Land Rover->ke46 introduced the Range Rover->ke469 nameplate in 1970 as a luxury alternative to its already popular Series I SUV.->ke145 The first-generation model soldiered on unchanged for more than two decades before being replaced by a completely redesigned model. The third-generation arrived in 2002 and saw the Range Rover move further up-market, with even more luxury and more powerful engines at its disposal. 2012 brought the fourth-gen SUV onto the market and yet another significant leap forward with state-of-the-art technology->ke1701 and a lightweight platform. Praised for its sumptuous cabin and capable drivetrains, the new Range Rover received a long-wheelbase version for 2014, providing more room than any other SUV in its segment. As we venture into 2015, Land Rover is apparently ready to take things up a notch and dress the Range Rover LWB in an SVR suit and send it to the Nurburgring->ke999 track.

The purpose behind this move is obvious. Now that the Range Rover Sport SVR has presented its menacing looks and beefed-up engine to the world, Land Rover wants its newly established high-performance division to give the long-wheelbase SUV a similar makeover. It may sound ludicrous, but would you say no to a vehicle that comes with a tremendous amount of luxury features, seemingly infinite legroom and a 542-horsepower mill under the hood?

Click past the jump to read more about the Land Rover Range Rover LWB SVR.

2015 Land Rover Range Rover LWB SVR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover LWB SVR
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 542
  • Torque: 502
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Spy Shots

October 21, 2014 - First testing session

Although the long-wheelbase Ranger Rover shown above is essentially a regular model with camouflage on its sides and tailgate, there is one tiny detail that suggests there are more than 510 horses under its hood. We are talking about the quad-exhaust configuration, a feature that's not available on the Range Rover LWB, but made an appearance on the Range Rover Sport SVR. Sure, the latter has its pipes integrated into the bumper and a diffuser-like piece between them, but that can only mean the Range Rover LWB SVR is still in its infancy.

Once drivetrain testing is complete, the SUV will receive the sporty body kit similar to the one seen on the Sport SVR, including new bumpers, large air dams, revised hood vents, and a larger spoiler for the tailgate. Expect SVR badges, beefed-up wheels arches and gloss-black body trims to enhance its appearance as well.

As for the supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 engine, adding "SVR" lettering to the tailgate means output increases to 542 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for a 32-pony and 41-pound-feet improvement over the standard LWB model. The 0-to-60 mph sprint should drop below the five-second mark, with top speed to grow from 140 mph to 162 mph.

Competitors

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

With 542 horsepower at its disposal, the Range Rover LWB will finally have the grunt to compete against the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG. The German SUV boasts 536 ponies and 560 pound-feet of torque courtesy of its biturbo, 5.5-liter V-8, and needs 5.3 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Though it is currently quicker than the standard Range Rover LWB, the German rig will likely fall behind the SVR-prepped hauler in terms of performance.

That's excellent news for the Range Rover, which already sits above the G63 AMG in terms of interior luxury. That's not to say the cabin of the AMG-tuned G-Class is a cheap place to be, but the British SUV is by far the more exquisite proposition in that department. Of course, the G63 AMG is the better option if you're looking for off-road capabilities and an iconic badge such as AMG, but the Range Rover LWB is ready to offer you all the comfort, roominess and luxury you need.

The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG retails from $137,150.