LA motor show 2013: Range Rover LWB

Land Rover has unveiled the first stretched-wheelbase Range Rover for 22 years.

Due to go on sale in March next year, the new model will make a simultaneous debut at the Los Angeles and Guanzhou motor shows next month.

The company has also revealed a new Autobiography Black range-topping version of the Range Rover, which will be available in long-wheelbase form only. 

This new 5.2m-long model will be the most expensive Range Rover yet sold, with an anticipated price of more than £140,000.

A hybrid version, due later next year, will have a price that could approach £150,000 in Autobiography Black form.

Land Rover says the LWB Range Rover has an extra 140mm of rear legroom, with the bodyshell being extended in front of the rear wheels. Subtle modifications to the styling — including stretching the rear door — have ensured that the extra length hasn’t resulted in odd proportions.

The rear seats of the LWB model can be specified as either a traditional bench or as individual ‘Executive Class’ rear seats. In either form, the seat backs can recline by up to 17deg, 8deg more than the seats in the standard Range Rover. ‘Passenger Seat Slide Away’ allows the rear passenger to electrically move the front seat forward, to further increase legroom.

The LWB Range Rover gets powered side door blinds and a panoramic roof as standard. An ‘L’ badge is mounted to the brightwork to the rear of the front arches. The stretched version will be available in Autobiography and Autobiography Black trim only.

The new Autobiography Black trim level should propel Range Rover into contention with Bentley and the expected range-topping Mercedes-Benz S-class models. 

Billed as the first product of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Engineered To Order division, it gets subtle tweaks to the grille, badging and trim and has the option of seven-spoke 21-inch and 22-inch wheels.

The big changes are inside, with plush materials, individual rear seats, an extended centre console and electrically deployed, leather-covered tray tables, which incorporate USB charging sockets and cupholders.

Rear passengers also get 10.2-inch TV screens mounted in the back of the front seats and access to a chiller compartment. The rear seats feature 18-way electric adjustment, a massage function and configurable LED mood lighting.

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