Beach Wheels: Range Rover SVAutobiograpy a tribute to SUV class
Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic
Like a fine piece of handmade furniture or a Swiss-made chronometer, Range Rover has endeavored to make a series of sport utility vehicles that are better than anything else you will find on or off the road.
The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic is made by Jaguar Land Rover is a study in British luxury and capability. While I would hesitate to call it perfect, it is pretty darned close.
Name me another SUV that offers the amenities of a Fortune 500 CEO’s corner office while simultaneously offering the ability to climb steep, rocky roads and ford a river to a depth of 24 inches.
I had the opportunity recently to drive the Rover SVA Dynamic (the Dynamic is the shorter wheelbase version) and honestly had a hard time giving it up at the end of my test review week.
Under the hood you’ll find a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers a whopping 557 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.1 seconds. Its top speed is a 130 mph.
My Rover, which came in gorgeous “Firenze” red, sat defiantly on 22-inch, five split-spoke steel alloy wheels and looked ready to go off-roading or to the opera house. The vehicle’s off-road capability is a product of its locking rear differential and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system computer. Properly equipped the Rover SVA can tow nearly 8,000 pounds.
The massive moonroof offers ambient lighting throughout the cabin.
In the spacious cabin you’ll find aluminum and carbon fiber paneling, Land Rover’s so-called Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with two 10-inch touch screens that offer satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, Wi-Fi and an amazing 1,700-watt Meridian Signature Surround Sound System featuring no less than 29 speakers. The seats come in quilted semi-Aniline leather. Other creature comforts include four-zone climate control, a massive moonroof and ambient lighting.
Other cool touches include the ability to control the audio system from the back seat and to automatically fold down a small center writing table/armrest. You can also remotely move the front passenger seat to expand legroom in the second row.
The driver’s seat places you in a great driving position with a magnificent field of view.
All models come with a host of safety equipment.
All models come with a host of safety equipment including emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. While no sports car, the Rover SVA handles itself well on the road with a minimum of body roll going into corners.
Gas mileage may be the Rover SVA’s only major flaw (besides its price, which I’ll get to a minute). My test vehicle got just 13 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway.
The elephant or, in this case, the rhinoceros in the room is clearly the price. My Rover SVA came with a hefty manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $182,335 which I know puts it solidly in the “if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it” category.
Still, you get what you pay for and the Rover SVA delivers handsomely.
Personally, I take comfort knowing that SUVs like the Rover SVA are still being made and that quality, fine fit and finish and care in manufacturing are, for a price, still available. While most of us might not be able to afford such a fine vehicle, my recommendation is that if you can get your hands on one, do so. You’ll likely keep it for the rest of your life.
Jeff Mitchell is a California-based automotive journalist. Contact him at j.edward.mitchell@gmail.com