Meet the NZ-exclusive Range Rover SV Haast
The Range Rover SV Haast is limited to a run of five. Photos: Liz Dobson
While the Range Rover SV Haast is the star of an exclusive New Zealand event, it also showcases the British brand’s Bespoke service to Kiwis.
The Range Rover SV Bespoke Haast Edition is named after the legendary Haast’s Eagle, a majestic bird that once soared over New Zealand.
To make it even more noteworthy, Range Rover New Zealand decided to create only five models with the first arriving here in time for the invitation-only event at a prestigious home in Coatesville, Auckland.
The Haast’s exterior colour of Aquila Green has been archived so not to be replicated.
Range Rover NZ is hosting 80 VIPs at the presale event, with the first Haast the guest of honour and the four remaining models arriving by the end of the year.
Motorcorp Distributors CEO, Steve Kenchington, said he was “incredibly excited to reveal this extremely exclusive vehicle for our most revered clients and special guests”.
“The Range Rover SV Bespoke Haast Edition is a true reflection of our country’s unique natural beauty, and the culmination of much hard work from teams here in New Zealand and in the UK.”
Range Rover’s Bespoke Client liason Adam Mercer flew to NZ for the event.
Taking 18 months from the first virtual meeting with Range Rover’s Bespoke client liaison, Adam Mercer, to arriving in New Zealand, the Haast is a unique edition that has been carefully curated with bespoke elements and the finest materials for discerning clients in the country.
The exterior of the long-wheel-base model is finished by experts at Range Rover SV Bespoke in a striking Aquila Green.
The bespoke Aquila Green exterior finish is culturally significant. “Aquila” is Latin for “eagle,” evoking the edition’s namesake. The striking colour reflects the perspective of the legendary eagle; the deep greens of New Zealand’s native forests, complemented by 23” Diamond Turned Gloss Dark Grey Wheels with Aquila Green inserts.
The eagle is woven into the head rest.
Powered by a formidable a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the SV Bespoke Haast Edition delivers exhilarating performance that matches its luxurious design. Range Rover NZ says the price is on-application but following the Australia Bespoke model, you can expect to pay over $500,000.
Inside the cabin, the unique edition features Sequoia Green and Perlino Near-Aniline leather upholstery that evokes the lushness of moss-covered forests and pristine sandy beaches, with Natural Brown Walnut veneers and black ceramic controls. Bespoke embroidery showcases an eagle silhouette.
Illuminated treadplates and rear seats are adorned with the same eagle emblem, with a ‘1 of 5’ designation.
A sumptuous interior features Sequoia Green and Perlino Near-Aniline leather, Natural Brown Walnut veneers, black ceramic controls and bespoke embroidery on the seat backs.
To make it that much more exclusive, the Haast colour has been archived by Range Rover Britain, meaning it can’t be used again.
There is a mini fridge to keep the champers cool, of course.
But don’t worry, that’s where Mercer can step in. He is in New Zealand for the event and brought samples of exterior paint colour, interior fabrics and elements for Range Rover customers to make their vehicle a one-off.
So, if you can’t have the Haast paint colour Mercer and his team can help you create a colour close to that. In fact, Mercer said customers can create whatever exterior colour they want as an inspiration.
I asked if I could have a Range Rover in the colour of green pants I was wearing at the media event, and using his tablet, he created a model in that hue.
If I did want to create a Range Rover in that colour, UK-based Mercer would send a sample of the exterior colour to sign off approval as he does with all his clients.
The Haast is build on a LWB Range Rover SV, and the rear doors resemble wing span.
It would then be a 12- to 18-month wait for the Range Rover to arrive in New Zealand.
So many Range Rover customers pick the Bespoke service?
“We have between 300 and 400 Bespoke a year, and as we build up to 3000 a week, that’s about 10 Bespoke Range Rovers a week,” he said.
And to make it that more special, the Bespoke models are produced on a different production line.
About SV Bespoke From Range Rover
“The SV Bespoke commissioning service represents the pinnacle of personalisation and is available on Range Rover Autobiography and Range Rover SV. To achieve their perfect specification, clients can curate their Range Rover at the SV Bespoke Commissioning Suite in the UK, visit selected global retailers or for the ultimate convenience, complete their order online through an exclusive virtual service.
“SV Bespoke provides access to a vast range of materials, and interior and exterior finishes. Clients follow a unique and comprehensive seven‑step creation process that considers colours, themes, SV exclusive options, materials, veneers and finishers, customisations and personalisation. Each finished vehicle promises to be as unique as its creator, although curated design combinations chosen by the Range Rover Design team are available to help clients make their dreams a reality.”
