Michael Satterfield
There’s a kind of quiet confidence that comes with a Range Rover Autobiography—an understated authority that doesn’t need revs or shouty badges to prove its worth. It’s the kind of SUV that looks just as at home outside a private airfield in Austin as it does perched on the rocks outside Telluride. And while the 2025 model carries on that legacy with grace, Land Rover now faces an unexpected obstacle—not from Mercedes or BMW, but from Capitol Hill.
In early April 2025, Jaguar Land Rover temporarily paused shipments of new Range Rovers to the U.S., citing the recent 25% import tariffs imposed by the federal government. A bold move, especially for a brand that counts the U.S. as one of its largest and most profitable markets.
But politics aside, we got our hands on a fully optioned 2025 Range Rover Autobiography before the pause—a nearly $167,000 masterpiece. And for those wondering whether it’s worth the wait when deliveries resume: in short, yes. But it’s not without its quirks.
Timeless Design, Modern Might
You don’t just arrive in a Range Rover—you make an entrance. Finished in Ostuni Pearl White, our tester’s sleek silhouette looked like modern sculpture. Flush door handles, narrow LED signature lighting, and an uncluttered rear end gave it an almost minimalist presence—elegant, yes, but with a hint of menace.
The Autobiography trim brings with it the P530 powertrain: a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 co-developed with BMW, pushing out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The numbers don’t lie—it’ll hustle to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds—but more impressive is the effortlessness of it all. The torque comes on in smooth waves, and the ZF 8-speed automatic always seems to pick the right gear, whether cruising through Dallas or climbing dirt switchbacks in Big Bend.
Its active air suspension and 48-volt mild-hybrid setup work in concert to deliver something rare—a vehicle equally composed over potholes and packed gravel. Want to ford a stream or crawl up a washed-out trail? Engage Terrain Response 2, select the appropriate mode, and glide through like royalty.
Inside the Lounge
Range Rover has long understood that luxury is more than just leather—it’s an experience. Open the door (soft-close, naturally) and you’re greeted by a cabin that could pass for a bespoke jet interior. Semi-aniline hides wrap the seats, dash, and doors. Open-pore wood trim flows elegantly across the dash, and metal switchgear feels cold and solid to the touch.
The Autobiography’s rear seats are more like executive thrones. Each one is independently adjustable with heating, cooling, massage functions, deployable footrests, and even a center console that slides forward with the push of a button. Our tester also included a rear-seat refrigerator and a full rear entertainment suite with dual 13.1-inch displays.
In the front row, the tech is impressive on paper—though a bit clunky in practice.
Tech That’s Trying a Little Too Hard
The 13.1-inch curved glass infotainment screen running the Pivi Pro system is beautiful. It’s responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. But the interface? It’s not always intuitive. Simple tasks like adjusting climate zones or changing drive modes require several menu layers. There are no physical climate knobs, just haptic touch sliders that often misread inputs.
Even more frustrating: some settings are buried deep, and while voice control via Alexa integration helps, it’s still not as user-friendly as BMW’s iDrive or Mercedes’ MBUX.
Fortunately, the Meridian Signature Sound System—a 35-speaker, 1,600-watt symphony—makes up for it. Active noise cancellation mutes the outside world, while headrest-mounted speakers create a personal soundscape. Play some Coltrane or The War on Drugs and you’ll forgive the infotainment missteps.
Luxury With a Pause
Of course, just as the 2025 Range Rover Autobiography begins arriving in the U.S., Land Rover has temporarily halted shipments. In response to the Biden Administration’s tariff increases on U.K.-built vehicles, JLR decided to pause exports while it evaluates its next move. With roughly 25% of their global sales coming from the American market, it’s a major decision.
For buyers, it means availability will be limited—at least in the near term. And while dealers may have some stock on lots or in transit, future pricing and timelines remain unclear. Will this drive prices even higher? Possibly. But for the clientele Range Rover serves, that may not matter.
Range Rover: Still Worth the Crown
The 2025 Range Rover Autobiography isn’t just a luxury SUV—it’s a lifestyle statement. For those who want the best, from the Highland roads to the Hollywood Hills, nothing else quite compares. Yes, the infotainment could use refinement. And yes, trade politics might delay your delivery. But once you’ve sat in that rear executive seat with a glass of chilled Topo Chico and the seat massaging your lower back as V8 torque quietly whisks you toward your weekend home—you’ll understand.
Would we wait for it? Absolutely.
Specs Recap: 2025 Range Rover Autobiography (P530 LWB)
- Engine: 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8
- Power: 523 hp / 553 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Drive: All-Wheel Drive w/ Active Rear Locking Diff
- Infotainment: 13.1” Pivi Pro Touchscreen, Meridian Signature Audio
- Price as Tested: $166,240
- MPG: 16 city / 21 highway
- Seating: 5 or 7 (w/ optional 3rd row)
