(FORTUNE Magazine) – More than a dozen models of modern, functional four-wheel-drive vehicles are now for sale in the U.S., at prices beginning around $15,000. So why are buyers queuing up to get a Range Rover County, made by Britain's Rover Group, which is based on a 23-year-old design, has spotty quality, and costs up to $50,000? Vicarious thrills, for one thing. With protective ''bush bars'' on the front end, Range Rovers look strong enough to withstand a charging rhino. Exclusivity, for another. U.S. sales increased 12% last year to 3,731 -- 302,950 less than the Ford Explorer, the industry leader. Glitz, for a third. Jack Nicholson, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and Ralph Lauren are owners. So is Queen Elizabeth II. Range Rovers tend to congregate in the plusher suburbs of New York and Los Angeles. Not surprisingly, they spend more time double-parked on Madison Avenue or cruising Rodeo Drive than crossing deserts or fording rivers. But even when used only as an upscale station wagon, Range Rovers have a practical appeal. The driver's seat is 38 inches off the ground, so women especially can see far and feel safe. And unlike BMWs and Mercedes, which also sell for more than $30,000 and have big, fuel-thirsty engines, Range Rovers escape both the luxury tax and the gas-guzzler tax because they are classified as multipurpose vehicles. The Clinton Administration may take the advantage out of that classification if it attempts to raise the duty on imported four-door trucks to 25% from 2.5%, but Range Rover executives will actively seek an exemption. Who wants to start a trade war with the Queen?