Range Rover Autobiography Gives Off a Stealth Rolls Vibe Until You Take a Seat in the Back: Review | Carscoops

      Opulent, powerful, and sophisticated, yet limited rear-seat room and exorbitant pricing may give taller buyers pause.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Striking design, upscale features, outstanding driving experience CONS ›› High cost, tight rear seating, some inferior materials

      Vehicles that exude confidence without demanding the spotlight have a certain allure, and the Range Rover has consistently excelled in this aspect. In its Autobiography trim, it offers an encounter that rivals the Rolls-Royce Cullinan but does so with a more understated elegance. While the Cullinan showcases its status, the Range Rover embodies subtle confidence. It resembles Tudor watches to Rolls-Royce’s Rolex—equally sophisticated and precise, but less ostentatious.

      In this regard, similar to Tudor timepieces, the Range Rover appeals to a specific clientele. With a starting price of an astonishing $110,100, it's a luxury vehicle for those who could afford a Rolls but prefer a more discreet option.

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      Our test vehicle was a 2025 Autobiography trim with a standard wheelbase and a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Add 23-inch wheels, an extravagant gold finish, and several other features, and the total comes to an impressive $174,705. Indeed, this somewhat inconspicuous Land Rover costs as much as the average home in Mississippi.

      This pricing may raise questions about its rivalry with models like the Lamborghini Urus or Aston Martin DBX. However, it isn’t intended to compete with those. It's more in line with the Bentley Bentayga or the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which is already noteworthy since these luxury SUVs generally have higher price tags.

      Quick Facts

      So how does the Range Rover truly measure up? Is it merely a polished pretender or a disappointing option? To uncover this, we put it to the test throughout central Arkansas, navigating the city and trails, packed with passengers and belongings, and occasionally just with myself in the cabin.

      If this SUV is on your radar, you'll want to see what we discovered, as this luxury vehicle is filled with high-end features, smart technology, and power, yet presents some trade-offs worth contemplating before committing to a $174,000 investment.

      Bold Design

      A single glance at the Land Rover Range Rover reveals that the current model, identified as the L460, marks a significant shift. Previously, these SUVs emphasized luxury alongside off-road capabilities but maintained a more balanced design. The latest version aims to attract buyers aiming for even higher-end options, with luxury being the focal point, reflected in its somewhat monolithic exterior styling.

      It almost resembles a refined Tesla CyberSUV. Departing from sweeping curves, this vehicle embraces smooth lines that blend seamlessly from one exterior element to the next—from the aerodynamic headlights to the fang-like taillights. The only noticeable feature stands out is the Range Rover badge adorning the rear hatch.

      Moreover, a closer inspection of this specific color reveals a hue named Batumi Gold, inspired by the sunsets in a Georgian coastal town. This rich, deep shade is elegantly contrasted by numerous black accents, heavily tinted windows, and subtle highlights on the fenders, giving the SUV a luxurious aura.

      Interior Dilemmas

      Strap in because the cabin of the Range Rover presents a range of experiences, especially with a thorough discussion of the rear seat. To start, let's focus on the front seats, where most occupants will spend their time. Much like the exterior, the interior exudes opulence. The dashboard is streamlined and boxy.

      The center console mirrors this boxy appearance, but the Range Rover subverts that look in the tactile components. The seats are rounded, reminiscent of upscale recliners, offering generous cushioning along with various adjustments. They provide heating, cooling, and even a massage function, catering to nearly every comfort preference.

      The overall layout is attractive and intuitive. While the infotainment display might seem small by modern standards, it’s direct and easy to navigate. We've noted in previous Range Rover reviews how surprisingly efficient it is. Each front passenger enjoys quick access to their climate control, audio settings, and more. Out of all systems available, this one remains notably underrated.

      Additional thoughtful features include dual glove compartments, a premium Meridian sound system, a cooler in the center console, advanced driver-assist technology, and an auto lock/unlock system that performs seamlessly as you approach or depart from the vehicle. Unfortunately, there are also several downsides.

      Primarily, the abundance of piano black plastic in the cabin starkly contrasts the luxury vibe. Furthermore, the steering wheel, aside from its genuine wood rim, is adorned with the same cheap-feeling plastic—especially disappointing after experiencing the Defender's solid metal wheel.

      If there was a clear connection between the Range Rover and off-road readiness, that steering wheel could have solidified it. Additional frustrations surface as