In-Depth Review of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
Overview of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
The 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB is the top-of-the-line luxury SUV offering from Land Rover. As the name suggests, this model features an extended wheelbase compared to the standard Range Rover, providing even more interior space and rear seat legroom. Some key features of the Autobiography LWB include:
- Powerful supercharged V8 engine
- Sophisticated air suspension system
- Premium leather upholstery with massaging front seats
- Cutting-edge infotainment system with dual touchscreens
- Advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking
This Range Rover model truly epitomizes British luxury and off-road capability in one impressive package.
The Purpose of the Review
The purpose of this in-depth review is to provide potential buyers with detailed information on the key features, performance capabilities, and overall ownership experience of the 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography LWB. It aims to highlight the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses to help readers determine if this high-end SUV is the right fit for their needs and budget.
Specific focus areas include the Autobiography LWB’s design and comfort features, engine performance and real-world fuel efficiency, latest technology offerings, reliability rating, pricing and value comparison, warranty and customer service support. The review offers pros and cons, ideal use cases, and a final verdict on whether this luxury Range Rover model makes for a smart investment decision.
Target Audience and Use Cases
This review is catered to consumers in the market for a premium full-size luxury SUV with legitimate off-roading capabilities. It provides key considerations specifically for buyers interested in the extended wheelbase body style of the Range Rover.
Potential owners who would find the 2018 Autobiography LWB appealing include:
- Families needing maximum interior room and cargo capacity
- Frequent rear cabin passengers looking for extra legroom
- Drivers who routinely deal with bumpy rural roads or inclement weather
- Outdoor enthusiasts wanting a highly capable yet luxurious SUV
- Tow vehicle buyers needing up to 7,716 lbs of towing capacity
Key Features of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
Interior Design and Comfort Features
The 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB features a gorgeously appointed cabin with four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated massaging front seats, extended leather upholstery, authentic wood and metal trim accents, and soft-close doors. The Westminster Edition offers rear seats with power recline and massage functions. With the extended wheelbase, rear seat legroom increases substantially to provide limousine-like space.
Performance and Engine Specifications
This Autobiography LWB model comes equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine generating 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers smooth, robust acceleration while the air suspension system provides a composed ride quality over varied terrain. The LWB version offers a maximum tow rating of 7,716 pounds.
Technology and Infotainment System
Land Rover equips the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB with plenty of advanced technology including their Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10-inch touchscreens, a 17-speaker Meridian audio system, WiFi hotspot, wireless device charging, and a rear seat entertainment system. Driver assistance and safety features include a surround view camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
In addition to the features mentioned above, the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB also comes standard with front/rear park distance control, lane departure warning, driver condition monitoring, and various airbags including curtain airbags for all seating rows. Buyers can also add more advanced systems via optional upgrade packages.
Usability and User Experience
Driving Experience and Handling
Despite its size and weight, most critics praise the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB for its composed on-road handling, supple ride quality, responsive steering, and formidable off-road capabilities courtesy of the sophisticated Terrain Response 2 system. The air suspension delivers a smooth ride while the standard four-wheel drive system provides plenty of grip and traction. Overall, it strikes an excellent balance between on-road comfort and off-road prowess.
Comfort and Convenience Features
From massaging seats to 4-zone climate control and power-reclining rear seats, few SUVs can match the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB’s comfort and convenience features. The Meridian sound system provides an immersive audio experience while the vast rear legroom and executive seating allow passengers to ride in true first-class luxury. Conveniences like keyless entry, hands-free liftgate, and wireless phone charging further enhance the ownership experience.
Infotainment System and Controls
The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system looks gorgeous but does have a steep learning curve. The layout of menus and controls could be more intuitive. That said, the dual high-resolution touchscreens provide quick access to navigation, media, climate and vehicle settings. Over-the-air software updates promise to continuously improve functionality over time. Overall, buyers in this class expect cutting-edge tech and Land Rover delivers despite some ergonomic quirks.
Reliability and Performance
Real-World Performance Scenarios
In real-world driving, most owners report excellent performance from the supercharged V8 engine which delivers smooth, potent acceleration and plenty of passing power at highway speeds. Fuel economy is quite poor as expected, averaging just 15 mpg combined at best. Off-road, the advanced Terrain Response system allows drivers to conquer challenging trails and surfaces with confidence.
Long-Term Maintenance and Repair Costs
The 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB has expensive maintenance requirements, with services averaging $600 to $1,200+ at the dealership. Out-of-warranty repairs can also be very costly, easily running into thousands of dollars for issues with the air suspension, electrical components, or infotainment system.
Pricing and Value
The 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB carries a base MSRP of $140,495 in the US market, with most buyers spending between $150,000 to $180,000 after factoring popular options and packages. Key standard features include the 518HP supercharged V8 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, four zone climate control, heated/ventilated front seats with massage, and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.
Optional packages like the Rear Seat Entertainment Package (+$2,995), Drive Pro Package with adaptive cruise control (+$4,370), and Westminster Edition with rear executive seats (+$18,860) quickly increase the price but add more luxury and technology features.
Is the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB Worth the Investment?
For buyers who frequently use the rear cabin and demand the pinnacle of luxury, style, and off-road performance in an SUV package, the investment may prove worthwhile provided they budget properly for maintenance.
Customer Service and Support
Warranty Coverage and Customer Service Experience
Land Rover provides a 4 year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty along with separate warranties covering the powertrain, corrosion protection, and emissions systems. Additional prepaid maintenance plans can extend coverage further.
Additional Resources and Support for Owners
Owners of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB can take advantage of added perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, service loaners, over-the-air software updates, online service scheduling, and the InControl Remote smartphone app. Land Rover also provides a network of certified pre-owned vehicles once factory warranty coverage expires.
Personal Recommendations and User Scenarios
For buyers planning to keep the Range Rover Autobiography LWB for 5+ years or heavy mileage, investing in an extended warranty for powertrain coverage can prove very valuable given the expensive repair costs. Also budgeting approximately $1,500 annually for maintenance, apart from fuel and insurance, helps offset surprise repair bills down the road. If primarily relying on dealership service, buying prepaid maintenance plans also helps lock in lower service rates.
Advantages of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
- Commanding curb appeal and gorgeous interior design
- Incredible off-road capabilities courtesy of the Terrain Response system
- Powerful supercharged V8 engine delivering smooth acceleration
- Next-level rear seat luxury with massage and recline functions
- Cutting-edge technology features and infotainment system
Ideal Use Cases for the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
The extended passenger space, executive rear seats, and superb ride quality make the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB ideally suited for:
- Livery transport, shuttle, and limousine services
- Affluent families needing a three-row luxury SUV
- Business executives who are frequently chauffeured
- Luxury resorts and hotels providing guest transportation
Its off-road capabilities also appeal to:
- Rural property owners dealing with rough terrain
- Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hunting, camping, or adventure trips
However, the Land Rover is generally not ideal for budget-minded buyers or those unable to afford the premium fuel, maintenance, and repair costs.
Final Verdict
Summary of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB’s Strengths
In summary, the top strengths of the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB include its beautifully appointed interior, supple ride quality, formidable V8 powertrain, high-end technology features, and legitimate off-road performance allowing owners to confidently tackle rough terrain and inclement weather.
Personal Recommendation and User Scenarios
My personal recommendation would be to consider the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB primarily if you frequently utilize the spacious rear cabin and absolutely must have the pinnacle of luxury appointments in an SUV package. This Land Rover makes an excellent chauffeured vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions about the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB
Does the LWB version ride smoother than the standard wheelbase?
Yes, the extended wheelbase enhances ride quality over bumps and uneven pavement. The long-travel air suspension also contributes to smoothness.
How reliable is the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system?
Most owners report there are rarely glitches with the Touch Pro Duo system’s touch sensitivity and menu layouts. Functionality and features are excellent if you can master the learning curve.
Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Should I invest in an extended warranty?
An extended warranty can prove very valuable by covering expensive repairs outside the 4 year/50,000 mile factory coverage. Powertrain plans are ideal for the Range Rover after the bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.
How often should service be performed?
Land Rover recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months along with yearly inspections and fluid flushes. Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years.
Additional Information and Updates
Continue following this review thread for the latest real-world updates on the 2018 Range Rover Autobiography LWB’s long-term reliability, common problems, and owner experiences over time.
