Land Rover's flagship Range Rover is a rolling demonstration of how opulent and capable a sport utility vehicle can be. Refined, comfortable, and offering jaw-dropping performance on and off the road, it's elevated the standard of what a modern luxury vehicle can be. For 2017, the Range Rover line has been upgraded to fend off the recently updated Lexus LX, the new Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and perhaps the Range Rover's biggest threat - the Bentley Bentayga.
New this year to the Range Rover lineup is the SVAutobiography Dynamic trim. It combines the finest luxury trappings and equipment with a greater emphasis on on-road performance.
While the SVAutobiography Dynamic wasn't developed to excel on the racetrack like the Range Rover Sport SVR, it receives a sport-tuned air suspension that is set 8 mm lower, standard active anti-roll bars, adaptive dampers, and a choice of 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels. Red-finish Brembo brakes are standard, as are unique fascias, and exterior details finished in Graphite Atlas. On the inside, the trim is distinguished by its Grand Black veneer interior trim, red accents, and anodized red metal paddles for manual shifting. The SVAutobiography Dynamic is powered by the top-of-the-line 550-hp supercharged V8 engine.
Also new this year are a host of technology upgrades that aim to keep the Range Rover at the cutting edge of technology. Standard on all models is the latest version of the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which features an improved graphics engine and a giant 10.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen. The system also features full integration with the InControl Remote app, which allows owners to heat and cool their Range Rover via their smartphone. InControl does not feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does feature in-car Wi-Fi.
Those who frequently venture off the beaten path are sure to make use of the new All-Terrain Info Centre, which shows information about the vehicle's drivetrain and off-road features on the centre stack, as well as the new Low Traction Launch, a sort of launch control for slippery conditions.
Other tech upgrades include a new Advanced Tow Assist which aims to take the stress out of reversing a trailer, plus a new Intelligent Speed Limiter, which automatically adjusts the speed limiter function based on traffic signs.
The Range Rover is available in standard and long-wheelbase configuration, depending on trim level. The latter offers 186 mm more rear legroom than the standard model, and can be outfitted with limousine-style Executive Class rear power-adjustable bucket seats, a flow-through console with integrated champagne cooler, and retractable trays. Other available features of note include a 29-speaker 1700-watt Meridian sound system, sliding wood and aluminum cargo bay floor, and knurled metal cabin accents.
The entry level model, the HSE, is exclusively available in standard wheelbase, and comes powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine that develops 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
The Range Rover Supercharged, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography all feature a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 in varying states of tune. The Supercharged and standard Autobiography produce 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVAutobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic develop 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque.
Both gas and diesel engines feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and one of the world's most capable four-wheel drive systems.
Pricing for the Range Rover starts at $111,500 for the Td6 HSE, with the top-of-the-line SVAutobiography Long Wheelbase selling for a cool $225,000.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
