THE RANGE ROVER ONE JOURNALIST HAS TO HAVE

When CarExpert’s Anthony Crawford first caught a glance of the latest and greatest version of the Range Rover Velar, the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, he was once again captivated by the Velar’s game-changing design. While this limited run Range Rover with a special pedigree promised a lot, with a look “fresh out of the design studio”, did it have the substance to back up its head-turning appearance?

Crawford says any reservations he might have had about the Velar were quashed by the SVA, developed by the renowned Special Vehicle Operations team at Jaguar Land Rover. With a challenge to provide a significant lift in performance and handling without compromising composure, off-road ability and the refinement expected of a Range Rover, he was about to discover just how successful the team had been in achieving their goal

The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 pulls no punches, getting the SVA from 0-100km in 4.5 seconds, through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels. Crawford says the moment you hit the starter button “you will be very aware you’re in for something special. It sounds war-like with its initial bark-to-life routine”. When driving, he says even if you’re relatively light on the throttle, there’s still a delicious V8 growl to the engine.

Crawford views the balance of power and handling as being dialled in just right, with everything honed to deliver more excitement. Switch to Dynamic mode and “you’re ready to assault your favourite roads. The chassis stiffens up and roll is reduced to a minimum. What’s more, it feels solid and very dependable with good feedback through the steering wheel.” He notes ride comfort is good in either drive mode, and overall the SVA gets full marks for delivering a refined and impressive ride.

Inside the cabin the SVA does not disappoint. Crawford is wowed by the beautifully-upholstered 20-way sports seats, hand crafted with a quilted finish. The lack of cheap plastics up front also gets a big tick, with the SVA instead featuring “hide, deep piano black, or some of the most exquisite carbon-fibre weave I’ve yet to see in [almost] any car”. The steering wheel, trimmed in perforated leather “looks like it’s straight out of a Hermes shop”.

Equally impressive is the giant instrument display, for both its clarity and colour as well as customisation and functionality. Crawford appreciates that the creature comforts are “laid on thick”, including a superb Meridian surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. Massage front seats, heated rear seats, and “automatic everything” round out a truly comprehensive luxury offering.

Crawford wasn’t expecting to be blown away by a performance model, even if it came out of Special Vehicle Operations. But there really isn’t a better recommendation when a motoring journalist declares he may not be able to live without a vehicle “thanks to its standout looks, luxury fit-out, and performance makeover that should satisfy anyone who likes the sound of a supercharged V8 and the way it pulls this thing out of corners”.

Discover more about the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and further explore the features that earned it such a glowing review.