2020 Range Rover Review: SVAutobiography Dynamic

If money doesn't matter, it's fair to say that the Range Rover will be one of the cars on your shopping list. Especially one like this 2020 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic.

Perhaps it's the epitome of a luxury sports utility vehicle that literally casts a shadow over the likes of the BMW X5 M and X6 M, the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and the upcoming Audi RS Q8. 

I'm talking literally because this thing is a little gigantic in terms of its physical dimensions (it's bigger than all of these competitors) and its asking price is great too. Plus, it takes a different approach to all those competing models, not just because it's British and supercharged. 

So should the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic be on your dream car list? Read on to find out.

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiograph 2020: V8 S / C SV Dynamic SWB (415 kW)
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	5.0L
fuel type	Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	12.8l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$296,700

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

Nearly eight years after its introduction, Range Rover design is still great. Unabashedly rectangular, with some technical-looking graphic elements that have remained relevant over the years.

And of course, this SVAutobiography Dynamic model looks even more desirable than most Rangies, with a more aggressive look.

Nearly eight years after its introduction, Range Rover design is still great.

Compared to, say, a 2017 model driven by Richard Berry, the model I tested had a different front bumper treatment, less frilly, and new headlights and inserts that were more modern and robotic. The grille is also different, at least in my opinion, slightly inspired by AMG's diamond-shaped styling.

Headlights have come a long way over the years and are now "Pixel Laser LED" headlights with daytime running lights. There are also front fog lights and there are also LED taillights in the back. 

There are still shark gills on her side (I love them) and her tall, greenhouse-like body has aged exceptionally well. It always seemed to me that the bottom two-thirds of the Range Rover was planted, while the greenhouse at the top - with blacked out pillars (more noticeable when you have color on the bottom) somehow looks more rebellious.

This SVAutobiography Dynamic looks even more desirable than most Rangies.

The SVAutobiography variant includes the standard "Narvik Black Contrast Contrast roof and mirror caps" so you don't have to pay for a two-tone look, and there are built-in model-specific metal exhaust trims. That's in addition to chrome badges with black knurling and badge writing, side accent graphics, bright chrome door handle surrounds, and black tailgate trim.

In terms of dimensions, I've always thought that the Range Rover looks bigger than it really is, and it comes down to the angular nature of its lines.

It's only (yes, only) 5000mm long on a 2922mm wheelbase, yet it's 2073mm wide and 1861mm high, which is why it looks so muscular and broad-shouldered.

It still has shark gills on its side and its appearance has aged exceptionally well.

Does this mean a luxurious and spacious interior? Well, let me just state that if you want the ultimate backseat comfort, your best bet is to consider the long-wheelbase Rangie, but you can't get it in Dynamic spec. However, it has the same powertrain and everything, but it is 5200mm long and has a 3120mm wheelbase. It doesn't look too big either, but the turning radius comes at a price - 13.0m versus 12.4m for the SWB version.

Check out the interior images to see if you can handle the rear seat space.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

I expected better, both in terms of trunk space and rear seat space.

Up to the shelf line, the trunk fits in our CarsGuide Luggage Pack (124L, 95L and 36L cases), though something this big should really offer a bit more cargo space.

Claimed load capacity is 900 liters wet. Yes, "wet" - Land Rover uses this measurement because it means the space has been filled with liquid, and we assume that the cargo volume figure corresponds to the ceiling. The company claims the shelf capacity is 434L.

Leather quality and finishes are excellent, and seat comfort is excellent.

I like the opening tailgate as it means your purchases won't fly out when you open the trunk if you're parked on a slope. And the fact that the bottom part will close automatically if you hit the top close button is good too.

There isn't much back seat space in the SVAutobiography Dynamic either. With the driver's seat set for me (182cm) and when I slid in the back my shins were touching the front seat and I didn't have much room for my knees. Also, the multimedia screen that sits in front of the rear passengers eats up space a little, and it made me a little claustrophobic. Strange, in such a big car.

Leather quality and finishes are excellent, and seat comfort is excellent. Although there could be more legroom if you have some very lucky kids who spend a lot of time in the back seat of such a car, they are, as I said, very lucky. 

There isn't much back seat space in the SVAutobiography Dynamic either.

The middle seat converts into a foldable and retractable center armrest for a captain's chair feel in the back. A retractable covered section between the rear seats tucks center cupholders, there's also a screen remote and a detachable mirror so you can check your makeup or see if you've got some pesky caviar stuck. teeth. The only problem with this retractable armrest section is that it also prevents airflow from the center vents from reaching you. However, there are additional vents on the roof.

The rear seats are electrically adjustable via door switches, with memory settings and massage functions, however they don't get hot like the front ones. 

It's luxurious - even the headlining is covered in leather, and the armrests are superb too.

There are decent door pockets, though they don't have shaped bottle holders, and the backseat also has a pair of USB charging ports and a power outlet. And, of course, there are separate climatic zones.

Pretty good ahead, with all the amenities you would expect. Between the seats there is a large comfortable armrest, as well as two adjustable captain's armrests in front. There is a very convenient refrigerator in the center console, and in front of it are two cup holders.

There's also a double-opening glove box - the top one in our car had a CD/DVD player that takes up a lot of space, while the bottom glove box is just standard. Storing loose items is a little more expensive - there are door pockets, but they don't have shaped bottle holders.

Of course there are massage and ventilated (heated and cooled) front seats, which is great - very comfortable, and the Hot Stone Massage feature is very nice. Someone who had this car before me apparently set up a massage after about 30 minutes of driving and it was always a pleasant surprise.

However, managing screen elements is not as easy as it could be.

There is a digital driver information screen which is very clear and the map view and readings are very clear. However, managing screen elements is not as easy as it could be.

In terms of screens, the bottom of the two "InControl Touch Pro Duo" blocks are responsible for climate, car settings, seat settings and other general menu controls, but it's quite prone to glare, has a steep angle (so hard to see at a glance), and it can be distracting trying to make changes to things on the go: I really recommend that you stop the car to make sure you're hitting the right button - which isn't possible in all situations.

I have been against touch screens for climate control for a long time, and this particular version is one of the most difficult to understand. I'm sure you'll get used to the technique, but after a week of driving this car, I'm still not as comfortable with it as I thought.

The same can be said for the upper multimedia screen, which is easier to get used to than the lower one, although I still use Apple CarPlay by default because it's more convenient for me.

Another thing you need to know is that this car has a powerful sound system and it doesn't disappoint, though it outweighs the excellent exhaust and engine sound... 

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

This is an expensive car.

Erase it. I would even say that it is incredibly expensive. 

The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic model has a list price of $346,170 before travel expenses. 

There are many options, and our car had several: an active rear locking differential ($1170), 22-inch wheels (instead of the standard 21s - $2550), a sliding panoramic roof (instead of the fixed panoramic roof, which is standard - $840), and Signature Entertainment Pack ($130 - Includes CD/DVD player, 10-inch rear seat entertainment screens, and power outlets). This resulted in a tested price of $350,860 before travel expenses. Ouch.

There are many options including these 22 inch wheels.

There is an extensive list of standard equipment for this class. It comes with a standard fixed panoramic roof, four-zone climate control, customizable interior lighting, heated leather steering wheel with power adjustment and memory, 24-way heating and cooling, Hot-Stone massage front seats with memory settings, Executive Comfort rear seats -Plus with electric adjustment and massage, quilted perforated Semi-Aniline leather trim, privacy glass, floor mats, heated windshield, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, keyless entry and push-button start.

This class also features "steel-weave carbon fiber trim", dual-bladed sun visors, knurled pedals, cooled front center console compartment, perforated leather headlining, Land Rover branded red brake calipers, digital TV reception and a surround camera system. review.

Plus, when it comes to media and controls, there's Land Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo (two 2-inch screens), Wi-Fi hotspot, Meridian proprietary audio system with 10.0 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for the phone and audio, as well as 28 front and 2 rear USB ports. 

Red leather is included as standard.

So yes, you get a lot of things for your money and it does feel like a very luxurious place. And red skin is also standard.

But there are competing models from German brands that cost half as much (based on list prices) that are just as plush, and some are even better equipped. However, these rivals are not Range Rover and that might be enough to get you over the line.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The more the better, this is one of the last bastions of brilliance.

That's because the SVAutobiography Dynamic model's engine is a true supercharged hero.

It is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 petrol engine with 416 kW (at 6000-6500 rpm) and 700 Nm (at 3500-5000 rpm). It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case for high (4H) and low range (4L).

The more the better, this is one of the last bastions of brilliance.

Now, if you're interested in engine specs, you probably know that the BMW X5 M or X6 M has a smaller 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with up to 460kW/750Nm and weighs a few hundred pounds less than the Rangie. 

Same story with the currently unavailable in Australia Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48-volt hybrid standby, 450 kW/850 Nm) and the Audi RS Q8 (mild-hybrid 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine). ). V8, 441 kW/800 Nm).

But can you compete with the sound of a more powerful supercharged V8? As far as we can see, no. It's such a symphony!

The towing force is 750 kg for a trailer without brakes and 3500 kg for a trailer with brakes. Curb weight for this class is 2591 kg, Gross Vehicle Weight (GVM) 3160 kg and Gross Train Weight (GCM) 6660 kg. 

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

So, without the additional claimed efficiency boost of the hybrid setup or any turbocharging, this section is a bit harder to read.

Claimed fuel consumption is 12.8 liters per 100 kilometers, and I saw 13.5 liters per 100 kilometers during quiet highway driving in pouring rain and an occasional right leg sprain during my week with the car.

When the pavement was dry and winding sections of road beckoned me to take the test, the displayed fuel consumption figure was significantly higher (think older teenagers if you're ahead).

But hey, a few hedonistic millionaires have told me that if you can afford a nice car, fuel consumption doesn't really matter. And you don't have to go to the gas station very often, since the fuel tank capacity is 104 liters - which is equivalent to about 600 km of pleasant driving.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

I've said this before in JLR product reviews, but I totally understand why you're spending more money to get the supercharged V8 soundtrack on offer here. It's addictive.

The howl from under the hood, combined with the hoarse hum of the exhaust pipe, is so inspiring that it makes you forget about the rules of the road. 

It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, and yes, it's not as mind-blowing as some of its twin-turbo competitors, there's a chance you can enjoy an extra second or so to reach highway speed. because of the auditory experience you get while it's happening.

It is supremely quiet, very comfortable and undemanding to drive. 

With quieter driving, it still remains powerful. The engine picks up speed without you noticing, and the transmission shifts gears very smoothly. In fact, you barely feel the eight-speed automatic unless you put it in the "S" position or take control with the paddles on the steering wheel.

The adaptive air suspension provides an exceptionally comfortable ride at speed on the open road, and only when hitting a sharp edge will you feel the road surface beneath you. If you've ever heard of the term "floating", it probably had something to do with the driving performance of the Range Rover. It's really very nice.

I mean, you can still feel the weight of this thing, but it doesn't feel as oversized as its 2591kg tare weight suggests. The air suspension adapts to minimize body roll, and it enters corners more efficiently than you might think.

With quieter driving, it still remains powerful.

It's not point and shoot from weapons in turns, no. But that's not really what this model is all about, despite the fact that the steering is well-weighted and provides a reasonable feel in the driver's hands. It's not a BMW M, Merc AMG, or Audi RS, but it doesn't try to be, and that's perfectly fine.

However, it is eminently quiet, very comfortable and undemanding to drive. 

There was no off-road review part in this test. I dared not take a modern off-road mortgage. But if you want to get off-road, the entire Range Rover range boasts 900mm wading capability, a 25.3-degree approach angle, a 21.0-degree swivel angle, a 22.2-degree departure angle, and 212mm of ground clearance (depending on air suspension setting).

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / 100,000 km


guarantee

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The Range Rover lineup passed the ANCAP crash test when it was first introduced in its current form back in 2013. A lot has changed over the years, but this model has remained in line with standards and expectations. when it comes to modern security equipment.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic model tested here features, as you would expect, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) at high and low speeds, as well as Lane Keeping Assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind spot monitoring , rear cross function. - traffic alert, "Clear Exit Monitor" (which can alert you if you're about to open the door to oncoming traffic), traffic sign recognition, adaptive speed limiter, driver fatigue monitoring, plus a 360-degree surround view camera and rear camera system view with front and rear parking sensors. 

There are six airbags (dual front, front side, full-length curtain) and the rear seat has two ISOFIX child seat attachment points and three top tether points. There is also a system for detecting passengers in the back seat. 

Some newer, more high-tech competitors offer a bit more safety specs like rear AEB, front cross-traffic alert, but it's still decently listed.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

There is no fixed price service plan because - guess what - you don't have to pay for service if you buy a full size Range Rover model, regardless of specification.

That's right, the cost of maintenance is borne by the company during the first five years / 130,000 12 km of run. And roadside assistance coverage is included for the same period. Surprisingly, service intervals for this engine are set at 23,000 months/XNUMX km.

There is no set price maintenance plan for this Range Rover.

However, while Land Rover offers a longer warranty on select models, it still offers a three-year, 100,000 km warranty as its regular level of coverage. 

That's less than Genesis or Mercedes (both now five years/unlimited kilometers), not to mention Lexus (four years/100,000 km), but close to Audi and BMW (three years/unlimited kilometers). 

Buyers can extend their warranty plan if they wish. Bargain with the dealer - I think you could get it for nix.

Verdict

I understand why you buy a Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic and not some of its competitors. In fact, you probably haven't even considered the competition. I understand. It's amazing.

It handles well, is very luxurious and has excellent performance. It's expensive, yes, but if money doesn't matter... just buy it.