After multiple car makers announced their intention to take part in the luxury-SUV movement, Land Rover, not to be outdone, hints the possibility of a more expensive Range Rover.

Truth be told, Land Rover has a reputation to keep and live up to, especially as the marque credits itself for the development of the sough-after segment. In an interview with Auto Express, JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations managing director – John Edwards – revealed that the British car manufacturer is capable of “stretching” the model even further on the social ladder, stating:

“I’ve never been worried about the Bentley threat – I have always thought it brings an opportunity to grow the segment. t recognises we have created a segment and it is flattery that Bentley and Rolls-Royce soon want to join in. 

If you look at what we have done to Range Rover over the last five years, we have stretched the breadth of the product, the commercial footprint. Five years ago we knew we could stretch it, but I am not sure we knew how far and we have surpassed our expectations. So I think it could stretch a bit further.”

Even if the latest, top-of-the-line Range Rover Autobiography SV12 LWB, which tops out at £160,000 ($242,923) in the UK, isn’t quite the thorn in Bentley’s side – at least for now – we have to admit that Land Rover was the first car manufacturer to offer upper-class comfort in rural, agricultural 4x4s (thus laying the foundations of the new segment). A fact continuously stressed by Edwards, who offered some insights when asked if the model could reach the £200,000 ($303,650) mark:

“Yes, I think it could. Our ceiling price is certainly higher than £160,000. It will definitely go further. Range Rover is the original luxury SUV and everyone accepts that.”

But unlike the Bentayga and the upcoming Rolls Royce Cullinan, the Range Rover will always carry a “two-digit number”, as Edwards concluded”

“The important thing about Range Rover is that it is anchored in a two-digit number [sub-£100,000], and it needs to remain that way. The strength of the Range Rover is that you can still get a £75,000 entry car and I don’t think we want to leave that behind.”

So, even if Land Rover will create a luxury-behemoth, capable of taking on the big-boys of opulence, it won’t be as exclusive. Moreover, with the plethora of car manufacturers showing interest in the Range Rover’s main marketplace, the British car manufacturer has its work cut out for it – especially if it wants to stand its ground and face the competition. Still, looking at the Autobiography model, one can only wonder what more can you ask for – in terms of luxury – from the Range Rover?

2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography pictured

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