Exclusivity was the name of the game as Land Rover targeted the super-rich in Los Angeles in two ways. Land Rover introduced the first Long-Wheelbase (LWB) Range Rover in 20 years and the ultra-exclusive Range Rover LWB Autobiography Black.
Buyers can have a LWB model in either Supercharged or Autobiography trim. US-bound vehicles will only be offered with the longer wheelbase. If you’re one of the many who’d be interested in, but among the few who can afford one, get in line and wish for luck.
Dubbed the “new ultra-luxury flagship,” only 100 examples are heading to the US. Dealers will be allocated one unit each with high performers getting an additional vehicle to sell. Simply put, this “Engineered To Order” Range Rover is the most exclusive model the brand’s released.
At first glance, not much differentiates this model from other versions except for the extra long rear doors. Key elements of the SUV’s classic lines – front and rear fascias – remain intact.
Engineers added 7.3 inches of rear seat legroom to the already luxurious Range Rover. An ‘L’ badge is mounted into the exterior accents behind the front wheel arches on LWB models. “Autobiography” badging is subtle and understated, located only on the vehicle’s kick plates, seats, and tailgate.
So what do you get if you’re lucky enough to obtain an Autobiography Black? In a single word: opulence. Rear seat passengers are greeted with seats comfortable enough to happily let someone else handle the driving. With massage-equipped back seats coupled with power calf rests and the ability to recline up to 17 degrees, thinking of a more comfortable place to be is difficult.
Additional features include electrically deployable leather-wrapped tray tables, dual 10.2-inch rear entertainment screens, a chiller compartment, standard power side door blinds, and a panoramic sunroof. Owning this, there’d almost be no reason to go to the office again – it’s certainly more comfortable.
If there were a vehicle for the one-percenters in America, this would be on the short list. It surprised me this was introduced in LA and not in Beijing or Shanghai. Affluent Chinese are notorious for preferring extra rear legroom because they’re being chauffeured, not driving themselves. No question, this will be a hit there.
This limited edition Autobiography Black hits dealerships in March 2014 with a starting price of $185,000, a steep increase from the $84,195 point of entry for the standard Range Rover, and even the LWB Autobiography priced at $142,995. To get yours in Valloire White as shown above will bump the price to $199,500.
