1-of-8: Exclusive Range Rover SV Arete Edition Debuts in Whistler
We always knew the first exclusive Range Rover created by the firm’s SV Bespoke artisans for Canadian customers would be special, but still. The Range Rover SV Arete Edition — a limited-edition of just eight models — is a stone-cold stunner inspired by Canadian Rockies.
Fittingly then, it made its debut in Whistler this morning, at Canada’s first Range Rover House. These invite-only retreats bring guests into a brand oasis curated by the firm’s design team, and treat them to unforgettable experiences: meals, expeditions, spa treatments and masterclasses in art, culture, cooking, architecture, design and more. There’ve been more than 15 Range Rover Houses to date, including in Sydney harbour, an Alpine retreat in Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc, on Cap D’Antibes along the French Riviera, and in the heart of London’s Mayfair district to name just a few. Each House embodies Range Rover’s luxurious, modernist ideals while honouring local culture and events. You never know where the next one is going to be, which is part of the appeal.
According to the Range Rover design team, the SV Arete Edition was inspired by the, “natural richness of the iconic Canadian mountain range, and the tranquil and undisturbed alpine atmosphere.” It’s meant to be equal parts serene and inspiring.
In mountaineering terms, an “arête” is the geological product of two eroding glaciers that leave between parallel valleys. The tall, sharp ridge of rock separating the two valleys is known as an arête. In more literary circles, Arete is the Greek goddess of virtue. The word’s meaning has evolved over the years, but often refers to excellence in some form or another. This Range Rover then, is both something to strive for, and something imposing. How fitting.
High in the jagged mountains set against a modernist chalet, the Arete Edition’s dazzling “special effect” gloss blue exterior paintwork by SV Bespoke appears to glisten and shimmer in the light. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it certainly draws the eye. Look closer and you’ll see the finish extends to matching inserts on the 23-inch diamond-turned forged alloys. Under the hood is the brand’s mighty 606 horsepower twin-turbo V8, in a mild-hybrid configuration.
Open the doors to the long-wheelbase Range Rover and you’ll find the brand’s most opulent SV Signature Suite cabin with first-class seating for four. An electrically deployable Club Table can help you get things done, or serve as a place to put beverages from the integrated fridge.
A triangular motif embroidered on the seats and used as an inlay for the wood veneer echoes the “A” of Arete and serves as a reminder of Whistler’s jagged peaks. The surfaces are finished in Liberty Blue leather with ebony textile accents by famed Danish textile firm Kvadrat. Even the scatter cushions are bespoke, finished in the same blue leather and Kvadrat textile as the seats. Natural dark linear Wenge wood veneer with a mosaic metal inlay completes the cabin.
Illuminated treat plates, numbered one to eight, remind owners just how special these limited-editions are every time they step in or out.
Now, we’re not going to play favourites here, but the 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, unveiled at Range Rover House in — you guessed it — Carmel, was limited to 17 examples. It had a satin bronze exterior, as well as Liberty Blue front seats with rear seats in contrasting Caraway leather. Some of the dashboard controls were finished in white ceramic, while a rear Champagne fridge offered up SV-etched Dartington Crystal glassware. That bronzed, long-wheelbase Range Rover feels like a very fitting tribute to the Carmel Coast, but honestly we’re more partial to the Canada-only Range Rover SV Arete Edition. It’ll be a much more rare sight on the roads, and the special gloss blue exterior paintwork by SV Bespoke appears, well, more special. Okay, so maybe we are playing favourites.
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