could address.

Pros:

• Nearly silent ride (Especially compared to the ford)
• Impressive acceleration (I think it could beat my E class AMG)
• Does not handle like a 6000lb truck
• Interior finish is world class with limited use of plastic (unlike the ford)
• Beautiful and classic styling
• Terrific sound system
• TFT display is well executed
• Won't get lost in the parking lot in a sea of cookie cutter SUVs

Cons:

• Radio & Nav interface poorly designed
  • (no splitscreen? you have to take your eyes off the road to toggle between interfaces, IE nav and radio and the Sirius wont display tack and artist info at the same time?)
  • Fewer bells and whistles compared to the very excellent Ford Sync Radio and Nav interface
• Won't stay in lowered position (I'm sure there is a engineering reason but its a hassle upon exit)
• Lack of standard rear seat entertainment
• No power tailgate (even Chrysler minivans offer this, no excuse for a $100K car)
• No Bluetooth audio (again this is a $100K+ car)

The complaints concern pretty minor and addressable issues, but collectively does detract from an otherwise great vehicle.


My main irritants are centered around the electronics. It seems we are so close to having the ultimate luxury SUV.



Has anyone tried to hack the screen interface to add functionality and/ or enhance & improve usability? Is there a software development kit out there to enable mods? The potential enhancements and improvement possibilities to what is essentially a glass dashboard is mouthwatering.



I understand the TFT and the radio/Nav systems are Jaguar derived. Has there been any attempt to port it to the land rover system?



I'm not looking to bolt on mods. I would hate to detract from the elegant interior by tacking an i Pad to the dash just to recover some of the lost Ford functionality.



I'm glad to be a member of the club & any advice would be appreciated.


Thanks


Richard

 

I completely agree on all your points. I picked up a RRS SC 2011 and was surprised by the lack of certain features.

My wife's Lexus SUV which is less than 1/2 the cost of my car has automatic tailgate open & close, which wasn't even introduced on the RRS until 2012. (And they lack the close ability)

The touchscreen is also poorly done. My prior car was a Lexus is350 and when doing things like changing stations, you would get a small overlay on the nav screen showing what station you are on.

I can't imagine this is hard to include so its mind boggling that RR doesn't include it.

Another small irk is that the iPod cord to charge and access my iPhones play list does not connect with my bumper case on. Its annoying to remove the case every time I want to connect the phone.

Aside from these things, the finish and smoothness of the ride is incredible! I haven't had a chance to take it up to the mountains yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.

 

The Japs have much better Tech toys, They do make a split screen Nav (driver) DVD (passenger) that displays simultaneously, but not here in the US. The rear seat entertainment is good for the kids. But you can go anywhere in your Rangie, try and take your Lexus and you'll have plenty of time to play with those toys.

 

Ford never let LR or Jag use the ford synch system. And I think I know why. LRJAG is a world vehicle. they can not program an entire vehicle for all markets. satellite radio is different for europe and thus they cant give you everything. We forget the ford is designed for America only and that is easy. Its alot harder for the rest of the world. It is really expensive to engineer. Ford has money, lR does not. it is a shame that the other manufacturers in Europe didn't get together for a decent product but unfortunately, no one in Europe really buys all these expensive stuff. You have to pay for everything and I do mean everything. European vehicles are so bare. It sucks