The Land Rover Range Rover first emerged from this off-road tradition in 1970. It was regarded as the first Land Rover civil enough to be driven by a person in a business suit. This particular two-door SUV was stylish, yet quite primitive by today's standards, but it was immediately popular among wealthy U.K. consumers with a taste for the safari aesthetic. Years later and Land Rover has introduced their most refined and capable Range Rover SUV.
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| Range Rover LWB Autobiography |
The fourth generation Range Rover was developed from ground up to provide the world with the ultimate luxury SUV. Its internal DNA still carries the innovative spirit of the original design from over 40 years ago. The new Range Rover is the world's first SUV to feature an advanced all-aluminium body structure. New to the Range Rover range is a long wheelbase version that caters for a growing group of consumers looking for the ultimate SUV, and an alternative to the traditional long wheelbase saloon cars in this segment. This is the first Range Rover long wheelbase since the Range Rover LSE which ran from 1992 to 1994.
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| Popular and luxurious standard Range Rover |
Design
An additional 186mm to rear legroom has been achieved by lengthening the body shell in front of the rear wheels. Clever packaging ensures the signature floating roof and distinctive Range Rover silhouette has been retained. The long wheelbase is offered on Range Rover Vogue, Vogue SE, Autobiography and Autobiography Black models. Range Rover long wheelbase models carries a distinctive 'L' badge mounted into the exterior accents behind each front wheel arch. A number of changes to the Autobiography Black exterior give it a distinctive and subtly different character. A unique design finish has been appointed to the front grille and side vents along with distinguishable badging in black enamel and chrome. Signature rear lamps and auxiliary vents to the front add to the exclusivity of this vehicle with a chrome accent finish to the tailgate.
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| Blacked out Autobiography logo |
Performance
The power units remain unchanged. The popular ultra-efficient 254hp (190kW) 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel delivers effortless performance combined with unprecedented fuel economy. With 600Nm of torque, both variants deliver outstanding performance along with exceptional efficiency. The SDV6 model hits 0-100kph in just 7.4 seconds. Its efficiency is further improved by a stop/start feature. The TDV6 needs 7.2-litres/100km. The magnificent SDV8 diesel power plant, engineered exclusively for the Range Rover, is now available as well. The retuned 4.4-litre V8 power unit develops 250kW (335hp) and a staggering 700Nm of torque.
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| Seats that recline 17 degrees |
The SDV8 delivers completely effortless performance, surging from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, a full 1.0 second faster than the outgoing model. The powerful 380kW (510hp) 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine retains its place at the performance pinnacle of the Range Rover line-up. The engine has been excessively tuned to accelerate the SUV from 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds. For the first time ever the engine is fitted with a stop start system. All engines are paired with the advanced electronically controlled ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic gearbox. The automatic transmission has been excessively tuned to offer smooth shifting and rapid response.
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| First class interior |
Interior
Available with either bench or individual Executive Class rear seats, the second row executive style seats can recline to 17 degrees, a full eight degrees more than the nine degrees on the standard wheelbase. Passenger Seat Away slides the front seat forward to provide additional space and comfort. For added convenience, the long wheelbase is equipped with powered side door blinds and a panoramic sunroof as standard, as well as increased stowage. The superb leather seating is complemented with a massage function and bolsters with 18-way seat adjustability for the driver and front passenger. Seat memory and climate control is available to the front and rear occupants. Rear passengers benefit from the addition of lumbar massage and powered recline whilst the long wheelbase also offers a calf rest for the rear passenger side occupant. Customer-configurable LED mood lighting allows the owner to set the tone by varying the intensity of the lighting from a range of 10 colours. This feature is concentrated on the door handles and stowage compartments, as well as following the lines of the lavish, veneered surfaces on the centre console. The foot well lighting can also be adjusted to ambient rather than plain white.
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| 'L' logo distinguishes it from the 'normal' Range Rover |
Other extras
Two new and exclusive Autobiography Black wheel designs accompany the core Range Rover wheel choices. These are 7-spoke 21" and a 22" wheels with a high gloss polished finish. Re-designed exclusively for the Autobiography Black, the rear centre console includes electrically deployable tables covered in black leather with integrated USB charging sockets and cup holders. The chillier compartment provides additional space for glasses and bottles and for long wheelbase customers, increased stowage is available to the rear. The headphone stowage trim can be removed to reveal a ski hatch whilst the entire rear console can be illuminated in harmony with the vehicle's mood lighting settings.
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| Rear appeal |
Verdict
When it comes to ultra-luxury sport-utility vehicles, the Range Rover has very few peers. It resides at the top of its segment and it is the benchmark against which many other premium-brand SUVs are measured. Not only does it exude class and offer every spoil imaginable, it's also the real deal from a utility standpoint: It's able to go farther off-road than virtually any other four-wheeled luxury vehicle. Adding a Long Wheel Base (LWB) increases the Range Rover’s impeccable quality further.
