Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography : LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

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4x4s dont get more luxurious than the Range Rover and Range Rovers dont get more luxurious than the Autobiography. Steve Walker takes a look.

The Autobiography models sit at the top of the Range Rover range offering upgraded trim materials and additional equipment to really underline the big 4x4s classy pretensions. It all works very well too. You really will struggle to acquire a more luxurious 4x4 than this one, the only catch being the price.

Once upon a time, the Autobiography trim designation appeared only on the rear ends of bespoke Range Rovers, models whose owners had been given free reign in the manufacturers product brochure to specify their car according to their own lavish tastes. The Autobiography Range Rovers were the cream of the crop then and very little has changed today, except for the fact that the Autobiography badge has been subsumed into the standard Range Rover line-up where it adorns the grandiose flagship models. A Range Rover Autobiography isnt as bespoke as it once was but its still the pinnacle of luxury in the most luxurious of 4x4s. Its hard to believe that in the years since the third generation Range Rover first appeared, the competition has not closed materially.

Yes, weve seen cars like the Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 appear but none of these vehicles had the same opulent focus as the Range Rover and none could boast its impeccable pedigree. The Autobiography models only serve to underline that gap in class. Two engines are offered in the Range Rover and both are deemed worthy of being made available in Autobiography trim. If you havent driven a Range Rover for a bit, then you wont have had a chance to experience the Jaguar-derived supercharged petrol V8 powerplant.

This supercharged 4.2-litre engine cranks out 400bhp and 420lb/ft of torque. An adaptation of the Jaguar XJRs unit, this will get you to 60mph in just 7.6 seconds.

Most owners however, will (rightly) go for the TDV8 diesel. It makes the sprint to 60mph to 8.5 seconds on the way to a top speed capability of 124mph easily enough for high-speed intercontinental ballistic cruising. Refinement is impressive too.

The progress served up by both power options is suitably effortless and composed. The diesel is slightly louder but has the edge in terms of running costs.

If you want the best luxury 4x4 money can buy, the Range Rover delivers

The TDV8 is claimed to be 75 per cent quieter overall than the old 3.0-litre diesel and you wont need to rev it until its valves bounce because the almost obscene torque figure of 472lb/ft comes on stream from just 2,000rpm. Almost two thirds of that figure is on tap from just 1,250rpm, which is more than the old engine could make at full chat. The petrol unit is lightweight and employs a sophisticated torque-based engine control system that continually adjusts the engine to return optimum performance, fuel economy and emissions.

Both engines are mated to a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox with a centre differential and a proper low range box. The Range Rovers interior has always been a very special place to sit out a journey but the Autobiography trim level takes thinks to a new level. Every surface that they could cover in leather is covered in leather. Its no ordinary leather either, carefully selected from the finest hides and subjected to the minimum of processing, its designed to age over time gaining character.

If its not leather inside the Autobiography, its wood so the whole interior environment surrounds its occupants in high quality natural materials. Together with the classy design and healthy equipment levels its an integral part of the Range Rover experience. As well as being faster, the Range Rover is also quieter than before, all engines doing better in terms of noise, vibration and harshness than their predecessors. Notwithstanding this fact, Land Rover have also isolated the engines from the interior more effectively.

The front side glass is now laminated to cut down on noise and the A-pillar has been reprofiled to reduce wind roar at high speed. The Range Rovers prodigious exterior dimensions dont translate all that well into interior space and while the rear seats are roomy enough, they dont quite live up to the cars luxurious billing. Access through the rear doors is also an issue. As you might imagine, the Range Rover Autobiography is overflowing with equipment.

To differentiate this range-topping version from lesser Range Rovers, the car features special 20" alloy wheels, a half wood steering wheel and a matching wood insert for the gearshift but you also get the generous standard specification thats standard on the other cars. Pricing is relatively high but this level of luxury doesnt come cheap. Across the Range Rover line-up there are high tech features such as a DVD satellite navigation that provides both on and off-road guidance, a Logic 7 harman/kardon audio system boasting 14 speakers and 710 watts of power, and a personal integrated telephone system. This latest in-car phone is Bluetooth-enabled and can be voice, touch-screen or steering wheel operated.

Cradle-mounted phone handsets also allow for SMS text messaging (via an on-screen keyboard). A touch-screen is standard on all models. It has clear resolution for easy visibility in all kinds of light and provides an interface for audio, navigation, on-board computer, telephone, and 4x4 information and settings. Its impressive stuff.

You dont buy a Range Rover and expect to have an easy time of it running costs-wise. The most ostentatious vehicle in the markets most profligate sector is always going to take a relaxed approach to economy and emissions. The TDV8 engine performs best with 25mpg combined economy and is the only engine with CO2 emissions that dip under the 300g/km barrier even if 299g/km is unlikely to make it the vehicle of choice for Greenpeace members. The supercharged 4.

2-litre range-topper can only muster 17mpg and 376g/km of CO2. At least the Range Rover holds onto its value with more tenacity than it does its fuel. The Range Rover badge still carries serious clout and second-hand examples dont come cheap. The build quality and general toughness of the design also helps here and with few models being given regular off-road workouts, the vehicles make safe and highly desirable second-hand buys.

Car buyers in the hunt for the most luxurious 4x4 out there will have a tough job looking beyond the Range Rover Autobiography. This flagship model takes the already highly plush Range Rover and takes things to a new level with an abundance of leather and wood as well as some choice equipment upgrades. The Autobiography badge used to signify a bespoke designed Range Rover but given the choice, most customers would order their something like this. Its reassuring to know that if you want the best luxury 4x4 money can buy, the Range Rover delivers.

Nothing can touch its accomplishment both on and off road and although most will never see anything more arduous than a gravel track, its good to know youve got capability in reserve. Most important of all, the Range Rover is socially presentable - its target clientele being very sensitive about brand values and badge equity. If you have the means and require the definitive article, accept no substitute.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Range Rover Autobiography
PRICES: £72,995-£76,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-18
CO2 EMISSIONS: 299-376g/km
PERFORMANCE: [TDV8] 0-60mph 8.5s / Max Speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TD V8] (urban) 19.6mpg / (extra urban) 31.2mpg / (combined) 25.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4950/1863/1863mm