The Land Rover Range Rover III, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represented a significant evolution of the iconic luxury SUV. Produced from 2005 to 2009, the 4.2 V8 Supercharged AWD Automatic variant occupied the high-performance tier of the Range Rover III lineup. This model aimed to deliver a blend of opulent comfort, formidable off-road capability, and exhilarating on-road performance, cementing the Range Rover’s position as a status symbol and a technically advanced vehicle. It was built on the 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with other premium Land Rover and Jaguar models of the era.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Range Rover |
| Generation | Range Rover III (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.2 V8 Supercharged (396 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 22.4 l/100 km (10.5 US mpg, 12.6 UK mpg, 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg, 23.2 UK mpg, 8.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg, 17.7 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 376 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 147.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 208.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 396 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 94.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 560 Nm @ 3500 rpm (413.03 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 428PS |
| Engine displacement | 4197 cm3 (256.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.3 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2687 kg (5923.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3100 kg (6834.33 lbs.) |
| Max load | 413 kg (910.51 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 994 l (35.1 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2099 l (74.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 104.5 l (27.61 US gal | 22.99 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4972 mm (195.75 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2034 mm (80.08 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2216 mm (87.24 in.) |
| Height | 1837-1877 mm (72.32 – 73.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2880 mm (113.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1629 mm (64.13 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1625 mm (63.98 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 225-275 mm (8.86 – 10.83 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 29-34° |
| Departure angle | 24.2-26.6° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 25-30° |
| Wading depth | 700 mm (27.56 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 360×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 354×20 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/50 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Range Rover variant is the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, internally designated as the 428PS. This engine is a naturally aspirated, all-aluminum alloy V8 featuring a Roots-type supercharger and an intercooler. The supercharger, driven by a multi-rib belt, provides forced induction, significantly boosting power and torque output. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The engine’s 9.1:1 compression ratio strikes a balance between power and reliability. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, was specifically calibrated to handle the engine’s substantial torque. This transmission featured a torque converter and offered a manual shift mode for greater driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.2 V8 Supercharged powertrain delivered a markedly different driving experience compared to the naturally aspirated or diesel-powered Range Rovers. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 7.1-7.5 seconds, a respectable figure for a large, heavy SUV. The supercharger provided immediate throttle response and a broad torque curve, making overtaking effortless. While the automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, it wasn’t as quick or engaging as some contemporary transmissions. The air suspension provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. However, the added weight of the supercharged engine and transmission did slightly impact handling agility compared to lighter Range Rover models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 4.2 V8 Supercharged typically came standard with a high level of equipment. Interior features included leather upholstery, wood veneer trim, heated front and rear seats, a premium audio system, and automatic climate control. Standard exterior features included alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather packages, rear-seat entertainment systems, and adaptive cruise control. This trim level was positioned at the top of the Range Rover III lineup, offering the highest levels of luxury and performance.
Chassis & Braking
The Range Rover III featured a robust chassis designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. The suspension system utilized an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a double wishbone configuration at the rear, both incorporating adjustable air springs. This allowed for variable ride height and damping, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The front brakes measured 360x30mm, while the rear brakes were 354x20mm. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 4.2 V8 Supercharged Range Rover was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, its fuel economy was a common criticism, with combined fuel consumption averaging around 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg). Compared to the naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, the supercharged version offered significantly more performance but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and complexity. The diesel-powered TD6 models offered better fuel economy but lacked the supercharged engine’s exhilarating acceleration.
Legacy
The 4.2 V8 Supercharged engine, while powerful, has proven to be relatively reliable, although preventative maintenance is crucial. Common issues include timing chain wear and potential oil leaks. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission is generally robust but requires regular fluid changes. In the used car market, these Range Rovers hold their value reasonably well, particularly well-maintained examples. They appeal to buyers seeking a luxurious and capable SUV with a powerful engine and a distinctive presence. The 2005-2009 facelifted Range Rover III, with its 4.2 V8 Supercharged engine, remains a desirable vehicle for enthusiasts and those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and off-road capability.
