Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

Land Rover is offering a new flagship Velar variant to Australian customers, dubbed the SVAutobriography Dynamic Edition, with deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of this year.

The most powerful Velar to date is priced at $175,322 plus on-road costs, and packs a mighty punch thanks to a Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) 5.0-litre supercharged V8 tuned to the sound of 405kW and 680Nm.

Supporting the extra grunt is improved powertrain components, brakes, suspension and aerodynamics, helping it to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds for a top speed of 274km/h.

For comparison, the Porsche Macan Turbo does the same run in 4.4 seconds, however the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q are significantly faster, completing the dash in 3.8s.

The new Velar is the most expensive in the range, sitting well above the next-best Dynamic HSE ($127,082) which makes use of a 280kW six-pot turbo-petrol engine.

According to Land Rover SVO managing director Michael van der Sande, it was important to make the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition faster without compromising on composure and refinement.

The interior features perforated and quilted Windsor leather available in four colourways.

“We've done this and, in the process, created an SUV that strikes a brilliant balance between go-anywhere practicality, dynamic performance and relaxing comfort – it truly is an SUV for any occasion,” he said.

On the outside, the new range-topper has a unique front end with a redesigned grille and bigger air openings, and 21-inch hoops come as standard.

Brakes have been upped in diameter to 395mm at the front and 396mm at the rear, which are distinguished with red-painted four-pot callipers.

SVO said that many man hours were put in to the ride and handling characteristics, with the performance vehicle division recalibrating the AWD system, active rear locking differential, eight-speed transmission, suspension and steering.

An active exhaust valve is featured to modulate volume from the blown V8, and the interior features perforated and quilted Windsor leather available in four colourways.

Does the added performance justify the range-topping Velar’s steep pricetag? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.