The Range Rover Sport has been a crucial model for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), showcasing the untapped potential of the Range Rover sub-brand. Since its launch in 2004, the Range Rover Sport has become central to JLR’s portfolio, prompting the company to rename itself JLR and establish four distinct brand lines: Range Rover, Discovery, Defender, and Jaguar. The Range Rover Sport offers all the advantages of a modern Land Rover, including the prestige of the Range Rover brand, advanced technologies, and impressive off-road capabilities, at a more affordable price point. Many owners consider the Range Rover Sport to be the best Range Rover model available.
Design & Styling:
The Range Rover Sport shares its MLA-Flex platform with the full-sized Range Rover and is built alongside it at JLR’s Solihull plant. The chassis is a mix of aluminum and steel, with steel chosen for its noise-suppression qualities. The Range Rover Sport’s engine range includes two six-cylinder 3.0-liter mild-hybridized Ingenium turbo diesels, two mild-hybrid petrols, two plug-in hybrid petrol-electric options, and the latest SV performance variant with a 626bhp V8 engine. The Sport features double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear axle, and advanced suspension and four-wheel drive technologies for exceptional roll and pitch control.
Interior & Infotainment:
The Range Rover Sport’s interior offers a plush and sophisticated ambience, combining modern digital technology with luxurious materials. The driving position is medium-high, providing excellent visibility and a sporty feel. The cabin features touchscreen interfaces and digital screens, although some physical controls would have been preferable for certain functions. The 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system strikes a good balance between display size and scale, offering a range of features. The interior is spacious, particularly in the second row, and offers ample loading space.
Engines & Performance:
The Range Rover Sport delivers outstanding mechanical refinement and low-speed luxury appeal. It offers a broad range of dynamic abilities, surpassing other Land Rover models. The D300 diesel variant offers impressive performance, with smooth acceleration, intuitive gear changes, and excellent low-end response. The Range Rover Sport’s ride and handling strike a balance between toughness, comfort, and dynamism. It has precise steering, supple but sophisticated damping, and is both engaging and easy to drive.
MPG & Running Costs:
The Range Rover Sport’s price remains its biggest potential hurdle, as it is 15-20% more expensive than some rivals. Land Rover’s reputation for reliability has also been a concern, although the new MLA-Flex platform may help improve this. However, the car’s strong residuals can offset the initial high cost, making it competitive with key rivals in terms of monthly finance quotes. The plug-in hybrid variants offer a 5% benefit-in-kind banding, making them attractive to fleet buyers.
Conclusion:
The Range Rover Sport is a standout model that excels in mechanical refinement, luxury appeal, and versatility. Its interior has made significant strides in digital technology and offers a rich and inviting atmosphere. While some aspects of the interior could be improved, the overall experience is close to greatness. The Range Rover Sport offers exceptional performance, ride, and handling, making it both engaging and comfortable. Despite its high price, the Range Rover Sport remains a top choice for those looking for a luxury SUV that delivers on and off the road.
