Image via Complex Original
Back in his pioneering days, Jay-Z was exposing imaginary players to life's great luxuries. His whip of choice? A Range Rover 4.6 HSE. For '97-era Mr. Carter, the higher price point between the sporty 4.6 HSE and the more pedestrian 4.0 SE—for comparison sake, the 4.6 hit 0-60 in 8.5 seconds to the 4.0's 10.5—was the main rationale for purchase.
This money-driven mentality gave reason for the rapper to stray to other brands—a mistake, for sure—including the now defunct Maybach. Desire to ball, clearly, clouded best judgement in car choice.
Now happily married and with child, we believe Jigga should revisit Britain's iconic SUV and rediscover the essential qualities that make the car, and brand, the perfect match for the Carter family.
LIKE COMPLEX RIDES ON FACEBOOK
1. Design Integrity
The 2013 Range Rover is the forth generation of Britain's iconic SUV, introduced to the American market in 1987 with new models debuted in 1995 and 2003. The cabin architecture, even with a dramatic new aesthetic, follows on simple philosophies. Above all else, the Range Rover is about providing a commanding driving position. The design achieves this with functional details—floating roof, low waistline, clamshell hood, two-piece tailgate—which have given each subsequent generation a unique new look with a distinct connection to the brand's great legacy.
Point being, sticking with classics works.
2. A Banging System
Music is important. Range Rover provides an all-new Meridian system with over 20 speakers. Yes, over 20 speakers. Surround sound for school runs and off-road adventures standard. The top line Signature Reference system rocks 29 speakers, including a subwoofer, and 1,700 watts.
With that, reviewing new tracks doesn't even require a studio visit.
3. Unmatched Luxury
The 2013 Range Rover has few rivals. Logic would have one seeking out similar SUVs. Don't. Think Bentley, think Rolls-Royce. The Range Rover allows for 37 exterior paint options, 17 interior color schemes, 3 different wood veneers, and even a full-size panoramic roof. All that is just for starters. There is potential to match up with any and all personally luxury whims.
Fitting for CEOs, NBA team owners, and world famous rappers.
4. Innovative Materials
The 2013 Range Rover is the first SUV in the world with an all-aluminum unibody structure. What does this mean? One, simple "FIRST!" rights (important to Jay-Z's pioneering status). Two, incredibly impressive weight savings that reduced CO2 emissions and increase fuel economy. Major wins.
5. Sustainability
Once upon a time, you could brag about how much money you spent with a free environmental conscious. No more. Not in a world where celebs drive Priuses. Fear not, Jigga, the 2013 Range Rover isn't the type of SUV that will make Leonard DiCaprio turn his nose up at you. In fact, up to 75% of the aluminum is recycled, and a healthy amount of the plastic employed is too.
6. Go Anywhere Mentality
The 2013 Range Rover is capable of driving through three feet of water. Let that soak in. Three feet of water. It can also tackle snow, dirt, dust, rocks, and school playgrounds without a blink of even an amateur driver's eye. The new design of the SUV isn't just an elegant articulation of the Range Rover DNA, it also helps increase off-road potential. Think back to three feet of water—the Range Rover's old vents have been moved up and hidden in a unique under hood intake to ensure that nothing leaks in below the waistline.
Driver confidence is made possible by the innovative Terrain Response 2 system. This includes five settings—General; Grass/Gravel/Snow; Mud/Ruts; Sand; and Rock Crawl—each designed to make any condition a breeze.
7. Heritage
The great legacy of Range Rover and its heritage on and off-road needs no mention. So, how's this for a new twist: The Range Rover is the luxury car of the hip-hop generation. Like hip-hop, the Range Rover was born in the 1970s (exact year, 1970). Like hip-hop, the Range Rover adapts new technologies without half stepping. Like hip-hop, the Range Rover breaks down barriers and looks good doing it. Any questions? Didn't think so.
8. Business and Family Friendly
If you didn't already know, S. Carter is a business, man. The 2013 Range Rover facilitates a chauffeured experience via optional executive rear seating—as in, two seats with a center console rather than the traditional three-seat bench. With ample leg room, this set up allows a comfortable working environment on the go.
Flip the script, and the same amenity and comfort will go along way as Blue Ivy grows up.
9. Safety
Family men want to stunt. But, they've got that pesky issue of "safety" to worry about at all times. No problems here. The 2013 Range Rover is equipped with full-time intelligent 4WD, meaning excellent traction in all circumstances, and Park Assist—not that Jigga messes with street parking, but it's one hell of a nice feature. Additionally, the car has Adaptive Cruise Control and Intelligent Emergency Breaking to help provide the best highway performance in the SUV segment.
10. Options
We all know Jigga won't outgrow bragging. So he will probably like this: The 2013 Range Rover allows the same $30-40 grand boast as his old 4.6 HSE. The base price for the 2013 is $83,500. Step up to an HSE and the cost rises to $88,500. Like speed? An upgrade to the Supercharged—complete with 0-60 speed of just over 5 seconds—gets you to $99,950. Like luxury? Fully bespoke interiors come with the Supercharged Autobiography edition starting at $130,950.
