2017 Range Rover family set to receive 405kW performance flagship

Range Rover is introducing a new top-spec model to its Australian line-up, in for the form of an all-new model from Special Vehicle Operations (SVO).

The SVAutobiography Dynamic will be powered by a 405kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that will take the hulking luxury SUV from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 secs.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic’s exterior mostly reflects its athletic credentials, with a choice of 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels and big red Brembo brakes, while the bonnet finisher, grille, front bumper accents, tailgate finisher and Range Rover script all finished in Graphite Atlas.

A set of bright chrome quad tailpipes also cap off an exhaust system that’s been optimised to enhance its distinctive V8 note. Underneath, revisions to the suspension links and other hardware see an 8mm reduction in ride height, crisper steering response and greater roll resistance.

Interior luxury includes diamond quilted leather seats with contrast stitching, leather roof lining and black veneer front fascia and door casings.

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The SVAutobiography Dynamic will be priced from $316,000 plus on-road costs.

It is expected to be on Australian shores from the start of next year along with the rest of the MY17 Range Rover range, which comes with new technology options.

There’s a new 10-inch dual-view colour touchscreen for the 2017 Range Rover’s infotainment suite that promises tablet-style responsiveness and controllability, but the real party trick is Advanced Tow Assist, which, if you’ve ever looked like a goose trying to back in a trailer, appears an absolute godsend.

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It uses the external cameras to help drivers guide their trailer, boat or horse float, and can even automatically steer the vehicle to follow a path selected by the driver using the touchscreen control dial (rotary shift controller) on the centre console. It also alerts the driver if they are approaching a jack-knife situation.

Other cool kit includes a self-learning sat nav system that recognises frequently-driven routes (such as your morning commute to work) and can recommend alternative routes that might get you to your destination faster. Backseat passengers can also suggest navigation destinations to the driver via their seatback-mounted rear entertainment screens – though the driver is always free to reject them.

New off-road tech includes Low Traction Launch, which is manually selected to reduce wheelspin when accelerating on slippery surfaces. This limits torque applied to the wheels until the vehicle reaches 30km/h.

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An all-terrain info centre also relays useful information of the vehicle's status through the infotainment display. Rear park assist, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking will also be available across the range

Optional safety tech packs include blind sport warning, reverse traffic detection and a further Drive Pro pack with adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist and intelligent emergency braking.

The MY17 Range Rover range starts at $183,300