There's plenty of depth as well in the pampering, $330K-plus Rangie pair
Range Rover is under siege from above.
Once the undisputed luxury king off the road, the storied British-built, Indian-owned brand is firmly in the sights of Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati and even Lamborghini.
Its response is to set up its own performance arm called SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) and charge customers more for the privilege of owning one.
The new SVAutobiography range was unveiled at last year's New York motor show and the first cars bearing the badge have arrived in Australia.
Power comes from V8s, supercharged or twin-turbo diesel, and there are short and long wheelbase variants.
The supercharged V8 puts out 405kW and completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds. The diesel matches 250kW of power with an epic 740Nm of torque and does the sprint in 6.9 seconds.
Jaguar Land Rover product manager Brett Lewis-Driver says: "The SVAutobiography is a 'halo' vehicle that provides an exclusive drive experience. We expect them to sell in double figure volumes for the year."
The brand believes its biggest drawcard against the new breed of uber-luxury off-roaders is its trademark "breadth of capability.
In petrol form, the SVAutobiography is the most powerful Range Rover yet built, eclipsing the previous power king by 30kW.
We've seen the powertrain before in the smaller Range Rover Sport SVR.
Apart from performance, SVO also tailors interior design to customer's tastes, building vehicles from a comprehensive list of luxury options that can take the V8 beyond $450,000.
But the brand believes its biggest drawcard against the new breed of uber-luxury off-roaders is its trademark "breadth of capability”. In other words, go anywhere you like and get back, on 22-inch low-profile rubber no less.
Range Rover backs the vehicle to wade through 900mm of water, navigate the desert with aplomb, tackle the Daintree run and take you to your favourite beach fishing spot. Just make sure you have ample fuel to hand.Beyond pampering occupants to near ridiculous levels, the SVAutobiography has a practical side too with a towing capacity of 3000kg for your (light) horse float.
On the road
Our drive was of the 4.4-litre turbo diesel, which gives impressive performance with far less thirst than the petrol V8. The claimed figures are 8.6L/100km for the diesel and, if you can restrain your right foot, 13.7L for the supercharged counterpart.
Typically, you are cocooned in a silent compartment with a ride that seems to float over any kind of road you care to take on.
Sport mode gives the big Rangie a controlled, somewhat sporty feel that's slightly incongruous in such a large and tall vehicle. Even the steering feels well weighted and fairly direct.
We got to sit in the rear, which is arguably better than behind the wheel, such is the level of luxury.
Each seat has its own screen and individual controls for creature comforts, though the champagne cooler is shared.
Typically, you are cocooned in a silent compartment with a ride that seems to float over any kind of road you care to take on.
The new technology is appreciated, particularly the automatic access height adjustment that makes it less of a step up into the cabin.
We didn't get to drive the 405kW monster, which is due later in the year, but the effortless performance of the diesel gave a foretaste.
The LWB model, despite losing some of its styling purity due to the extra rear overhang, still has a striking presence on the road. It would be a problem parking, though, if it didn't have a swag of assistance features to help with the exercise.
Land Rover Range Rover 2016: SV Autobiography SDV8
Engine Type | Diesel Turbo V8, 4.4L |
---|---|
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Fuel Efficiency | 8.7L/100km (combined) |
Seating | 5 |
Price From | $151,030 - $173,580 |
Safety Rating |
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Verdict
What's new?
The SVAutobiography is a new model. The 4.4-litre V8 turbo diesel starts at $330,410 in SWB form, climbing to $342,910 for the LWB. The 405kW supercharged V8 starts at $356,210 for the SWB and $368,710 for the LWB.
Technology
It scores JLR's new InControl multimedia setup, premium leather inside, four power/heated/ventilated seats and solid aluminium rotary controls. All Terrain Progress Control enhances all-round capability. There are gesture-response tailgate and automatic access height.
Performance
In a 2.5-tonne SUV, the petrol V8 is mind-blowing — for starters, it does the 0-100kmh sprint in 5.4 seconds — but loves a drink. For most applications, the diesel V8 is as good.
Driving
Air suspension endows a superb ride on 22-inch wheel/tyre package, governed by huge Brembo brakes. It's smooth and sophisticated but you can't forget the LWB is one big bus.
Design
LWB models are not for everyone but the SWBs are good looking in classic Rangie style. SVO enhancements give the Autobiography a performance edge over regular Range Rovers as well as visual cues inside and out.
At a glance
Price: $330,410-$368,710
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Capped Servicing No
Service interval: 12 months/26,000km
Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags
Engine: 4.4-litre V8 turbo diesel, 250kW/740Nm; 5.0-litre V8 supercharged, 405kW/680Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto; 4WD
Thirst: 8.6L-13.7L/100km
Dimensions: 4990mm/5199mm (L),2220mm (W),1840mm (H),2922mm/3120mm (WB)
Weight: From 2488kg
Spare: Full-size
0-100km/h: 5.4 secs (diesel 6.9 secs)
Towing: 3000kg
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