Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations unveils 542-hp Range Rover SVAutobiography

By Andrew Hard March 29, 2015

There are sporty Range Rovers, luxurious Range Rovers, and special-edition Range Rovers, but the latest version rolls all those attributes into one.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography, a new range-topper from Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, has just been unveiled ahead of its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show. Land Rover is billing the vehicle as “the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model’s successful 45-year history,” and those claims are backed up by impressive real world figures.

Under the hood of the ‘Duo-tone’ flagship sits a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, producing 542 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. With its opulent heft, it’s not as quick as the Nurburgring-hurdling Range Rover SVR, but its 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds will still get you to the country club on time. More efficient TDV6, SDV6 Hybrid, SDV8, and SCV6 supercharged engines are also available.

The SVAutobiography’s litany of powertrain options is mirrored by the vehicle’s variable appearance. The two-tone exterior finish boasts a Santorini Black upper section, while the lower body can be painted one of nine different colors.

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Range Rover SVAutobiography

Inside, buyers can opt for either a sliding load floor (perfect for upscale tailgating) or an ‘Event Seating’ package. The add-on includes two Windsor leather seats that are stowed in the luggage compartment, but can easily fold out over the rear.

Whatever options they choose, customers will be bathed in luxury inside the well-crafted cabin. Many of the controls have been machined from solid aluminum, and there are wood accents aplenty. Rear passengers have easy access to a chiller compartment and powered tables, and all occupants benefit from exclusive, ritzy trim pieces.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography goes on sale this summer in the U.K. and next fall in the U.S. Pricing starts at $199,495.

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