The Range Rover SE LWB Personifies Online Flex Culture

The Ultimate Flex Mobile  

Nothing exudes envy from pores like seeing someone you know post their new shiny Range Rover. Sure, a Porsche or Lamborghini may offer the same effect. But owning a supercar for attention can be a double-edged sword. Buying a Range Rover SE for attention is different because it doesn’t have to shoot flames from the exhaust or brag about its top speed.  

A Range Rover merely needs to exist, like a designer handbag or a VIP ticket to Coachella. It represents a flex of materialism, and Land Rover has built its brand around knowing that people are willing to pay top dollar for attention – especially online.

Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t help but notice a new Range Rover in traffic. They command your attention like brass on a military uniform. Almost as if it was designed from the beginning to harvest clout online.  

How Old is Social Media?  

If you stopped people on the street and asked how old social media is, most would say about 20 years. Depending on whether they grew up chatting on AOL, MSN Messenger, creating a MySpace, poking people on Facebook, or quoting music lyrics on the formerly known Twitter.  

The common answer for the first social media platform is Six Degrees, launched in 1997. However, some historians trace social media’s roots to the early 1970s.  

The first multi-user chat room was invented in 1973 by two students at the University of Illinois. Doug Brown and David Woolley called their prototype Talkomatic, and it ran on the PLATO system (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations), a computer-based educational system that became the first online community. Talkomatic still runs today without needing to download, sign up, or deal with ads.  

The first Range Rover officially debuted in 1970. So, the Range Rover has always been destined to be a flex for social media. Both practically grew up together, and you can see a parallel in their evolution. As the internet has grown more dominant in our society, the Range Rover has gotten bigger, sleeker, and more focused on riding the cutting edge of design.  

Range Rover SE LWB Review  

The model used for this review is a 2025 Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB. Don’t worry, the 2026 model year has no significant changes from 2025. The 2027 model year has no major changes, except for a new SV Ultra trim level with an eco-friendly interior and a new electrostatic surround sound stereo system. Land Rover also added a Westminster Edition with a plug-in hybrid P460e powertrain rated at 454 horsepower.  

Moreover, the vehicle featured in this review had 10,000 miles on the odometer. That meant I could review this luxury SUV while also seeing how well it aged after a year of being put to work as a press loaner.  

Spec’d Out to Impress

This Range Rover SE is the long wheelbase variant with three rows of seating. It also came well optioned in Ostuni Pearl White ($1,950) with the optional black roof ($1,000), the Shadow Exterior Pack ($1,000), and Pixel LED headlights with signature DRL ($600). Not to mention the 22-inch Diamond Turned Satin Dark Grey wheels ($2,160).  

The interior decor on this Range Rover SE includes Perlino perforated Semi-Aniline leather seats ($1,850), a Duo Tone Ebony/Perlino headlining, and Natural Ecru Walnut veneers ($650). Interior options shown included the Comfort Pack ($2,530).

This package offers “twin-blade” sunvisors, so you get two visors to block the sun, with illuminated vanity mirrors of course. It also includes electric sliding window sunblinds for the second-row windows, four-zone climate controls, and a cabin air purification system to reduce odors, bacteria, and allergens coming in from the outside. It also includes a center console refrigerator compartment, which is sadly not big enough to store a bottle of champagne.

All this translates into an MSRP well over $120,000.  

2026 Range Rover Exterior Styling is Peak Contemporary

If you’re going to pay a hefty sum for a luxury SUV, you’d expect it to look as grand as the price tag. The Range Rover SE exterior styling is as contemporary as it gets. This is a vehicle that will look modern in ten years (unless cars start to fly).

The wraparound front end pulls back the slim LED headlights and continues across the SUV’s profile before tucking neatly into the liftgate with the precision of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. The ultra-slim rear taillights are my favorite detail. On the street, everyone turned to look at this SUV.

Don’t buy a Range Rover if you want to remain inconspicuous.  

One standout feature on this SUV is the third-row seats. When folded down, they are virtually invisible as they hide into the floor, creating a flat cargo space. However, I did notice that the all-weather cargo mat, while useful, creates a storage issue when the third-row seats are folded up. The mat is too big and isn’t designed to fold neatly under the new dimensions, so you might have to leave it behind.  

It Floats Over the Road, Even When the Road Runs Out  

Stellar styling aside, what really impressed me about the Range Rover SE is its buttery-smooth ride quality. Those who ask why anyone would pay this much for an SUV haven’t experienced the tranquility of a Land Rover Range Rover adaptive air suspension. You’d think you were gliding over the road. Even with low-profile tires, ruts and potholes weren’t enough to disturb the coffee in the cup holder.  

Driving it on dirt trails was the same story. The suspension does its job, snuffing out unpleasant vibrations before they reach the seats. Moreover, the steering and turning radius are among the best I’ve ever tested in a full-size SUV. The liquid-velvet steering will have you excited about making a three-point turn, while the surprisingly small turning radius ensures you’ll rarely have to make one.  

This Range Rover SE came with the standard (P400) 3.0L turbocharged inline six producing 395 horsepower with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to its signature four-wheel drive system.  

Those with deeper pockets can opt for the (P530) twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8, making 523 hp. But you’ll find that the standard powertrain delivers a satisfying amount of thrust when you put your foot down in the passing lane.  

The Range Rover SE doesn’t accelerate. It advances with the swiftness of a samurai drawing his sword. Propelling you forward without drama, so as not to disturb your passengers.  

How Has the Range Rover Aged After 10,000 Miles  

Far better than I anticipated. Considering press loan vehicles undergo a torturous life being handled by dozens of people across multiple states with varying lifestyles.

The white leather upholstery looked fantastic. No staining or signs of wear. No glitches on the center screen. No visual wear and tear anywhere in the interior. The only hiccup was the power seats.  

I noticed the switch for moving the second-row seat on the right passenger side wasn’t working. A little research on Land Rover forums confirmed I wasn’t the only one.  

Pay to Play  

It’s no secret that Range Rovers are pricey. That’s part of their appeal. Premium, high-class personal transportation. The kind of car that’ll make you feel like you arrived without leaving the driveway. A reputation this SUV has carried for over 50 years.  

There’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things. The Range Rover SE proves you can have nice things, as long as you pay for them.  

So, if you have the means, go for it!