► New flagship Range Rover launched
► SVAutobiography Dynamic costs £133k
► Upgraded tech for 2017 model year RR
Land Rover’s revealed a host of updates for its upcoming 2017 Range Rover line-up, which is due to go on sale later in 2016. All versions will benefit from updated tech, including optional safety and assistance systems, while the regular Range Rover gets a new engine option – in the form of Jaguar’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6.
More interesting, however, is the launch of the new SVAutobiography Dynamic. This new variant of the Range Rover focuses on blending luxury and handling, and replaces the existing short-wheelbase SVAutobiography.
SVAutobiography Dynamic? Sounds like an expensive pen…
It’s certainly not cheap, at £132,800, but it is less expensive than the outgoing SVAutobiography – which cost £149,800.
Why the drop in price? Well, they’ve hardly been flying off the shelves – fewer than 40 petrol V8 SVAutobiographys have been registered since 2015 – and newer competition, including the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, isn’t that much more expensive. Consequently, Land Rover has seen fit to drop the price in order to keep the Range Rover on buyers’ scopes.
What is it, then?
The SVAutobiography Dynamic is an even more luxurious version of the Range Rover. It packs a 543bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 and despite a kerbweight equivalent to a T-34, the luxo-Rover can sprint from 0-60mph in just 5.1sec – in part thanks to the engine’s almighty 502lb ft of torque. It’ll also hit 140mph where legal. And sane. Power’s sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic, as is the case in other Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports.
Compared with the outgoing SVAutobiography, the Dynamic version features a few choice tweaks designed to bolster cornering prowess – upping its appeal to those who like to spend a bit of time behind the wheel. It sits 8mm lower than standard and features gently revised suspension and damping systems.
As before, your money also buys you a selection of cosmetic tweaks. There are numerous dark grey highlights on the outside, bespoke alloy wheels designs and chromed quad tailpipes. The interior gets an uplift, too, packing diamond-quilted leather seats and black panel veneers.
If you just need more, however, have no fear – you’ll still be able to opt for the full-fat long wheelbase SVAutobiography, which remains in the 2017 model year catalogue.
What else is new for the 2017 Range Rover, err, range?
Buyers can now opt for a host of additional assistance systems. They’re designed to make the Range Rover safer, and easier to drive, be it around town or off-road.
Tick the box for the Drive Pack and you’ll get a driver awareness monitor, blindspot monitor, a traffic-sign recognition system, an intelligent speed limiter (which looks at the signs and adjusts your maximum speed to suit) and Reverse Traffic Detection. This stops you backing into vehicles that may cross your path as you reverse out of the local pony club annual meet.
Opt for the Drive Pro Pack and you’ll get Land Rover’s adaptive cruise control system with queue assistance and intelligent emergency braking – which offers automatic emergency braking at speeds above 50mph. The Drive Pro Pack also comes with lane-keeping assistance and blindspot assistance functions, which will steer the Range Rover if they sense a deviation that could cause a problem.
Other new features include Advanced Tow Assist – which automatically guides the reversing path of the Range Rover and its trailer – and Low Traction Launch. This automatically maximises torque output when driving on slippy surfaces; all you have to do is put your foot down and the Range Rover will do the rest.
These all build on the existing battery of Range Rover features, including rear parking sensors, a speed limiter, cruise control, lane-departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Are there any other upgrades for 2017?
You’ll find the new JLR InControl Touch Pro media system throughout the range, which is much more modern than the outgoing offering. The new Pro system can also be upgraded to offer a host of remote features, including remote cooling and heating.
There’s a new engine in the line-up for 2017, too – the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 from the Jaguar stable. It delivers 335bhp and 332lb ft, granting the Range Rover a 0-60mph time of 7.1sec.
Customers can also opt for a far wider range of exterior finishes, offered by the recently launched Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations division.
When are the new 2017 model year Range Rovers on sale?
You’ll be able to order a new 2017 Range Rover towards the end of 2016. Prices will start at £76,350 for the updated TDV6 Vogue, representing a slight increase of £500. The newly added SVAutobiography Dynamic will cost upwards of £132,800, which is £17,000 less than the outgoing standard SVAutobiography.
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