RANGE ROVER: ONE STEP BEYOND
The third-generation Range Rover Sport is a world away from its predecessor and unrecognisable compared to the original.
When Range Rover launched its Sport model back in 2005 it was an immediate hit with owners who wanted a luxury SUV with a bit of bite. The original lineup came with three V8 engine options, two of which were supercharged, however, with the launch of the technologically superior Second Gen (L494) in 2013, owners got to choose from a whole range of powertrains, including a mild hybrid (MHEV) option. It was fast, luxurious, and stylish, but cut to the 2024 Range Rover Sport PHEV and the originals don’t even come close.
PHEV
Being able to drive in full electric mode transforms the latest Sport into a completely different machine and can instantly convert any V8 Range Rover owner into an EV enthusiast after the first few minutes behind the wheel. With a full charge, it’s possible to drive up to 113km in total silence – an experience that not only highlights the Sports refinement but also produces zero tailpipe emissions.
That’s not to say the latest Sport can’t hustle, as the P510e’s electric motor is mated to a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine producing a total system output of 510PS. This enables the luxury SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds, while its Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) integrates with the latest all-terrain innovations and technologies to ensure its breadth of dynamic capability.
“Land Rover’s pioneering flexible MLA architecture and the latest chassis systems come together to deliver the highest levels of dynamism we’ve ever seen on Range Rover Sport,” commented Nick Collins, Executive Director Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover. “Integrated Chassis Control governs the comprehensive suite of innovations, coordinating everything from the latest switchable-volume air suspension system to our Dynamic Response Pro electronic active roll control. The result is the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever.”
Bold style: The Sport is a real eye-catcher courtesy of its instantly recognisable Range Rover profile, perfectly accentuated by slimline lighting clusters and muscular detailing
“Being able to drive in full electric mode transforms the latest Sport into a completely different machine.”
Turbocharged lightening: The Sport’s electric motor is mated to a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six cylinder petrol engine producing a total system output of 510PS.
“The result is the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever.”
LUXURY AND LOOKS
Although looks are subjective, the latest Sport is a real eye-catcher courtesy of its instantly recognisable Range Rover profile, perfectly accentuated by slimline lighting clusters and muscular bonnet/ flank detailing. “Our latest range Rover Sport embraces fully our modernist approach of vehicle design whilst amplifying its unquestionable sporting and confident character,” said Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Range Rover, and this refined simplicity carries over to the cabin details.
The Sport’s heated/ventilated 22-way adjustable (with massage) driver’s seat, sets the luxury standards inside, creating the ultimate elevated driving position. From here, the award-winning Pivi Pro infotainment is close to hand and features a high-resolution floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen positioned at the centre of the modernist dashboard. Controlling everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings, it learns the user’s habits and intelligently personalises the onboard experience, becoming a truly intuitive personal assistant.
It’s this combination of luxury and technology that sets the Sport apart, not just from its predecessors, but from its current competitors, such as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. Swift, totally silent (in EV mode) and sumptuously luxurious, the latest Sport is arguably one of the finest iterations of the Range Rover marque.
