Range Rover introduces the super exclusive Sawai Collection

In its biggest show of respect to Indian architectural traditions yet, Range Rover has launched an ultra-limited edition of the Range Rover SV. Christened the Sawai Collection, after the hereditary title accorded to the erstwhile Royals of Jaipur by Aurangzeb in 1699, up for grabs are six units each of three uniquely appointed SUVs – the Sawai Jaipur, Sawai Jodhpur and Sawai Jaisalmer, worldwide. At Rs 4.9 crores (ex-showroom) apiece, a Range Rover SV Sawai may just be the biggest automotive swag to come out of India.

Each of the three unique SUVs are numbered from 1 to 6, which you can see on the treadplate of the passenger side, and pay homage to the three Rajput cities that they are named after. Expectedly, Sawai Jaipur comes in a special rose-tinted shade of pink while Sawai Jodhpur is finished in a soft-toned blue and Sawai Jaisalmer wears the satin gold tint that echoes the yellow limestone that the desert city is famous for. But is that all you get for the extra Rs 1.5 crore over the regular Range Rover SV that comes with an ex-showroom tag of Rs 3.5 crore? No, there’s more to this story than meets the eye at first. Before we do that, let’s get the usual stuff out of the way.

Engine & Performance

The Sawai Collection Range Rovers hide a 4.4-litre twin turbocharged V8 petrol engine under its pink, blue or golden bonnet. Peak output is 530bhp and 750Nm and mechanically, the Sawai Collection Range Rovers are identical to any other Range Rover SV.

So, when do you see something for your money?

Design & Styling

Obviously, the exterior design of any of the Range Rover SV Sawai Collection edition SUVs is exactly the same as that of a regular SV. Which means you still get the slab-sided minimalist design that’s actually quite classy and really stands out. The huge grille with the Range Rover name on the bonnet lip are all iconic elements of this legend of a luxury SUV. Inside too, you’ll be greeted by that familiar butcher’s slab dash and, in keeping with the minimalist theme, a single screen that serves as infotainment and controls for the auto climate control.

There are however, some significant differences. First, and probably the most expensive bit of the embellishments on the Sawai Collection editions is the Range Rover lettering on the bonnet lip. That actually has a 24-carat gold plated surround and stands out with its particular sheen and glint. The 23-inch wheels are finished in a unique shade of champagne that is also a first for Range Rover. There is also bespoke silver Atlas pack that you won’t get in the regular SUV. All of which will help you stand out from the crowd as you pull up under the porch of a posh palace hotel. 

Then there is the interior. Like the exteriors, each of the three Sawai Collection SUVs has a unique interior that compliments its exterior shade. There is a bespoke personalized numbered commissioning plaque on the centre console of each car and white ceramic controls for the drive selector and the rotary controls for the auto climate control.

All three cars are inspired by the famed latticework – jaali – work of Rajasthan. Three different lattice patterns, one for each of the three Sawai Collection editions, have been created using the R and R of the new Range Rover logo. You will see these patterns being used as embroidered motifs on the bespoke upholstery of each. All three Sawai Collection SUVs are exclusively in the four-seater format.

Sawai Jaipur

Inspired by the Pink City of Jaipur, this one is finished in a beautiful blush pink that is really closer to the rosé wine palette and really stands out. Range Rover says that the design is their interpretation of the terracotta pink hues that Jaipur is known for. Complimenting the exterior is an interior that echoes the city’s historic stone lattice facades. You will see the pattern for Jaipur embroidered on to the seat backs and on the scatter cushions of the deep garnet and ecru dual tone upholstery. Chrome jewel like elements are placed strategically to add a royal touch to the whole package.

Sawai Jodhpur

This one is of course finished in a soft-toned metallic powder blue – inspired by the Blue City of Jodhpur. Keeping pace with its inspired exterior is a beautifully embroidered lattice pattern using the Range Rover R in Riviera Blue and Perlino. Here the dual tone interior uses a combination of that same Riviera Blue and Perlino to offer a stunning cabin.

Sawai Jaisalmer

Finally, there is the third of the trio, finished in this satin gold that is reflective of the shifting sands of the Thar Desert that encircles the ancient city. The lattice pattern here is inspired by the bold block printing techniques of Rajput traditions and is also an homage to the Rajput tradition of fort building. The dual tone interiors are finished in a combination of Perlino and Caraway Leather.

“India’s rich cultural heritage continues to inspire some of the most compelling stories in design. The Range Rover SV Sawai Collection celebrates the beauty, craftsmanship and architectural character of Rajasthan through three distinctive Range Rover Bespoke editions,” said Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India. Through the limitless possibilities of the Bespoke service, we have created vehicles that are deeply connected to Indian culture while remaining unmistakably Range Rover. The success of Range Rover SV Ranthambore and Range Rover SV Masāra editions reinforces the strong appreciation among our clients for highly personalised, culturally inspired expressions of a Range Rover.”