Range Rover 2017 Autobiography: Decoding the Mystery of Missing Soft Close Doors

Purchasing a Range Rover Autobiography is often associated with unparalleled luxury and a suite of premium features. For owners and enthusiasts, the “Autobiography” badge signifies top-tier specifications and meticulous attention to detail. Imagine the excitement of acquiring a 2017 Range Rover Autobiography, only to discover a potential discrepancy in its features. This is precisely the situation faced by a new owner who recently sought clarification on an online forum regarding their newly purchased vehicle. Specifically, the question arose: are soft close doors standard on a 2017 Range Rover Autobiography, and if not, what does it mean for the vehicle’s trim level?

Understanding Soft Close Doors in a Range Rover Context

Soft close doors, also known as power-assisted doors or door close assist, are a hallmark of luxury vehicles. They provide a refined and effortless closing experience, gently pulling the door closed if it’s not fully latched. This feature not only enhances convenience but also adds to the overall sense of opulence and sophistication expected from a high-end SUV like the Range Rover Autobiography. For many, especially those familiar with the Autobiography trim level, soft close doors are perceived as a standard, almost non-negotiable feature.

Investigating the 2017 Range Rover Autobiography Specification

The owner in question provided a detailed specification list from TOPIX (Land Rover’s online system for vehicle information), which confirmed many Autobiography features such as the Autobiography rear center headrest, illuminated treadplates, and tailgate badging. The vehicle boasted a high specification including a 4.4L Diesel engine, premium palette red color, shadow walnut veneer, 22-inch diamond-turned wheels, and a host of advanced driving aids and comfort features. However, conspicuously absent from the list were “Soft Close Doors” and “Blind Spot Assist.” This raised immediate concerns, as soft close doors are widely expected, if not assumed, to be standard on the Autobiography trim for the 2017 model year.

TOPIX Accuracy and Feature Variations

While TOPIX is generally a reliable source of vehicle specification information, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. Vehicle specifications can sometimes vary due to several factors:

• Optional Extras: Even within a high-end trim like Autobiography, certain features might still be optional. It’s possible, though less likely for soft close doors on a 2017 Autobiography, that this feature was an optional upgrade in specific markets or at certain points in the production year.
• Build Variations or Errors: Although rare, discrepancies can occur during vehicle assembly. It’s theoretically possible, though improbable, that soft close doors were intended to be included but were missed during the build process.
• TOPIX Data Inaccuracies: While TOPIX is generally accurate, data entry errors or system glitches can occasionally lead to incomplete or slightly inaccurate specification listings.

Verifying Vehicle Authenticity and Next Steps

For the concerned owner, several steps can be taken to further investigate and clarify the situation:

1. Consult the Original Vehicle Invoice/Order: If available, the original purchase invoice or order sheet should explicitly list all included features and options. This is the most definitive source of truth regarding the vehicle’s intended specification.
2. Contact a Land Rover Dealership: A local Land Rover dealership’s service or sales department can access detailed vehicle information using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). They can confirm the original factory specification and advise on whether soft close doors were standard or optional for that specific vehicle.
3. Physical Inspection and Feature Testing: A thorough physical inspection of the doors is necessary. Activating the door closing mechanism and observing if it exhibits the characteristic soft-close action will provide direct evidence.
4. Reviewing Model Year Brochures and Specifications: Consulting official 2017 Range Rover brochures and specification guides, readily available online, can confirm whether soft close doors were indeed standard on the Autobiography trim for that model year in the intended market.

Conclusion: Balancing Expectations and Reality

The absence of soft close doors on a Range Rover 2017 sold as an Autobiography, while equipped with many other Autobiography features, presents a genuine puzzle. While it’s essential to verify the vehicle’s true specification and address any potential discrepancies, it’s also important to remember the overall high level of luxury and features present in the vehicle as listed. Ultimately, confirming the original intended specification through official channels will provide clarity and ensure the owner’s peace of mind, allowing them to fully appreciate their Range Rover, regardless of the soft close door question. Enjoying the drive and the multitude of other premium features remains paramount, even while seeking answers to specific feature queries.