SVO shows soft side with Range Rover SVAutobiography

Hot on the heels of the ludicrous Range Rover Sport SVR, Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations has turned its attention to bespoke luxury fit-outs.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography is the fruit of that effort: an ultra-luxurious variant of either the short- or long-wheelbase Range Rover. Mercedes-Benz have their S600 Maybach; this is your all-terrain equivalent.

It can be frighteningly quick, too, as it’s available with the same five-litre, supercharged 405kW V8 that inspires the Sport SVR. Producing 680Nm of torque, it’s a true luxury hammer – and although the performance bits outside have been dialled down and replaced with more elegant touches, the SVR’s Brembo brakes remain to ensure those who are chauffeured rapidly arrive safely.

The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged SDV8 diesel, with 740Nm of torque, is also available for the green-minded, consuming 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.

But what is changed here from the standard, already-very-nice Range Rover? Well, first, there’s a duo-tone colour option that sees the upper-half painted in luxe Santorini Black with a separate colour below; all models also receive a graphite-coloured grille up front and exclusive Range Rover lettering.

Inside, there’s plenty to remind you that it’s the best you can get from the Range stables: burled aluminium controls and foot pedals are present. The load floor in the back is aluminium, too, or you can option up a wood veneer finish instead. Caddy seats can also be installed in the boot finished in Windsor leather, which fold out, allowing you to set up to watch the polo absolutely anywhere.

The SVAutobiography debuts at the 2015 New York Auto Show. We’ll be on hand to show you the car in the flesh and reveal additional details as they arrive.