The original luxury 4×4 has become even more indulgent for 2018. On the eve of the 2017 LA Auto Show, Land Rover has revealed the new Range Rover SVAutobiography, an SUV so upscale, it even has its own Zenith timepiece for the two lucky people in the rear to enjoy. Oh, and a price tag from, wait for it, £167,850.
Joining the rest of the revised-for-2018 Range Rover line, the new SVAutobiography features a redesigned rear cabin that now has power-close rear doors – weary rear-seat passengers can shut them by pressing a button on the full-length console – and even more gorgeous airline-style reclining seats.
It’s also only offered in long-wheelbase guise, providing a full 1.2 metres of legroom, and enough space for the seats to recline down by 40 degrees. There’s a hot stone massage function built in, while both the footrests and calf rests are heated. We told you it was luxurious…
A posh car needs a posh watch: the Zenith clock in the rear is inspired by the Elite 6150 watch (yours for upwards of £4,500), with the driver up front simply getting starter button and gear selector that mimics its knurled bezel.
There’s lots of tech in the back of the hand-finished SVAutobiography, such as dual 10-inch touchscreen entertainment displays, 4G wifi… and a fridge between the rear seats, that can hold two wine bottles, for when work gets all a bit too much for you.
John Edwards, MD of JLR Special Operations, explained: “The SVAutobiography badge identifies our most luxurious vehicles in the same way the SVR and SVX monikers denote our most potent and capable derivatives.”
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover chief design officer, said: “The Range Rover SVAutobiography is the epitome of luxury, comfort and refinement. Our standard-bearer for quality and precision exemplifies the attention to detail and sophistication that has been a hallmark of our most luxurious SUV stretching back almost 50 years.”
Under the redesigned bonnet, and new for 2018, is the addition of a plug-in hybrid petrol-electric version, which can run for up to 31 miles under full electric power, and a power boost for the supercharged V8 up to 565hp. There’s a 4.4-litre SDV8 turbodiesel as well.
The £167,850 model is that aforementioned diesel; the petrol-electric PHEV is £168,015, with the range-topping supercharged V8 retailing for £177,030. Order books, says Land Rover, are open now.