Land Rover has introduced the 2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic derivative that features improved capability and the inclusion of semi-autonomous driving technology.

Range Rovers are known to offer exquisite levels of luxury, performance and capability and Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has followed up the Range Rover Sport SVRwith the new SVAutobiography Dynamic derivative. The SVAutobiography Dynamic is equipped with semi-autonomous driving technology and has been enhanced to provide even higher levels of performance and capability. The introduction price is R2999100.

“The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic has been specially developed by the Special Vehicle Operations team to deliver a more engaging driving experience,” said Mark Stanton, director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations. “It delivers the ultimate combination of performance and Range Rover luxury, befitting its unique position in the portfolio.”

Key features

The SVAutobiography Dynamic is powered by the same 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the Range Rover Sport SVR with a total output of 405 kW and 680 Nm of torque, allowing for a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.4 seconds using an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. A specially revised suspension ensures agile performance without compromising refinement and comfort. The SVAutobiography Dynamic also stands 8 mm lower as a result.

A major development is the inclusion of semi-autonomous technology and Advanced Tow Assist is particularly useful if you regularly tow trailers. Getting a trailer into the right position is tricky most of the time, but Advanced Tow Assist uses the existing surround camera, allowing the driver to guide a trailer into position with ease. Trajectory lines are overlaid on the rear camera image and the vehicle will automatically follow the path selected by the driver using the Terrain Response 2 rotary controller. The system will also alert you if a jack-knife situation is about to occur.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic features a host of new safety and semi-autonomous technology.

Furthermore, a Driver Condition Monitor and Blind Spot Assist will automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane if the sensors detect that the driver is moving into the path of another road user.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic is also equipped with Low Traction Launch, which is a mode selected by the driver to help the Range Rover Sport pull awayfrom standstill on slippery surfaces such as wet grass, snow or ice. This featurecontrols the amount of torque available to the driver to prevent wheelspin and maintain traction. Low Traction Launch remains active until the vehicle reaches 30 kph.

In terms of safety, rear park distance control, cruise control (with speed limiter) and lane departure warning are standard. An optional Drive Pack adds a blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection. You can also upgrade to Drive Pack Pro, which adds adaptive cruise control with queue assist spot. Blind Spot Assist and lane keep assist are new features on the latest model.

Exterior and interior features

The SVAutobiography can be distinguished by its side vents, bonnet finisher, grille, front bumper accents, tailgate finisher and Range Rover lettering finished in Graphite Atlas. Numerous alloy wheel designs are available in sizes ranging from 21- and 22-inches with three finishes on offer. This derivative is the first Range Rover to feature Brembo brakes with red brake callipers. There is a choice of 19 metallic or pearlescent colours in either gloss or matte finishes.

The major development on the inside is the introduction of Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system using a 10-inch dual-view touchscreen display. The system features improved satellite navigation functionality and connectivity as well as a range of new app services. Various functions, such as the climate control system, alarm and starting the engine can be controlled remotely. Live weather and traffic apps can also be downloaded to the system.

The cabin is suitably luxurious, replete with diamond-quilted leather seats with contrasting stitching (4colours are available). The front fascia and door casings are finished in back veneer, the latter featuring a red keyline finish. The paddle shifters are in anodised red, which hintsat the sportiness of the model. Furthermore, the rotary shift controller, start-stop button and pedals feature a distinctive knurled finish.

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Range Rover SportSDV8 (2014) Review

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