2015 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Review

When it comes to effortlessly transporting pampered humans across the varied land surfaces of planet Earth, the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography is (never mind the curious name) unequivocally the most accomplished vehicle in the world.

Consider its competencies. There is no other vehicle on the planet able to cruise the limitless German Autobahn at more than 155 mph, crawl over the slick boulders at Moab, traverse the deepest sands of the Sahara Desert, trek across the frigid Arctic Circle, and wade through meter-deep swamps in the jungles of the Congo — all while the coddled passengers in the second row sit cross-legged appreciating Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca” on a 1,700-watt sound system.

Bearing in mind its extraordinary attributes, a week around suburban Los Angeles was but a walk in the park for the British sport utility vehicle.

Today’s Range Rover is the fourth generation in a lineage of capable off-road vehicles that debuted in 1970. Those first 4×4 models were built upon a steel body-on-frame chassis, and the passenger cabins were outfitted with vinyl seats that could be washed clean with a blast from a water hose at the end of the day. Those Land Rovers were adept workhorses that helped establish the brand’s supremacy when the pavement came to an end.

Late-model Land Rovers boast all essential DNA from their rugged predecessors, but their all-aluminum monocoque chassis (with alloy body panels) and luxurious leather-lined passenger cabins elevate them to the top of the premium segment. A late-model Land Rover may still be hauling climbing gear in the Himalayas or water containers in the Sahara, but its buyer profile includes the wealthiest in the world.

Perched at the top of the Land Rover pyramid is the Range Rover, which is offered in both standard- and long-wheelbase configurations. The full-size vehicle is generously roomy either way, but those transporting heads of state, or wishing to feel like royalty, should opt for the stretched version, which offers second-row passengers an additional 7.3 inches of rear legroom and the feeling of riding in a limousine. I think it’s a must-have upgrade, though my test car rode on the standard wheelbase.

There were no tears shed, however, as the test Rover, painted in attractive Indus Silver, was fitted with the magnificent Autobiography Package, which turns second-row passengers into first class travelers with yards of semi-aniline leather covering every surface that isn’t real wood or hand-worked aluminum (even the headliner is soft Alston Suede-cloth). Passengers enjoy individual power-operated seats — front and rear — and every occupant is treated to a private zone-independent climate control. Thick acoustic-insulated side glass keep traffic and road noise outside, making it even easier to enjoy the wondrous 1,700-watt Meridian 3D audio system. The Autobiography Package is extremely pricey — add a nice round $36,000 to the vehicle’s $101,995 base price — but is so very worth it.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a big deal — physically. It is a full-size SUV, and despite an abundance of lightweight aluminum alloy in its construction, the Rover tips the scales at about 5,150 pounds. Making the mass nearly disappear from the driver’s seat is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, cranking out 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission to a permanent all-wheel-drive system that features a two-speed electronically controlled transfer case with an electronic center differential. The rear differential locks as well (a standard fitment with the Autobiography Package), ensuring that nothing short of the apocalypse will stop the Land Rover’s elegant progress across the landscape.

Credit the luxurious yet controlled ride to the adaptive fully independent air suspension with electronically enhanced dampers that offer load leveling and multiple ride heights to make easy work of a variety of driving conditions. Multi-piston aluminum calipers clamp monstrous brake rotors, which fit with room to spare within massive 21-inch alloy wheels. Land Rover puts performance-oriented 275/45-21 rubber at all four corners, but even with its very capable all-wheel-drive system, those in the Snow Belt should swap out for winter tires when temperatures plummet.

By the numbers, the big SUV launches from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and will effortlessly cruise at its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph all day long. Off-road, it has an approach angle of 34.7 degrees and a ramp angle of 28.3 degrees — high curbs and awkward driveways are hardly noticed. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds, and multiple rubber seals in the doors safeguard the Range Rover from leaks as it wades through water as deep as 35 inches.

Basic cabin ergonomics are best described as “British” — that is, requiring a bit of familiarization. But once I became acquainted with the sea of switchgear adorned with curious pictograms, the frequently used controls were easy to locate and operate. The 18-way power-operated front passenger seats are exceptionally comfortable, putting both occupants in commanding positions with an excellent view of the outside world. The exterior mirrors are generously sized, further improving visibility, but the tiny wires embedded in the front windscreen (for rapid defrosting) can dazzle the eyes when driving into the sun (I did train my brain to ignore them). Of special note: The xenon headlights are outstanding, among the industry’s best.

It takes a firm foot on the accelerator to motivate the Range Rover from a dead stop, as two-plus tons aren’t easy to break free, but speed picks up rapidly as the “analog” tachometer sweeps around its digital face. The supercharged V8 is a strong performer, providing more than enough power to hold any required speed regardless of the grade, and passing on two-lane roads is effortless. Braking is very good, with excellent feel and optimal resistance through the pedal, and the vehicle never seems to become unsettled when decelerating on uneven surfaces.

My arms had to work hard when navigating the big Rover around town, as the steering ratio is high (this is very beneficial when off-roading), but on the highway the big SUV’s tiller was as steady as a Princess cruise ship’s — miles were navigated with ease — and an eerie silence thanks to the quiet cabin. When the road started to twist, the Rover’s cornering grip and chassis dynamics were just as impressive, the combination of superb ride and tenacious road holding rare in a vehicle of this size.

Rare, too, were any annoying qualities. After a full week with the Range Rover I could find only two: First, the fuel-saving engine start/stop system is maddening, and the electronic nanny would not allow me to permanently defeat it and required manual intervention each time I started the vehicle. Second was the inability, with the Autobiography Package, to fold down the fixed second row of seats — my son’s lacrosse long pole would not fit in the rear cargo area, which is a space no larger than a full-size passenger vehicle’s trunk — removing much of the “utility” value of this full-size passenger vehicle. (Note that I’m not counting the thirsty supercharged V8 as a negative, as I believe its affluent owners own gas cards with big credit limits.)

I’m the guy who always questioned why someone would spend $140,000 on a sport utility vehicle — well, I used to be that guy.

A week with this remarkable truck changed my entire outlook on this popular segment. Jeep demonstrated that a sport-ute could be very capable off-road, and Porsche demonstrated that a sport-ute could drive like a sports car. Today’s Range Rover not only does both of those, but it proves that a SUV can also be luxurious — the opulent Autobiography Package challenges the world’s most well-appointed sedans.

Everyone who climbed inside the Range Rover was left in awe of its luscious cabin, comfortable seats, and quiet ride. As the driver, I was equally smitten by its performance, driving dynamics, and rugged capability. I was reminded of that boastful song from the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun: “Anything you can do, I can do better.” After a week of being astonished by the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography, I could almost hear the flagship sport utility humming the tune.