the test of the Range Rover Sport

Maurizio Bertera

September 26

In the Range Rover family, the Sport carries on an original concept: combining luxury and off-road capability to the essence of the brand with a driveability and aesthetic vision closer to the world (then nascent, it was 2005) of sporty SUVs. The third generation follows the route in an exemplary way: already ordered with prices from 95,300 to 145,900 euros and deliveries from the end of the year, the Range Rover Sport offers a choice of four trim levels: SE, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography. For a year, the Range Rover Sport will also be available in the rich First Edition trim level, the subject of the test: four-zone climate standard, adaptive cruise control that also works off-road, head-up display, electrically adjustable seats with massage function, high-speed springs air, extended leather upholstery and even Digital Led headlights. These use hundreds of thousands of micro mirrors to deflect light, allowing other cars to be illuminated (without dazzling them) and to change the shape of the light beam based on the weather, speed and the type of road interpreted on the maps in the navigator. Of course, the price is steep: 146,200 euros.

Design

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The Sport has grown in size to 495 cm in length, 7 cm more than before, and almost 300 cm in wheelbase. The new generation uses the MLA-Flex platform: the same as the Range Rover that can accommodate traditional or electric engines, the battery version will arrive in 2024). And with the Range Rover it also shares the design changes compared to the previous generations: “cleaner” shapes, with smooth sides and retractable handles, the inevitable sloping roof. The stylists didn’t risk it, predictable, but the result is elegant.

Cockpit

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The interiors are also reminiscent of the most recent Range Rover and it is clear: the dashboard of the Sport is horizontally developed with the large 13.1-inch touch screen in the center, which is paired with the 13.7-inch dashboard. Both convince for graphics and customizations, but appear to be improved in the simplicity of operation. At the top the furniture, from true premium and non-aspirational: the materials are pleasant to see and touch, and the leathers, standard those extended also to the dashboard and door panels, soft to the touch, with an almost silky effect. And the attention goes down to the smallest detail, even the controls behind the steering wheel have a convincing metal effect like every compartment. One of the many touches of class: the handles on the ceiling are out of the ordinary, sturdy, with a metal frame and open with a refined pantograph mechanism.

Engines

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The Range Rover Sport allows you to choose between 3.0 six-cylinder mild hybrid (diesel with 249, 300 or 350 hp) or plug-in (petrol, with 441 or 510 hp and over 100 km of official electric range). The only non-hybrid is the 530 HP 4.4 V8 biturbo, present on the P530 that we tested and supplied by BMW (the other engines are 100% British). For all engines, the gearbox is eight-speed automatic, the four-wheel drive becomes rear below 160 km / h when not needed, to reduce fuel consumption.

The road test

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The 4.4 V8 with 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque takes the place of the 5.0 of the previous Range Rover Sport, which had 525 horsepower (575 in the Svr variant, which among other things should be revived). The performance of the P530 is however out of the ordinary: when the turbos start blowing, overtaking happens in a heartbeat and straights become too short. The top speed is 250 km / h, 0-100 km / h occurs in 4.5 seconds, remarkable considering that the vehicle weighs two and a half tons. Compared to “normal” Range Rovers, the roll is more reduced but is still present, even in the Dynamic sport mode despite the presence of air springs and active anti-roll bars as standard. But it is a precise choice of the technicians, because the car must ensure the comfort worthy of the name it bears, which happens on time. The eight-speed automatic of the Zf is effective in shifting.

Pros and cons

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Here are the pros and cons of the Range Rover Sport.

Like it: Interior, spacious, of quality in every material and finish. Performance, the car is fast and powerful in total reliability. Personality, a real alternative to those who dominate the market.

Do not like: Infotainment, rich but not always intuitive. Trunk, lower capacity than competitors.