The Range Rover Sport is in its third generation. This is a luxurious SUV that offers a combination of style, performance, and advanced features. Let’s delve a little more to see what it offers.
Range Rover Sport Design
The Range Rover Sport reeks of being an SUV with its massive size. It is about 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. This SUV looks like it has been crafted with utmost dedication. It maintains its iconic and elegant design, featuring sleek lines and a commanding presence on the road. It strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and sophistication, with its signature grille, distinctive LED headlights, and subtly muscular wheel arches. The overall design language reflects a blend of modernity and classic Range Rover aesthetics.
I particularly loved the way the door handles pop out on unlocking it, which otherwise remain flushed with the body. Also, there are no unwanted protrusions anywhere.
The Range Rover Sport is underpinned by the MLA-Flex platform of Land Rover, making it more refined, tough and technologically superior.
Range Rover Sport Interior
Step inside, and you’ll find a sumptuous and well-crafted interior. The cabin is spacious, offering ample room for both passengers and cargo. High-quality materials, such as premium leather, wood trims, and metal accents, do make you feel you’re in an expensive vehicle and create an upscale atmosphere.
The dashboard features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, providing access to various functions and connectivity options. The internal door handles feel rich and built to last, though the placement is lower down and one has to search for it the first time. All in all the interiors feel rich.
Rear space is generous and passengers sit high there. The seats offer great comfort, for being seated all day too.
One thing I would like to mention is that the Range Rover Sport has a high-set cabin, hence, entering it can be tricky, especially for short people. The suspension can be lowered for access, but still can be a little cumbersome, given that there is no step or grab handle to provide easy ingress.
The luggage area is huge and the rear suspension can be lowered from the boot itself, for easy loading.
Range Rover Sport Performance
The Range Rover Sport is available in two engine options. The D350, which is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel, with 350bhp and 700Nm of massive torque. This is the one I drove. It delivers impressive power, ensuring swift acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Push the throttle and you can hear the six cylinders waking up. The noise is not intrusive though. Outright performance is not its forte, but it does the job well, without feeling any lack in power delivery.
The other engine is the P400, 3-litre, six-cyl with 400bhp and 550Nm.
The Range Rover Sport’s advanced four-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension further enhance its off-road capabilities and overall handling on various terrains.
As expected, the Range Rover Sport boasts excellent off-road capabilities. It comes equipped with Terrain Response, allowing drivers to select various driving modes tailored to different terrains like sand, snow, rocks, and mud.
Additionally, the SUV’s adjustable ground clearance and off-road driving aids ensure it can handle challenging trails with ease. In off-road 2 mode the ground clearance raises to a mind-boggling 281mm.
Range Rover Sport Technology
The SUV is equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance both convenience and safety. The infotainment system includes features like smartphone integration, navigation, and a premium sound system.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, contribute to a safer driving experience. The 360 degree camera is one of the finest you’ll find and also has a rear view mirror with a monitor in it.
Ranger Rover Sport Ride and Handling
The Range Rover Sport is an able SUV with that sporty edge and is great in straight-line stability. However, throw it into corners and it reminds you of its size and height. Its not a vehicle you’ll enjoy pushing on winding roads.
Also, the low-speed ride is stiff and can feel like a ladder-frame construction at times. The 22-inch wheels lesser rubber may also be blamed for this. In our driving environment, thicker rubber is more appreciated.
Verdict
The new Range Rover Sport impresses with its luxurious design, powerful performance, and advanced technology. It caters to drivers who seek a versatile SUV that can handle both city driving and a bit of off-road adventures while providing a comfortable and refined interior. However, the higher price tag of just under ₹2Cr.(on-road), is something to be aware of. Overall, the new Range Rover Sport remains a top contender in the premium SUV market, appealing to those who value both style and substance, but do not want to spend as much as the flagship Range Rover.