Land Rover executives will ride into Los Angeles next month in a pair of new Range Rovers. One of those offerings will accommodate execs with legs that are longer than most, and the second will cater to those with wallets that are fatter than most. You see, at the L.A. auto show, the world will get its first up-close look at Land Rover's long-wheelbase Range Rover and Range Rover Autobiography Black models.
The first, and arguably the most welcome addition to the Range lineup, is the long-wheelbase version, which tugs the rear wheels aft nearly eight inches to increase rear-seat legroom by 5.5 inches. Those who opt for this option will have the choice of a bench seat for a trio of passengers or a pair of bucket seats split by a center console. Take the latter layout and the seats can recline up to 17 degrees, which is eight degrees more lying back than is available in the standard-wheelbase Range Rover. Included in the long-wheelbase package is a panoramic sunroof and standard power door blinds, which will surely frustrate those pesky paparazzi.
Range Rover already tops its model lineup with the $136,345 Autobiography edition, which matches Jaguar Land Rover's 510-hp, 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 with a barrage of the finer things. That model will be improved upon by the Autobiography Black, which will come to America exclusively in long-wheelbase guise. The objective, of course, is to coddle rear passengers in a manner that would have tempted Cinderella from her pumpkin carriage—you know, when it was a glamorous lift to the ball; not when it turned back into a pumpkin.
The Autobiography Black comes from Land Rover's Engineered To Order department and just 100 will be doled out across our large land during 2014. Somewhat ironically, the first 25 Blacks will be white, specifically Valloire White pearlescent. The grille and side vents get a unique finish, while the badging and brightwork will be finished in black enamel. Further setting the Autobiography Black apart from more-pedestrian Range Rovers is chrome detailing on the tailgate, what Land Rover calls "signature" taillights, and bespoke high-gloss 21-inch aluminum wheels.
Inside, Range Rover begins with a bespoke seat-cover design for the leather chairs. In the front, those seats offer massaging functionality and the driver's seat features 18-way articulation. The rear set adds reclining ability, lumbar massage, and a power recline setting. In the seatbacks of both front seats are 10.2-inch infotainment screens that can display navigation or whatever it is that the filthy rich watch for entertainment.
Between the seats is a center console that has controls for seat heating, climate controls, and a chiller with room for "glasses and bottles"—definitely not champagne. Our favorite additions are the tables that can be electronically deployed and have leather surfaces, holsters for those aforementioned glasses, or, for the always-working executive, a USB charging point.
- Instrumented Test: 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged
- First Drive: 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Comparison Test: 2013 BMW X3 vs. 2013 Audi Q5, 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
While Autobiography Black has a particular ring to it, this particular limited-edition Range Rover could well have been called the Leather edition. "Sumptuous" hides cover not only the seats, but also the door panels; the cargo-area trim; the A-, B-, C-, and upper portions of the D-pillar; the rear hatch; and the headliner. That leather is available in only three exclusive color combinations: Ebony and Lunar, Espresso and Tan, and Dark Cherry and Ivory.
Land Rover's American arm isn't talking price just yet, but when a Range Rover with the same name appeared three years ago, it stickered for slightly more than the range-topping Autobiography model. We'd be surprised if the new Autobiography Black was anything less than $140,000.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
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