2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography is $200k+ of luxe SUV
The Range Rover arguably set SUVs up as the high-riding alternative to traditional luxury sedans, and now the Range Rover SVAutobiography is cranking things even higher. Revealed this week in US spec at the LA Auto Show 2017, the new SUV takes the latest Range Rover and entrusts it to the careful hands of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.
Known collectively as SVO, it's there where the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography makes its journey from "very nice SUV" to "faintly ridiculous SUV" and a price tag north of $200k. Offered in long-wheelbase form only, the magic happens mostly in the rear. There, power-closing rear doors reveal Executive Class Rear Seats enjoying more than 3.9 feet of legroom.
Those seats have extra-deep foam padding, along with new "comfort interlayers" for better cosseting. They can power-recline up to 40-degrees, have heated calf and foot rests, adjust in 22 ways, and even include a hot stone massage feature. Since you probably want your drinks in the opposite direction, there's a refrigerated compartment there too which can hold two wine or champagne bottles and their glasses.
A fixed center console spans the whole length of the rear cabin, with all the controls for the doors along with electronically-deployed tables. Those in the back also get a 10-inch display and WiFi hotspot functionality for the 4G LTE modem, too. It's not all high-tech, mind: there's a new Zenith clock in the rear console, too, styled after the Elite 6150 watch, with a knurled bezel that matches the design of the SVAutobiography's starter button and other interior details.
The right rear seat can fold to help with long item storage, and there's the option of a power-deployed veneered loadspace floor too. That can extend out of the rear of the SUV, for easier loading and unlocking of luggage. Poltrona Frau leather is an option, matching the aluminum treadplates with illuminated SVAutobiography graphics, two new veneers that will be exclusive to the car, and five reworked interior color ways.
Although the most fun might be happening in the rear, its not to say life up front is too arduous. The Land Rover InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system has twin 10-inch touchscreens: up top, navigation, multimedia, phone, and system settings are handled, while the lower screen controls HVAC, seat functions, and the Terrain Response settings. Whoever has the keys gets an upgraded version of Range Rover's 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, too, now pushing out 557 horsepower for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
Outside, the fact that you're driving Jaguar Land Rover's fanciest SUV will be telegraphed with a unique grille design with chrome inserts. There are also Bright Atlas finish accents on the front, rear, and sides, along with a modified rear bumper with integrated metal tailpipe finishers. There's also a new 22-inch wheel design which will be unique to the car.
Unsurprisingly, this hand-finished luxury beast doesn't come cheap. In the US, the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography will be priced from $207,900, and that's before any of the extras. Sales will kick off in early 2018.
