NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Range Rover SVAutobiography

Range Rover SVAutobiography is the name for Land Rover's new flagship model, which is stacked to the gunwales with nice kit and powered by a tweaked version of the company's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 developing 405kW and 680Nm (30kW and 55Nm more than standard).

As Jaguar Land Rover has promised, the new range-topping model, fettled by the company's Special Vehicle Operations, will be unveiled in New York later this week. But the company has now revealed that the Range Rover SVAutobiography is confirmed for Australia, and is set to arrive here in the last quarter of this year. The price will be disclosed nearer the local launch date.

"With the SVAutobiography we have taken the opportunity to optimise the Range Rover's luxury execution and precision while delivering beautiful detailing that considerably enhances the customer's experience of our flagship vehicle," said Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern.

The Range Rover SVAutobiography will be sold in standard and long-wheelbase configuration, offered with a Duo-tone body colour option, comprising Santorini Black above, and any one of nine colour choices for the lower body.

Along with other 2016 models, the Range Rover SVAutobiography features new bonnet lettering, but the badging on the tailgate and the grille – finished in Graphite Atlas and polished chrome – are exclusive to the flagship variant. Four exhaust outlets jutting out from under the tailgate are another clue to the vehicle's identity.

Inside, the switchgear is machined from solid aluminium and features knurled details, which are also found on the aluminium pedals and centre consoles front and rear. Aluminium is also used extensively for coat hooks and seat rails. Rear-seat passengers have their own chiller compartment and powered picnic tables.

The vehicle's handbook is leather-bound and the key fob is polished and features the same knurled finish as the switchgear/pedals. A sliding floor in the luggage compartment blends aluminium with woodgrain veneer and the Range Rover SVAutobiography's occupants can place their feet on deep mohair floor mats. Should the wish to watch the polo, a couple of passengers can deploy the optional 'Event Seating' from the rear of the SUV.

The higher-output supercharged petrol V8 drives through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and is complemented by the optional 4.4-litre turbo-diesel V8, which is rated at 250kW and 740Nm. Fuel consumption for the diesel V8 variant is as low as 8.4L/100km in combined-cycle testing.

Essentially, the Range Rover SVAutobiography supplants the Range Rover Autobiography Black at the head of the line-up.

All 2016 Range Rover models are offered with an upgraded Surround Camera System with clearer graphics in the infotainment screen and an integrated washer for the rear camera. Additionally, the powered tailgate now provides hands-free operation by use of a gesture, and the suspension lowers automatically for easier access when the vehicle is parked.