The SV is the priciest Range Rover money can buy, with a startling starting price of $259,900. The P530 First Edition was one of the most capable and opulent SUVs we have ever driven when we reviewed it earlier this year. But that only cost $182,000 to buy. In that case, how could the Range Rover SV surpass it?
The SV, formerly known as the SVAutobiography, is the pinnacle of British engineering, though on paper, the improvements and changes made to the standard model might appear minor. You wouldn't believe it, but there are 1.6 million possible configurations for the SV, which comes in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. The front is adorned with a cleaner fascia and a more streamlined grill, and the side's contrasting fender blade is covered by a laser-etched SV badge. This fifth-generation Range Rover didn't require much of a facelift to begin with, despite the fact that the rear is unchanged. It is big, imposing, and painted in white with bronze accents. It absolutely oozes road presence, and visually, it stays true to the brand's tough DNA.
However, the interior justifies the exorbitant cost. No expense was spared, and Land Rover did not cut corners. the key fob, as an example. You want every aspect of a car that costs this much to feel special and exclusive. The same switchgear would not be desired for owners' upcoming Hertz rentals. To let friends know that this isn't just a regular Range, the back of the key has a large white SV logo, similar to how Audis do with their RS models. And if the SV badge looks familiar, that was the final straw for us when we pulled up directly behind a Nissan Rogue.. SV a week later.
They have also exercised restraint. Like a BMW M car, Land Rover didn't bother to slap SV badges all over the exposed surfaces. With the exception of the door sill plate and start-up graphics, there are none inside the cabin. Only the ceramic white SV badge on the trunk lid, which blends into the white paint, the puddle lights, the VIN plate, and the side fender decals are equipped with the SV badge. It's sort of an IYKYK situation.
Instead, the leather covering nearly every interior surface, including the entire headliner, is where the SV demonstrates its superior quality. The SV uses near-aniline leather, which is even softer, creamier, more expensive, but marginally less durable than semi-aniline leather, which is one of the industry's top choices for its soft and buttery textures. It smells like you've just walked into a high-end Italian shoe store, the craftsmanship is flawless, you can see all the tiny micropores, and it wouldn't look out of place on a Hermès Birkin. Although we're afraid to find out how many cows were used to make this SV, the curb weight of more than 2,600 kg provides us with some information. Not to mention the wood veneer panels' flawless finish. The number of trees? It's best not to ask
We are impressed by how well it has been executed because the front and back seats are also different colors of leather, being brown and white, respectively. Even though it doesn't feel all that special when prodded, it's nice to have something less ostentatious than carbon fiber or Alcantara. Depending on the specification chosen, the SV also adds exclusive white ceramic finishes to the armrest knobs, dial surrounds, and gear shifter. Anodized metal, woven mesh, and natural wood with metal inlays are additional options.
While the front cabin is a top-notch, first-class piece of equipment, the long wheelbase's rear seats will make you reconsider boarding an Emirates A380 for a short flight, especially if the SV Signature Suite option ($25,900) is selected. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 feels like it's in a cramped World War 2 bunker, and a Lincoln Navigator looks cheap and chintzy next to the four leather-clad walls that surround it. The individually sculpted seats are so comfortable that they make you want to fall asleep. The headrests can be adjusted in more ways than we can count, and they provide more neck support than any other luxury competitor, including the BMW i7 and Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Similar to a business class pod on a Boeing 777, the rear passenger side seat can be folded into a nearly flat position with its own footrest. Although not as impressive as the enormous widescreen in the BMW i7, the two 13.1-inch screens are the biggest ever installed on a Range Rover. They are roughly the size of a standard-sized MacBook for comparison. Nevertheless, they are perfect for a relaxing Netflix session.
The middle seat is removed from the SV Signature Suite in favor of a fixed center console with a touchscreen that can be used to operate all the amenities and features, including the sunblinds, electronically-stowed cupholders, and the cooler box compartment between the seat shoulders that comes equipped with its own glassware. You can summon the foldable table and turn it around by pressing the button in the menu that is further down. It's also not the kind of table you'd find in front of your airplane seat—it's sturdy and stable. This one is made of machined billet aluminum and is strong and heavy. We can confidently say that it is the most lavish and feature-rich rear cabin we have ever used.
The P530 engine in the SV continues to use a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is directly from BMW. The engine is identical to the one in a BMW X6 M60i, and it actually sounds like a BMW when accelerating and starting the engine. Put us in the dark and we would have fallen for it. Even after shutting off, the engine fans will continue to run in overdrive, just like in a BMW, to cool and protect the turbo from becoming too hot from volcanic eruptions.
The 8-speed automatic transmission in the V8 generates 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, though the upcoming 2024 model promises an upgraded P615 spec with 607 hp in its place. With this sizable land yacht, the power comes on smoothly and consistently, which is exactly what you want. You can make incredible progress without ever exceeding 5,000 rpm by simply riding the throttle and letting the gearbox take care of itself with smooth, undetectable shifts in the background. The exhaust is not overly shouty or in your face, but the way it wafts to the limiter reminds us of a Rolls-Royce twin-turbo V12. Given that we are aware of the BMW M5's V8 engine's potential, its acoustics are restrained, mature, and even grown-up or professional.
The ride quality is excellent, as expected. It floats and glides along your desired path, barely registering the smallest impacts. With plenty of suspension travel to work with, the SV skips over uneven surfaces even when equipped with 23-inch wheels. It's actually quite similar to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Body roll is minimized, and handling is as neutral and steady as the Swiss economy.
Incredible maneuverability at both low and high speeds takes away any intimidating effect of the LWB's big footprint. Directional changes and small adjustments are met with zero resistance, and the steering is amazingly light and precise. The SV can maneuver through confined spaces like an Evoque thanks to the rear-wheel steering feature, and Range Rover has tuned the steering to feel more organic and natural than even the BMW XM. You won't ever need to touch up any of that $9,700 Icy White paint once you factor in the army of cameras and displays.
For good reason, the Range Rover SV is priced for the upper echelon. Those looking for Bentleys and Rolls-Royces shouldn't be reluctant to cross-shop with one because it is so much better than the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and BMW XM in terms of ride quality and craftsmanship alone. It prioritizes pampering its occupants over flaunting them like a German peacock, making it more comfortable and usable than a G 63 AMG while also being less flashy and in your face. Every molecular fiber in the SV exudes first-class luxury, and no detail has been overlooked. The best Range Rover currently available, it also happens to be the best one we have ever driven.
- Model: 2023 Range Rover SV LWB P530
- Paint Type: Icy White in Gloss Finish
- Base Price: $259,900
- Price as Tested: $307,155
- Wheelbase(mm): 3,197
- Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,252 / 2,047 / 1,870
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8
- Horsepower: 523 hp @ 5,500 - 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 - 4,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
- Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 14.8
- Tires: 285/40R23; Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season tires