Sportier Range Rover variant from SVO

There was a gaping niche in the Range Rover line-up in Australia – a vacuum left by the lack of a sportier Range Rover variant with plenty of luxury features and priced in the low $300,000 bracket.

That gap has now been filled by the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, priced at $316,000.

"The Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic has been specially developed by the Special Vehicle Operations team to deliver a more engaging driving experience," JLR SVO director, Mark Stanton explained.

"It delivers the ultimate combination of performance and Range Rover luxury, befitting its unique position in the portfolio."

Built on the standard-wheelbase chassis, the Dynamic variant is yet another product of Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, as the SVAutobiography label indicates. The Dynamic variant is a little more agile, as a consequence of subtle changes to the suspension – changes that JLR claims have had little effect on the Range Rover's ride quality.

Riding 8mm lower than other Range Rover variants, the Dynamic model has revised knuckles, links, springs and dampers. New driving modes – Dynamic Response and Adaptive Dynamics – heighten the vehicle's cornering ability, with the latter reacting specifically to driver input. Land Rover claims Adaptive Dynamics mode reassesses driver input and the feedback from the road 500 times a second.

The supercharged V8, which pumps out 405kW and 680Nm, drives through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to the four wheels. This drivetrain can propel the Dynamic model to 100km/h from a standing start in 5.4 seconds.

Features bundled up in the Dynamic model include Advanced Tow Assist, which facilitates easier reversing when a trailer is attached. Selectable through the Terrain Response 2 controller, the system automatically steers the vehicle and trailer to the point chosen by the driver.

Operable through the infotainment touch screen (in a secondary display mode, All-Terrain Info Centre), Low Traction Launch reduces the likelihood of wheelspin on low-friction surfaces such as wet grass or snow. The system prompts the driver whenever the Terrain Response mode is set to 'Grass/Gravel/Snow' and maintains traction up to a speed of 30km/h.

Other features available in the optional Drive Pack comprise Reverse Traffic Detection, Driver Condition Monitor – to assess the driver's level of fatigue on the move – and Blind Spot Assist, which overrides the driver if the system detects a dangerous lane change. The driving aid steers the vehicle back into the original lane if required. A Drive Pro Pack is based on the Drive Pack option, adding Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for the Dynamic model in addition to those listed include Rear Park Distance Control, Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Numbered among the comfort and convenience features is a 10-inch dual-view infotainment touch screen (InControl Touch Pro) with pinch and zoom functionality.

It's not as if the Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic will be easily missed in a car park, but a new smartphone app will help owners find their way to the car – in what Land Rover calls 'door-to-door routing'. The app directs you to the car, where the rest of the journey is transferred from the smartphone to the car's built-in connected navigation system. Once the vehicle is as close as it can get to the destination, the system transfers back to the phone for the final leg of the journey, on foot.

A commute mode learns frequently-used routes and redirects the driver based on live traffic data updates. Rear-seat passengers can monitor the navigation screen and offer alternative routes the driver is free to accept or reject.

SVO's interior designers have been let loose to trim the Dynamic model in diamond-quilted leather – in a choice of four colours with contrast stitching – and an ebony leather headlining, all complemented by Grand Black veneer for dash and doors, plus a red 'keyline' finish on the doors. The shift paddles are presented in a red anodised finish and the rotary transmission shifter, engine-start button and pedals feature a knurled-pattern look.

Distinguishing visual features of the Dynamic model are Graphite Atlas finish for the side vents, bonnet garnish, grille, front bumper accents, Range Rover legend and tailgate garnish. Red callipers (Brembo brakes) are visible between the spokes of the alloy wheels, which are either 21 or 22-inch diameter, according to buyer preference. The quad tailpipes are chromed and the exhaust has been "optimised to enhance" the V8 engine note, Land Rover says. Buyers can select their Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic in any one of up to 19 exterior colours.

"Range Rover has been the world's leading luxury SUV since its debut more than 46 years ago," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer.

"Design is fundamental to this vehicle and the latest refinements reinforce its status as the ultimate luxury SUV. By offering our customers more choice, more technology and more power we ensure Range Rover remains in a class of its own."