It handled a 200-mile trek on narrow, winding roads in Scotland with the poise of a sheep dog, dodging and darting with the utmost steadiness. In sharp contrast to the previous Range Rover, the new one exhibits relatively little body roll, or lean, in corners.

This is the result of a highly refined air suspension system. Cross-link valves automatically allow softer spring and wheel rates for enhanced comfort. They also permit the driver to lower the ride height making it easier for passengers to get in an out. A new Access setting can be pre-selected so the body can be the correct height as it rolls to a stop, allowing it to lower more quickly for passengers too impatient to wait.

BMW's smooth and powerful 4.4-liter V8 delivers far greater power than the old 4.6 Rover engine. Output has been raised from the previous Range Rover's 220 horsepower to 282 horsepower at 5400 rpm in the new version. Torque is up 10 percent to 325 pounds-feet at 3600 rpm.

This gives the new Range Rover much quicker performance, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds (as opposed to previous Range Rover's 10.8 seconds), with a top speed of 130 mph. Emissions have been reduced and fuel efficiency has been improved slightly to an EPA-estimated 12/17 mpg, City/Highway.

The V8 is mated to a new five-speed automatic transmission developed by BMW and adapted for Land Rover and Ford. The transmission features CommandShift, one of the newest manual/automatic hybrids now coming to the luxury market. The news here is that CommandShift in the Range Rover can operate in both high and low gear ratios for use on and off road.

While it's clear that the greatest difference with the new model is its on-road handling, its off-road prowess has been significantly upgraded as well, which we discovered on some of Scotland's rugged off-road tracks.

Increased ground clearance (11 inches) and an improved angle of approach (35 degrees) along with the stiffer chassis made negotiating Scotland's muddy, rutted backcountry a breeze. The new Range Rover boasts the slowest low-range crawl speed in the industry: just 2.4 mph at 1000 rpm, good for traversing the world's worst terrain. Its gearing is the lowest in its class.

An unusual feature is that the transmission can be switched between low and high range on the fly, at speeds up to 30 mph from low to high range, eliminating the need to stop in the middle of a mud bog to change gearing. Additionally, advanced electronics provide for a dual-range throttle with on- and off-road calibrations. That makes for quicker throttle response on the road, while allowing precise throttle adjustments in extreme off-road situations.

Blazing trails can be done with more confidence thanks to an undercarriage protection system including a plastic shield and Kevlar engine protection layer. A traction control system allows drivers to tread lightly by minimizing wheel spin, and therefore trail damage, off the beaten path.

The new Range Rover is capable of towing a two-horse trailer or a large powerboat. While many of the body panels are constructed of lightweight aluminum, this monolith weighs more than 5,300 pounds, 500 pounds heavier than the previous version.

Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are backed by electronic Brake Assist, which applies full braking force in a panic stop even if the driver mistakenly relaxes brake pedal pressure, and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which helps reduce stopping distances by balancing braking forces front to rear.

The Range Rover is also equipped with Ford's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which helps drivers stay on their intended course by preventing a skid. This system helps maintain vehicle stability at the limits of tire adhesion via a combination of yaw rate sensors, the antilock brake system, and the traction control system. When required, the system applies the brakes at one or more wheels to correct excessive yaw. For example, if the vehicle's yaw rate exceeds the driver's intentions, a situation called oversteer or 'fishtailing,' brake force on the outside front wheel helps keep the vehicle on the desired path.