2020 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SUV

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography is available in a Queen-Approved trim which oozes of luxury and exploitable features. It comes in two wheelbase options; standard and long. The SWB is priced at $143,800 and LWB at $150,300.

A heavy-duty supercharged 5.0L V8 takes care of the dirty work and pumps up the behemoth for any terrain you throw at it. Speaking of features, it is fully-fledged with top of the line luxury and safety features to keep you contended.

Trims	AUTOBIOGRAPHY
MSRP(SWB)	$143,800
MSRP(LWB)	$150,300
Engine	5.0L Supercharged V8
Features	Adaptive LED Headlamps
	Rear Executive Class Seating
	Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control
	Heated Armrests
	Electronic Adaptable Air Suspension
	Low Traction Control
	Two-Speed transfer box with Electronic Center Differential
	10-inch Dual-Screen in Center console
	Meridian Signature Sound System

Which 2020 Autobiography trim should you go for?

We recommend you to go for the LWD AUTOBIOGRAPHY variant which has an extended wheelbase that adds to the comfort of occupants. For $150,300, you get a luxurious Brit which isn’t hesitant of getting its shoes dirty.

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography is powered by a 5.0L supercharged V8 which whines out peak power of 518 horses and peak torque of 461 pound-feet of torque. This power is transferred to all four wheels via an intelligent 8-Speed Automatic Transmission.

This duo has the most powerful engine in the Land Rover line-up which also makes them one of the most powerful in the Automaker’s lineup. The sweet whine of the supercharger and the V8 rumble will mesmerize even the uninterested with its glorious exhaust note and don’t worry, you will have to step out of the cabin to have a listen, as it is well insulated from the outside world.

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
MSRP	$143,800	$126,500	$147,500	$99,600
Engine	5.0L Supercharged V8	4.0L Turbo V8	4.0L Turbo V8	4.4L Turbo V8
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Horsepower	518 hp @ 6000 rpm	541 hp @ 5750 rpm	577 hp @ 6000 rpm	523 hp @6000 rpm
Torque	461 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 1960 rpm	627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	553 lb-ft @1800 rpm

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

Land Rovers have sluggish on-road performance as it has a one-sided character, unlike its counterparts which are optimized to have a balanced on an off-road experience. It has the poorest performance figures of the lot but don’t let numbers make you come to a conclusion as there is more than mere performance to look out for in a luxury off-roader.

How royally can the 2020 Range Rover Autobiography pull for 0-60?

The acceleration is not praiseworthy but it can get you from point A to B in quicker than anticipated. The 5.1 seconds 0-60 is rather slow when compared to sub 4.5 second times from its competition.

The acceleration is linear and widely spread across the rev-band which gives you the slightest feeling of being pulled forward. And that does justice to the luxury part of this off-roader. We would even forgive its sluggish acceleration for the off-roading experience it provides. 

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
0-60 MPH	5.1 s	4.1 s	4.4 s	4.5 s
Quarter mile	N/A	N/A	12.5 s	14.1 s
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	8.1	8.7	10.5	8.4

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

The Brit is the sloppiest of the lot but the supercharged setup has also helped it produce the least pollutants which are unheard of from a brawny V8 powered off-roader. All of its competition cross the 60 MPH mark in under 4.5 seconds which makes the Brit half-a-second slower. Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the quickest to 60 MPH in 4.1 seconds and the Merc G63 is quickest to cross the quarter-mile mark in 12.5 seconds.

How good are the driving dynamics?

The Ranger Rover Autobiography performs best in its natural habitat, away from the roads! Its adaptive Terrain Response System can make even the noob in you drive it with ease on any terrain. The amount of driving aids and support systems are phenomenal in this one. Imagine going for your first ever big-time baseball match and striking a home run in the first blow with no idea as to how you did it! Driving the Brit offroads will give you the same.

The air suspension adapts automatically as you make your way up that hill and the mighty V8 does a commendable job at pulling the behemoth forward. The ride is calm and composed with the adaptive four-wheel-drive setup helping out in challenging terrains.

But then again, this is a biased ride as it doesn’t give you the “WOW” factor on roads. The ride is composed and the air suspension makes sure that the bumps don’t bother you. But as all rovers, this one is also pestered by a persistent body roll which cannot be unnoticed. It is not confident in taking fast corners. The steering is also on the heavier side which makes you flex the muscles for high-speed maneuverability. But for an SUV this huge, there is impressive outward visibility and is a boon for city drives. It is a mixed bag on-road but has its priorities sorted out perfectly for the off-road!

How good are the 2020 Autobiography's brakes?

Slowing this massive car and bringing to a halt is no small talk, and the slotted disc brakes all-round do an impressive job without flexing a muscle. There is enough bite and the electronic brake fluid distribution makes the reaction times as minimal as possible. Sloppy brakes are the last thing that you want from a full-blown off-roader.

There is a considerable body roll, given the sheer mass and height of the SUV. But this can only be felt under spirited braking on-road which I believe very few owners will opt for. The added safety if automatic emergency braking makes sure of situations not going out of hand. The hill climb assist is another feature in which the brakes play a very impressive role in keeping the Brit without sliding off, even at steep angles. 

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
Brake Front (in.)	14.9	16.3	14.8	N/A
Brake Rear (in.)	14.3	14.3	13.0	N/A
60-0 MPH (ft)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

Porsche Cayenne has the largest front brake rotors of the lot but both the Brit and Porsche share same sized rear rotors. It is a bit scary to see the most powerful and heaviest of the lot, Mercedes-Benz G63 has the smallest brakes. But we do trust the Germans and they should have something up their sleeves.

This is another impressive perk of the Land Rover, as it is a fuel-efficient SUV(sounds weird, right?). SUVs and fuel efficiency don’t have the smoothest of relationships. But this Brit has managed to chuck out impressive numbers. Yes, it doesn’t produce as much power as its competition, but that doesn’t make it any less of a performer.

The fine-tuned supercharged V8 along with an efficiently timed 8-Speed Automatic transmission helps it achieve this. With a combined MPG of 18 and a pack leading 27.3 gallons of tank capacity makes it a decent mile muncher as well.

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
MPG (city)	16	15	13	15
MPG (highway)	21	19	15	21
MPG (combined)	18	17	14	17
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gal.)	27.3	23.7	26.4	21.9
Range (City/Highway)	437/573	356/450	343/396	328/460

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

Porsche Cayenne and BMW X7 M50i do an impressive job at chucking out a combined 17 MPG with the added performance. The Merc, being the most powerful and heaviest of the lot, suffers in efficiency and returns a combined 14 MPG.

The interior in Range Rover Autobiography is the definition of British Luxury. It is wrapped in the finest leathers with contrasting wood trims. The attention to detail is phenomenal and the time you spend in the cabin will be lost admiring the various comfort features.

The finest ones include heated armrests and gesture-controlled sunshade. Two 10-inch infotainment screens fill up the center console and give the dashboard a clean look. All of the major functions and infotainment controls are embedded into these screens and they work pretty well. Land Rover has been working and improving the software over time and has come a long way since its introduction. The LWB models have optional executive seating which can treat you with features and comfort, better than a first-class flight seat.

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.5/60.9/39.1	N/A	41.9/57.8/N/A	41.9/60.0/39.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/59.0/39.3	N/A	40.5/57.4/N/A	39.9/58.1/37.6

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

The SWB trims have good cabin space but the competition still excels with more. The bimmer with its bigger and bloated body shape has the spacious cabin of the lot. The G63 manages to chuck out more space with its tall-body design.

What are the infotainment features on offer?

The two-screen setup at the center of the dashboard is an eye-catcher with its high-resolution graphics and smooth functionality. The top screen has all of the basic infotainment controls with the maps coming in and the lower screen has the climate controls, driving modes and settings.

There have been a few hiccups in the earlier versions but Land Rover has worked and provided us with a much more intuitive version in the Autobiography. There are very few physical buttons which makes the interaction rather cumbersome and takes time to get used to.

Infotainment Features

• Dual 10-inch High-Definition infotainment screen
• 1700W Meridian Signature Sound System
• 29-Speakers and Subwoofer
• Dual Rear Seat 10-Inch HD touchscreen displays
• WhiteFire digital wireless headphones
• HDMI and Mobile HD Link (MHL)
• Navigation Pro
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

How much cargo can the 2020 Land Rover take?

This is the luxurious cargo compartment we have ever come across. It has a spacious 31.8 cubic feet of extravagance layout. The floor of which is lined with premium carpeting and can be swapped with optional wooden flooring!

The cargo space is not the best but still can manage with a five-person family trip seamlessly. There are dedicated pouches to hold objects that have a tendency to fly about when off-roading. Smart move, Land Rover.

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft)	31.8	26.3	38.6	12.8 (behind 3rd seat)

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

Mercedes-Benz G63 with its tall body design accommodates the most cargo of the lot with an impressive 38.6 cubic feet. This is because of the added height. Bimmer loses out on cargo space due to its third row. The Porsche comes in with a modest 26.3 cubic feet which is impressive given the coupe-like rear profile of the Cayenne.

Interior Features

• Carpeted Mats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• First and Second Row Smoker pack
• Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Front center console cooler compartment
• Leather headliner
• Heated, cooled, massage Front and Rear Seats
• Head-Up Display
• 12.3-Inch HD Interactive Driver Display

The one thing we all can agree about Land Rovers is that they age like fine wine. The 2020 iteration sure has come a long way with the signature modern LED headlamps and taillamps but still retains its no-nonsense classic persona.

The unmistakable Land Rover front grille and headlamps will make its presence known from afar. The shoulder liens are high up and greatly complement the SUV’s size with unique downswept accents on both sides which gives it a unique and recognizable look. The rear bumper has integrated exhaust tips to give it a cleaner look. 

Numerous optional design packs and new wheel designs further add to the appeal of the car and make you spoilt for choices. If you look carefully, the “Range Rover” badge upfront is underlined by a single continuous which starts at the headlights and makes its way towards the rear by dividing the door handles, finally joining at the rear, below the badge. That is great attention to detail. 

Models	Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography SWB	Porsche Cayenne Turbo	Mercedes Benz G-Class AMG G 63*	BMW X7 M50i
Length (in)	196.9	194.0	191.9	203.3
Width (in)	78.1	78.1	78.1	78.7
Height (in)	73.6	65.9	77.4	71.1
Ground clearance (in)	8.3	7.4	9.5	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	115.0	114.0	113.8	122.2
Track width (in) F/R	66.6/66.3	66.5/65.8	65.1/	66.2/67.0
Curb weight (lbs)	5235	5056	5842	5661

*2019 data used for comparison purpose

Land Rover Range Rover is a compact SUV. The LWB variants are also as long only the midsize SUVs available in the market. But still, the bimmer is the only competitor that surpasses the Brit in dimensions. Porsche Cayenne and Merc G63 come by short. The G63 has the highest ground clearance which gives it an edge. The Standard wheelbase of Range Rover is the longest of the lot and that translates to better cabin space.

 Exterior Features

• Heated outside rearview mirrors
• Soft Close Door
• Unibody steel Engine Cover
• Distinctive LED Headlamps and Taillamps
• 22-inch unique alloy wheels
• Electronic Split-Tailgate

Land Rover has not made any compromises in the safety of their SUV. In fact, the driving assistance features available are what makes this SUV a breeze to drive both on and off roads. 360-degree camera makes it easier to maneuver this Goliath of a car in cities and tight spots.

Driver Assist features help in minimizing the complexity of driving a fully-fledged SUV and Land Rover has aced it. The various features available are listed below.

Safety Features

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• ISOFIX points in rear seats
• Emergency Brake Assist
• Electronic Traction Control
• Cornering Brake Control
• Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Seat belts with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography vs Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne is a sporty SUV that tucks in to be aerodynamically efficient and give you the best possible performance. The turbocharged engine of Cayenne produces much more than the Brit. But the Range Rover is much more than just performance. It provides you with a luxurious cabin that oozes of extravagant bits and makes you feel like a king. There is commendable power to back up this behemoth as well. So it provides you with a balanced ride and we are willing to give the extra $17,300 as it is worth every penny. Range Rover Autobiography, it is.

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography vs Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Just like the Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz G-Class has also come a long way but still clings to its roots by character. Modernization has taken over but both still have resemblances to their predecessors. That is a rare sight these days. The G63 AMG is “blistering fast” powerful and the Brit doesn’t stand a chance. But the shape and dynamics take away a lot of driving fun from it as the handling is very poor with lots of body roll and high ride height makes it difficult to enter and exit. Cargo space is practically limited and has outdated interior bits. We will choose the Brit over the ludicrous German and the $3,700 premium will be well worth it.

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography vs BMW X7 M50i

The newest bimmer in town has a lot of tricks up its sleeve. For starters, the 5-digit price tag rewards you with a much more powerful, premium and spacious SUV which can hoon at will. Time has changed and has taken the best of Land Rovers. The bimmer provides all that the Brit provides but in a more polished manner. The only thing that differs is that Land Rover gives you a “King” experience but the bimmer is more of the “executive” experience. We will go for the BMW X7 M50i for the better SUV it is. That said the bimmer doesn’t even come close to the off-roading ability of the Rover.

 

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography (that’s a long name!) is a royal ride to put it straight, which doesn’t hesitate to play dirty. It excels at is as well. But times have changed and various automakers have upped their game. The Brit has come a long way but there is a lot of blank spots which the competition is making use of. We love the beautiful and practical SUV that Land Rover offers but will take the BMW X7 M50i over it for the much more rewarding car it is, But when it comes to off-roading, we would think twice.