The good folks over at RDB LA in California offer us the sample of a menacingly dark, all-black Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography that's a (very) positive example of how to properly mod the luxury SUV without falling into outrageousness or paling into insignificance.
When Land Rover launched the L460 fifth generation Range Rover in late 2021, many people lamented the luxury SUV model's ultra-subtle changes compared to the then outgoing version. Indeed, it takes a keen observer to set them apart if you see the two iterations straight from the front – but the profile and rear are easier to decipher thanks to the vertical styling element on the front doors and the slimmer LED taillights.
History has noted the L460 has become increasingly popular and successful – even if Land Rover ultimately raised prices (just like everyone else) during the latest round of enhancements. Anyway, that hasn't deterred customers in any way – especially those wanting to stand out in any crowd with a bit of help from the imaginative aftermarket realm. And there is no need to take our word for granted, as we have seen both disastrous Range Rovers and SUVs that looked better than their ultra-luxury peers.
The slammed and widebody builds occupy a special place in the heart of the customization and personalization zone. Truth be told, not everyone has the mind and soul for this kind of transformation – just look at Keyvany's attempts. Luckily, there are also folks who know how to take everything one inch shy of outrageousness and end up with a uniquely masterful configuration.
RDB LA is an excellent example in that direction, and the house just completed its second widebody Range Rover commission. It's a stark contrast compared to the original one – a Range Rover LWB that was all eerily dressed in white. Now the renowned aftermarket outlet has worked its magic on an appropriately dark and menacing, all-black 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography (most likely the P530 AWD V8 rather than the P550e plug-in hybrid).
It surely looks like something Darth Vader himself would approve of, as the murdered-out approach is unquestionable after all body elements were paint-matched to the body's black hue. Anyway, that's not taking away from the boldness of the custom luxury SUV – thanks to the 1016Industries widebody aerodynamic kit and the matching RDB Zero three-piece wheels. Naturally, the Range Rover was also lowered, but the outlet was keen on specifying that it did not have a negative impact on the SUV's drivability.
All in all, not a bad effort in a sea of Lambo Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinans. But it remains to be seen if the elegant Range Rover can handle the cockiness of the 738-hp BMW XM Label Red or the natural, high-performance prowess of the 715-hp, V12-toting Ferrari Purosangue.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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