Story Telling: Driving the 2023 Range Rover Autobiography P530

Photography done by Simon Luckhoff

Ever wondered what it would be like living like the 0.0004% of the population? Those that can afford a R3.5 million luxury SUV? If so, strap yourself in as we jump into the new Range Rover Autobiography and experience why it's the 'OG' of luxury SUVs way before they were even called SUVs and what makes them so special that even the Queen and her Corgis chose them…our model for the week, the 2023 Range Rover Autobiography P530.

"Opulence reimagined" is something that comes to mind. Some time back (in 2021), I had written in my Friday opinion piece with Cars.co.za about the Range Rover's response to the shift in the market following the traction that Bentley and Rolls Royce had with their Bentayga and Cullinan. Today I'm finding out what it feels like first-hand what that response was, and despite me not having tested either of the other two, I can't imagine anything to be better than this. The build quality is typically expected but still surprises you, the ride experience is so smooth, and the creature comforts; well…they make for an environment you can relax in and don't want to leave, especially when comparing it to a shitty Air BNB we had visited as part of the story. (More on that in part two of this feature Titled: "Luxury SUVs and shitty Air BNB's"). Yes, that is a thing.

But first…How does it drive? The drive quality

With this being a Land Rover underneath, don’t let the stylish façade fool you into thinking this is a city-slicking prissy doll. With this being Range Rover, you’re getting 40 years of air suspension development cushioning your every bump, rift and dip together with the uni-body frame that will make every off-road adventure feel more like a cruise down a newly paved highway. Toggle between the different driving modes, and you’ll notice the car engaging differential locks both front and rear, unnoticeably. It is that easy.

There is, however, a point of discussion concerning the enormous 23-inch wheel and tyre choice versus going for a small wheel and a higher profile/more rugged off-roading tyre, depending on your driving routes and requirements. But I’ll cut it short for you. If you were a trust fund benefactor to a castle high up in the hills that suffers from floods often, you’d fall into the latter category, but for everything else, the 23-inch option will suffice. In my experience of testing some moderately rated 4x4 terrain, they worked fine. Also, they’ll make you feel like a bond villain with this level of “badassery”.

There is, however, a point to make on fuel economy in that this car is not frugal. We were lucky if we could manage around 16l/100km with a varied span of driving from a 55km daily commute around local highways to national and gravel roads.

With the sheer size of the car, those who suffer from some degree of anxiety may find the size of the vehicle, when threading any back streets, somewhat triggering. Still, you quickly get used to the process and the myriad of cameras which, as the best quality you’ll find, help. The rear-wheel drive steering is an absolute heaven-sent feature that turns an otherwise large turning circle for a car of this size into something much tighter. I still, however, take a deep breath when entering a shopping mall parking entrance and hope for the best.

The Autobiography is powered by a 4.4l turbo charged V8 BMW/JLR initiative, code name and sticking to the bond theme ‘N63’ for the anoraks…the same motor, but somewhat detuned, found in the BMW M5 competition. It’s a mincy unit and well disguised beneath the bonnet of the Autobiography but at any point when needed, a healthy push on the accelerator pedal, and you’ll move between spaces with little fuss. Plus, leaning on the architecture of BMW, you’re getting a reliable unit here. As to the question of whether to consider the diesel option or a hybrid choices, JLR have as other options; it just feels wrong to have anything other than the V8 (Sorry, Greenpeace).

The Range Rover experience and what the interior feels like…

Special mention is made to the overall experience of the Range Rover. Both for the driver and any passenger that jumps aboard. It’s the business class of any commute sans any hostess service (That could be arranged).

For the driver, the pivy pro system (Same as the Jaguar Ipace) is quite the benchmark of connected infotainment systems. Range Rover has nailed the execution of simplifying the complexity behind vehicle systems by making everything simple and easy to access without compromising sophistication. The blend of perfectly weighted dials and digital clusters shows that Jaguar Land Rover knows what the market wants instead of shoving an all-digital cockpit down the consumer’s throat. A solid slow clap here.

Beyond the standard brilliant basics, there are luxury and creature comforts redefined. Seat Coolers that double as heaters, an air purifying system, and a fridge in the centre console. The massage function (namaste) in the seat might seem like a gimmick, but it takes the edge off the day en route home. A welcomed feature in the rain with the ceiling blinds completely opened and letting the rain provide a further relaxing ASMR-esque experience. Another party trick you don’t hear about (excuse the pun) is the active noise cancellation system through the Meridian Signature Sound System, which cancels out road, tyre and drive train noise through concealed speakers in the headrests. Fancy ne?

For the rear seat occupants, there’s an equal amount of luxury. Think of it as the uber Black experience for A-type celebrities. The motorised centre console holds a control panel for the rear cabin to adjust your rooftop roller blind, privacy curtains, and climate and a feature to jettison some fancy cupholders. Lastly, you can adjust your seats to a more reclined position without caring for any rear occupants (Plebs). Range Rover does offer this car with a 7-seater option in the long-wheelbase option, too, if you want that choice, but on the test, we had the short-wheel drive version.

The competition?

For most of the lifespan of the Range Rover, the recipe has remained the same and being the early market entrant to the luxury SUV game has continued to pay dividends to the brand. This segment has seen many join in the last two decades, and some have fallen away. The discontinuation of the BMW X7 comes to mind. The Bentley Bentayga and Aston Martin DBX (DBX707 +- R5mill) are the main remaining competitors who are considerably higher priced. I can’t just imagine a better all-round performer than the Range Rover, so until I get my hands on the others, you’ll know my choice.

In summary

How best to sum it all up. Well, “an experience” is the most succinct way to put it but it would be a cheat to end there. My week with the Range Rover Autobiography has left me with the feeling that this is a well curated packaged from start to finish. A lot of consideration has been put into this product. The biggest gripe may be the higher fuel consumption figures experienced but if you’re buying a car like this, fuel concerns rank at the very bottom, if anywhere at all. Range Rover have since, what feels like the dawn of time, continued to enjoy a large chunk of this market and under the current stewardship of the brand, will continue to drive that. With a product like this, it’s no surprise why. It’s hard to imagine anything better than this but knowing JLR, they’ll no doubt improve on it. That’s for sure.

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