New long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography Black revealed

Land Rover is extending the appeal of the Range Rover with its first long wheelbase (LWB) version in 20 years, with a range-topping Autobiography Black version available later in 2014.

The Autobiography Black makes its debut at the Dubai motor show on 5th November, while the regular long-wheelbase Range Rover will first appear at the LA Auto Show on 20th November and in Guangzhou, China on the 21st.

Naturally the new 5.2-metre Range Rover presents a more spacious environment for its passengers, with an extra 140mm of knee room for rear seat occupants – the second row executive style seats can recline to 17 degrees, a full eight degrees more than the nine degrees currently offered on the standard wheelbase model.

The new model competes against traditional long wheelbase saloons offered by Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, which up until now have dominated the limousine market. It’s the first time Land Rover has offered a long wheelbase model since the Range Rover LSE which ran from 1992 to 1994.

In addition, the Range Rover Autobiography Black will offer a level of First class luxury never seen before in a Land Rover.

Designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Engineered To Order’ (ETO) division, the Autobiography Black features a unique finish to the front grille and side vents along with distinguishable badging in black enamel and chrome. Signature rear lights and auxiliary vents at the front further distinguish it from other Range Rovers, as does a chrome accent finish to the rear tailgate.

Two new 7-spoke wheel designs will be available in 21-inch and a 22-inch sizes, the latter with a high gloss polished finish. This will be available from spring 2014.

Three exclusive colour combinations will be available from launch; Ebony/Lunar, Espresso/Tan and Dark Cherry/Ivory, the latter including a unique duo-tone seat. These will be followed by Lunar/Cirrus in spring 2014, when a unique Poltrona Frau seat design in Navy/Ivory also becomes available.

The sumptuous leather seating is complemented with a massage function and bolsters with 18-way seat adjustability for the driver and front passenger.

The usual luxury features abound inside including electrically deployable tables covered in black leather, large 10.2 inch rear screens, solar-attenuating privacy glass and a drinks chiller. LED Mood lighting illuminates the entire rear console, door handles and stowage compartments, which can be configures from a choice of 10 colours. Footwell lighting can also be adjusted to ambient rather than plain white.

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Customers will have two engines to choose from; the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol or 4.4-litre V8 diesel – while Range Rover’s class leading permanent all-wheel drive system maintains the model’s versatility as both a go-anywhere SUV and a limousine.

All long-wheelbase Range Rovers are equipped with powered side door blinds and a panoramic sunroof as standard, while a distinctive ‘L’ badge is mounted just behind each front wheel.

Customer deliveries for the long-wheelbase Autobiography model will begin in March 2014, with the Autobiography Black following in August 2014. A Hybrid derivative will also become available later in 2014.

Prices have yet to be announced, but expect the Autobiography Black version to begin at around £140,000.