Johnny Cash would have loved the ‘Long’ and ‘Black’ 2014 Range Rover models

By Nick Jaynes October 28, 2013

Range Rover has long been the world leader in off-road luxury. However, since this market is rather small, the British brand is eager to push into the executive class of luxury vehicles – ones built not to drive but rather to be driven in.

Accordingly, the Land Rover is bringing back the Long Wheelbase (LWB) version of its full-size Range Rover for 2014 – the first LWB Rangie in 20 years.

Based upon the current Range Rover, the Long Wheelbase model offers 140 mm (5.5 inches) more legroom and 17 degrees of recline for rear passengers. The standard Rangie only offers 11 degrees of rear seat recline, by comparison.

Range Rover designers were sure to add the extra length in the chassis just head of the rear wheel, as to ensure the retention of the iconic Range Rover profile. As you can see in the photo gallery above, they succeeded.

The Long Wheelbase Rang Rover is offered in either bench second-row seating or individual Executive Class rear seats. The Executive seating pairs nicely with the powered side door blinds and a panoramic sunroof. And to finish the whole thing off, Range Rover adds an “L” emblem on the rear so people know how L you really are.

If simply having a longer luxury 4×4 isn’t enough, Land Rover still has you covered with the addition of the Autobiography Black model to the Range Rover line.

Although Range Rover paints a much prettier picture with words like “exclusive,” and “supple,” the Autobiography Black essentially adds massaging captains chairs in the rear, deployable tables, a cooler, and a headphone storage area/ski hatch. On the outside, the Autobiography Black receives a special rear emblem and a brushed stainless steel tailgate finisher.

I have long been a fan of the Range Rover – especially the Long Wheelbase versions. I am glad to see the return of a classic Range Rover design. Now I have to wonder: would I choose a LWB Rangie over a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach or Porsche Panamera Executive? Decisions, decisions.

If you wanted a luxury car to be driven in, would you choose a Range Rover over the loads of other options? Tell us in the comment section below.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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