Land Rover Range Rover L

Have you ever noticed how often Range Rover is compared to high-class sedans? The fact of being more refined than probably any other SUV helps, but the main reason is that Land Rover’s flagship car presents a classic demonstration of luxury. While most competitors have bowed to the public’s new preferences, the English SUV sailed through four decades only improving its original concept – just like a Rolls-Royce, for instance. So since that comparison became so common, why wouldn’t Land Rover start taking some advantage of it?

Considering that this car offers as much comfort, internal space, performance, safety and technology as any full-size sedan, it isn’t crazy to take a Range Rover instead of vehicles like Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class or Jaguar XJ, to give some examples. Actually, the British SUV could be considered even better, because it combines all their qualities to huge off-road capabilities. This is probably why Land Rover decided to invest on a market niche that until now was taken only by sedans and customized cars: the limousines. Not with a sedan variation (phew!) nor with some sort of tune-up, but with a typical wheelbase stretch. Just like what has generated A8 L, S-Class L and XJL, besides many others.

Limousines became so special over the latest decades because they’re supposed to enhance the concept of high-luxury automobiles. Their most important external change is the length stretching, which is performed as much discreetly as possible in stock cars in order to avoid taking too much attention at the streets – which turns to be the exact opposite of what customized limousines seek, on the other hand. Nevertheless, both kinds converge to offer much higher levels of comfort and luxury than their common versions, whether through increased space or exclusive items like beverage cabinets or panoramic sunroof. Since they’re projected exclusively to take their owners at the back seat, it’s possible to pamper them more than in any other kinds of car.

Getting back to Range Rover, besides the original increase brought by the generation change, now it’s possible to get additional 140 mm for legroom. It can be filled with a three-seater rear bench or two individual chairs which can be reclined by up to 17 degrees, eight more than at the short-wheelbase version. The latter option also brings a control panel with exclusive armrest, air outlets and a button set to control air-conditioner, seats and operate both the powered sun blinds and the panoramic glass roof, the latter two coming as standard. Besides, the stretched SUV brings high-luxury materials for dashboard and door panels’ coating and seats’ upholstery.

However, the stretched Range Rover went further than the equivalent sedans and will be offered at a whole new trim level. Autobiography Black will be placed above the original top variation, and expected to cost £140,000 in United Kingdom. This version includes equipments like 10” high-resolution screens for the rear seats, multi-zone climate control, extra USB ports and 22” alloy wheels – it’s expected to be offered at some of the other existing trims, too. The official debut will be made at the upcoming Dubai Auto Show, and after that the vehicle will hit the streets around next March. The powertrain options should follow the short-wheelbase’s list.