1. It doesn’t look like a $100K vehicle at first, but it grows on you

My initial glance at the Range Rover after seeing the price tag led me to say, “This is worth 100K? Doesn’t look that special.” … But I hadn’t yet driven it at the time.

After a week, my tune had changed. This uber-plush ride, a favorite of the British Royal Family, provides luxury and comfort in every definition of the word, and lives up to the brand’s lofty name. Attention to detail on the design, and overall performance and feel, make it the most enticing option in a unique category with few competitors (Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz G class, BMW X5) -- the luxury vehicle with rugged, off-road chops.

2. Amazing fuel economy

The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel on the diesel version of the Range Rover, which features 254 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, offers amazing fuel economy; With a tank of nearly 28 gallons, and rates of 22 city/29 highway/25 combined, you could go nearly 700 miles on a single fill-up. Considering how heavy and large this vehicle is, those numbers are astounding. At one point, my fuel needle moved so little after a long drive, I thought it was broken.

Other engine options, if you want to skip the diesel, are a gas V6 with 17/23/19 mpg ratings, and a powerful 550 hp V8 with ratings of 14/19/16. Personally, I would stick with the diesel.

3. Can go off-road, but probably won’t

As per usual, the Range Rover offers supreme capability as an off-roader, best in its class as a matter of fact. But still it’s a very cushy, upscale ride at heart. So the chances of that actually happening are slim (unless you’re a daredevil like Richard Branson with no regard for money or possible damages), and it’s more likely to be used to take your kids to a soccer game.

4. Top-notch tech

The Range Rover’s well-designed tech/infotainment system was easy to use and responsive to touch. It divides features like navigation, audio, etc., into quadrants -- a unique look. And as expected, a full array of safety systems are offered to buyers, including the very helpful heads-up display and adaptive cruise control. For those with families, the optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system (with monitors in the back of both headrests) are easy to use to keep kids occupied in the back seat on long trips.

5. Limited seating

You don’t get the option for a third row in the Range Rover. At best, you can extend the leg room in second row with a longer wheel base. With no third row, you’ll fit fewer people but get lots of storage area for your baggage/gear/etc.; Don’t plan on carrying seven or eight people; Five is the max (and some configurations are for four people).

6. Smooth, powerful ride

When driving the Range Rover, you can tell it is a heavy vehicle, and not exactly nimble when driving on windy roads. But the acceleration on the diesel engine is impressive. The Range Rover will perform well on steep inclines, and tows up to nearly 8,000 pounds.

A few other notes about the drive -- FIrst, it’s extra smooth and very quiet, with little to no road noise to be found. Also, the Range Rover will shut off its engine at stop lights, which saves you fuel but can be jarring at times. Lastly, when you stop the car and take off your seat belt, it shuts off by itself. Shifting is done via a rotary-dial 8-speed automatic transmission.

And lastly, there’s absolutely no negatives I can think of associated with this being a diesel engine. It drove great and didn’t rub me the wrong way in terms of sound, smell or any other senses.

7. Limited audience

While some smaller Land Rover/Range Rover models start closer to $40K, the big dog of the clan, Range Rover, is for the 1 percent (or maybe the top 5 percent, if you’re stretching).

Prices on the 2016 Range Rover HSE Td6 starts just over $93K, and goes up as high as $200K (my test vehicle was $106K); It’s a truly enjoyable and engrossing vehicle that most people who sit in it will love, but won’t have the sales volumes of more affordably priced vehicles.

But if you are lucky enough the be in this small club, and are seeking a powerful, luxurious vehicle with strong fuel economy and off-road prowess, there’s probably no vehicle out there that’s a better fit for you than the 2016 Range Rover HSE Td6.

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