Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate Edition: Bespoke Tribute
Bigger, better, best, bespoke!? Does the world need a Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate Edition? Does the world need superlatives on top of superlatives? According to Land Rover, it does.
There's always an odd phase at the end of a model's lifecycle: when the new model is unveiled, and at the same time the wave-off models are still rolling off the production line. The Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate edition is a car that finds itself in such a position. Even more so with SV being a bigger player than ever in the new 2022 Range Rover line-up. So where does this Ultimate Edition stand? Is it just here to sell off the last units rolling off of the production line? Or is it the embodiment of nostalgia towards perhaps the most successful Range Rover to date? Time to find out. Time to enter this luxury, long-wheelbase time capsule.
So what is this time capsule?
Back in March 2021, time flies, Land Rover announced this SVAutobiography Ultimate Edition. Or editions, I should note, more on that in a bit. Land Rover called this car the "pinnacle" of the Range Rover hierarchy back then. A pinnacle they dress up in satin-finished 'Orchard Green' with a 'Narvik Black' roof and mirrors. On the inside, SV "recommends" a 'Vintage Tan' leather for SVAutobiography, and the SVAutobiography Dynamic buyers are advised to add contrasting 'Ebony' parts into the interior in true SVAD fashion. The latter fits nicely with the standard five split-spoke design rims of the SVAD models. For both models, Land Rover SV adorns these cars with copper detailing on the exterior and interior.
So why "editions" and not "edition"? Because the SVAutobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic are two separate flavors. Add the designation 'Ultimate Edition' behind it and you get the full name. A lengthy one, almost as long as the LWB versions.
In essence, the Ultimate editions are an homage to multiple assets of the Range Rover universe. On one hand, these editions are the proverbial cherry on the cake, a cake that is the fourth generation of the Range Rover. On the other hand, they showcase what Land Rover's bespoke department has on offer. And when you peer through the sentimental marketing? Then you'll see editions that offer buyers a trim level to the fullest extent. An extent where there are only three questions left: which chassis, which engine, and does the interior need more luxury?
So how did this test car roll out of that equation? As an LWB, with a D350 drivetrain (Vogue D350 starring here) and additional ambient lighting in the interior.
Neck Twister
Imagine a 5.2 meter long and nearly 2 meters tall Range Rover in a matte, green finish. Now imagine seeing it in traffic. Would you stare at it? You undoubtedly would, so don't lie to yourself. The majority of bystanders stare at this car when you roll through traffic. It is a very imposing machine to behold and the looks of bystanders constantly remind you of it. At one point during the time with the Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate edition, I found myself waiting for my girlfriend at the local plant store. I decided to spend my time in Executive Class Comfort-Plus rear seats. In the 30 minutes back there, I could watch five people taking pictures of the car and peer into the interior. The privacy glass on the rear, power-closing, rear doors made them unaware of my presence in the car. This attention is a testimony to how well the SV specced this tribute version of the fourth-generation Range Rover.
Luxury Torque
Weighing in at 2.5 metric tonnes, there's never been any discussion about the need for power in this luxury lounge on wheels. But it is the subject of debate which engine is best suited for the job. As Beau tested the Range Rover LWB with the AJ133 5-liter V8, it was up to him to call the shot: is the D350 better suited for the job than the P565? The D350 is quite simply the best engine option. Whilst the V8 is a great engine which we’ll definitely miss. The diesel builds up its power a bit longer and therefor nicer. The 700 Nm’s make sure the car doesn’t lack power but neither does it upset the suspension by pointing the nose up as if it’s going to fly away. Finally, and this is maybe of less concern when spending this kind of money on a the ultimate Range Rover but it uses around 40% less fuel than the V8 does. Meaning less stopping at fuel stations and more enjoying your comfy bubble.
Lavishing luxury
As with any Range Rover, there’s very little to complain about when inside the cabin. Where the Ultimate Edition stands out is the level of luxury offered from the start, of course showing in its price tag. The vehicle tested here is an LWB, which comes with the Executive Class Comfort-Plus as standard. It lavishes the rear compartment with the (somewhat outdated) multimedia set, the 2 refrigerator, and the highest options in terms of seats. Yes, in the Range Rover universe there are multiple levels of massage seats to choose from. But besides standing out in terms of standard equipment, this model gains a few extra touches of luxury added. Among those details are the headrests that come adorned with hand-stitched SV logos. And perhaps the most noticeable ‘ultimate touch’ is the high-grade semi-aniline leather lavished over almost every surface. There’s the feeling that the options chosen to give you the Range Rover experience, a feeling you’re not missing out on anything.
Land Rover SV isn’t pushing the limit with the number of badges referring to the car’s bloodline, which seems accordingly for something distinguished as this. There is in fact no badge on the exterior stating what car this is. Only when you peer inside will it become obvious via a badge on the door stills, an SV crescent on the chassis, and an SV Bespoke plaque on the center console. The latter of course has a refrigerator built-in. A very cool car this, pun intended.
Reaching the same conclusion
You’ve heard us plenty when it comes to the ride quality of Range Rovers. There’s no need to dive deeper into that again for this article. And as with all the Range Rovers we tested, this version yet again offers what buyers of these cars are looking for: unrivaled comfort for the driver and other occupants. The same goes for the almost timeless exterior, here taken to the pinnacle of what SV could do with the 4th generation Range Rover. This goes for the interior as well, bringing what we knew to a level worthy of this last edition.
Add the torque-rich D350 in the mix, and the car tested here forms perhaps the ultimate composed trim buyers could go for in this generation. That is if they don’t mind the fact that the new model is already among us.
