- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
4.4DTT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
250kW, 740Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 8.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Range Rover SVAutobiography first drive review
The Range Rover has stood as the pinnacle of luxury off-roading ever since it was created 45 years ago.
But the big British bush basher is facing an expanding front of rivals, from the likes of Porsche's popular Cayenne to Maserati's upcoming Levante and the Bentley Bentayga. Even Rolls-Royce is planning an SUV and Mercedes' flagship Maybach division looks set to join the high-riding limousine set with the next-generation GL.
So Range Rover has gone on an offensive push – or is it a defensive block? – with a new top-of-the-line SVAutobiography specification that extends its luxurious character further than ever before.
Developed by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicles Operations (SVO), the SVAutobiography badge is intended to showcase the pinnacle of craftsmanship offered by the brand – something that is likely to be extended across other models in the range, potentially including the XJ and XF sedans – whereas SVR (already used on the Range Rover Sport and F-Type coupe) is an extension of performance and SVX will stretch the off-roading capabilities of future models such as the next-generation Discovery and Defender.
First revealed at the 2015 New York motor show, the Range Rover SVAutobiography has arrived in Australian showrooms with four models, each designated by a choice of petrol or diesel V8 engines across standard or long wheelbase configurations and commanding a near six-figure premium over the already lavish Autobiography models they are based on.
The 'most affordable' entry into the top-tier is via the standard wheelbase SDV8 with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel that generates 250kW and 740Nm, has an average fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km and costs $330,410 (plus on-road costs). The 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 at least gets more powerful outputs in SVAutobiography trim, increasing maximum outputs from 375kW/625Nm to 405kW/680Nm, for the $25k premium it costs over the diesel.
The long wheelbase models cost $342,910 and $368,710 for the SDV8 and supercharged V8 respectively.
All models come equipped with the extensive list of standard features already offered in the Autobiography specification, but the SV treatment takes it to another level, exclusively offered with a four-seater cabin with perforated and quilted leather seats, leather-backed mohair floor mats, hand crafted burled aluminium switchgear, a polished key fob, unique 22-inch alloy wheels, rear entertainment screens with digital TV tuners and a centre rear console with electrically-operated business tables and a wine chiller.
There's also the option of an exclusive two-tone paint, a slide-out walnut floor in the boot and an equestrian-style event seat with two leather chairs, complete with stirrup footrests, that can be attached to the rear tailgate (presumably to watch Master on his polo pony).
From the driver's seat of the SDV8 we sampled on a drive through the NSW central coast hinterland, the SVAutobiography looks and feels with a degree of familiarity. That is to say it feels like a genuine luxury car to start with from the comfortable seats, its commanding driving position and all the latest mod cons in its multi media system. But the devil is in the detail, with beautiful aluminium highlights and the plushness of its thick carpets and the lashings of high-quality leather throughout the cabin.
It is in the back seat of the long wheelbase model, however, that the SVAutobiography experience really stands out from its rivals - even the more expensive Bentley - where it offers a genuine business class environment. Firstly, there is acres of legroom to stretch out in the twin rear seats, which can recline up to 45 degrees and not only have heating/cooling functions but also offer a gentle massage, while there is plenty of headroom and great vision through the side windows, all of which makes you feel a world away from the road.
The wine chiller is a nice touch and opens gracefully, as do the tables from the centre console, and the twin rear screens are clear with easy-to-navigate functionality, making the Rangie a luxurious way to travel long distances.
Thankfully, the plushness of the standard air suspension settings ensures the Bollinger won't end up in your lap on anything other than the roughest roads, but, with Land Rover's multi-mode All Terrain Response system as well as genuine four-wheel drive transmission, the Rangie will still get you well off the beaten path.
As it is in other Range Rovers, the lightweight all-aluminium underpinnings go someway in helping it feel relatively sure footed through the bends but you cannot change the laws of physics and the fact it remains a large, tall car means there is some body roll through the corners. The steering is also light and a little vague across the ratio, but it is reasonably easy to manouevre even in tight suburban situations, where the majority of them are likely to spend their time.
The twin-turbo V8 is a strong and willing engine and well suited to the car with effortless pulling power, a smooth and linear power deliver and only a subtle exhaust note under heavy acceleration. It is also nicely calibrated with the seamless eight-speed automatic and, for those in need of pulling the polo ponies, it still has a full 3500kg braked towing capacity.
In simple terms, the SVAutobiography is an expensive statement for those that can afford to make one. And it is Range Rover successfully defending its position as the most luxurious SUV on the planet against a rising tide of competition.
Only a direct battle with the Bentayga will determine which of the British bush bashers sets the benchmark for this new breed of high-riding limousines.
Read all the latest Land Rover news and reviews here
2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography price and specifications
On-sale: now
Price: From $330,410 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel/ 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
Power: 250kW at 3500rpm/ 405kW at 6000-6500rpm
Torque: 740Nm at 1750-2250rpm/ 680Nm at 3500-4000rpm
Transmission: 8-spd automatic, 4WD
Fuel use: 8.6L/100km/ 13.7L/100km