Range Rover SV Autobiography Ultra-Luxury Meets Versatility

Range Rover was the first luxury SUV in the world. This fact alone means there is huge demand for it. From the time it was introduced in 1970, it has continued to deliver a series of industry firsts, evolving into the peerless SUV we know today. Range Rover took 4X4s out of the mud and onto the motorway.

Built to be the best car on the planet, the Range Rover Autobiography is not made to only take on fellow SUVs, but to compete against other world bests such as the Mercedes S-Class. Our featured SV (special vehicle) Autobiography is higher up in auto-classification, taking on the likes of the Rolls Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentyga and Maybach.

The Autobiography is an ultra luxurious version of the already incredibly comfy Range Rover, with loads more work going in to distinguish and give it the hallowed SV label. Its design is handcrafted and luxurious – packing more punch – meaning it is also considerably more expensive. Special vehicle operations bosses say the Autobiography is the kind of car the owner can be chauffeured in during the week and likely drive themselves over the weekend.

At first sight, its design is that of the Range Rover as we know it, however, it’s separated by an added sporty profile, announced by four free-breathing tailpipes. It doesn’t look much different in appearance from the Range Rover, which we know already is high up in calibre but the Autobiography’s difference is under the skin.

In the interior, Rovers are generally differently built cars. They are renowned for a cockpit and sitting position placed higher on the car along with long windows that give the driver a feel of being in command, with the view-in design called Green House design. Its interiors are simple, very easy on the eye with only three control knobs – but don’t be deceived by the dearth of buttons, this car is a technology bank.

Quality goes without question and attention to detail is on point with its leather lush and opulence. The extra work that goes into the production of the SV edition is evident in a more solid interior – red leather finishes with diamond-shaped stitching, brushed metal trim, varnished wood and a 24-way adjusting perforated leather seats, both in the front and rear. Other features include an acoustic laminated-window panoramic roof, heated steering, a bottle chiller and electric sun blinds.

For infotainment, there is a 10,2-inch touch screen complete with an 825 meridian signature Reference unit with speakers in the back seat. Its features include a digital audio broadcasting tuner, sat nav, Bluetooth, USB, television, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as of 2019.

Depress the handbrake and hit start, and a beast awakens with the distinct sound of the free-breathing tail pipes, telling you this is not just another Range Rover. It’s almost saying “don’t even dare compare me”. The Autobiography is the most powerful series production Range Rover as it is fitted with a potent supercharged 550hp V8 engine with an output of 415kW, 557hp translating to 700Nm of torque when the rubber meets the road, allowing the big SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4,5 seconds.

This car was built from bottom up i.e. first the suspension, ride and handling then it was clothed with other graces. When you engage the off-road terrain setting you can feel it rise as it gets more than 10 inches taller, this is for improved approach and departure angles to keep the belly from resting on rocks or mud. I always liken this feature to someone changing into gum boots or someone folding their trousers at the bottom to knee level just before entering shallow waters or taking a muddy path.

It has a 900mm wading depth and through it all, ride height will be adjusted according to speed and terrain. Twelve sensors are alert to your terrain and keep it in check. These adjustments are made in a matter of milliseconds. Then again, who would take a car with an over N$3 million price tag off-roading?

The SV Autobiography is packed with all manner of safety and driver aids such as hill launch assist, hill descent control, active lean, an intelligent cruise control, adaptive bi-xenon lamps, parking sensors and a host of autonomous safety features.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.