The Range Rover Sport is now in its third generation, starting in 2022, as a sporty-focused version of the most luxurious Land Rover lineup. We drove the plug-in hybrid version of this sizeable five-seater SUV to compare it with the traditional Range Rover. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport P550e PHEV Autobiography we tested was assembled at the Solihull, GBR plant and priced at $162,385.
As its name indicates, the Range Rover Sport is a sleeker, sporty-focused Range Rover. When you compare the two, you will immediately notice the difference: the Range Rover is wider and longer while the Sport is narrower, especially in front. The upper part of the front grille and headlights are smaller on the Sport, and the lower bumper has multiple openings. Coupled with the bronze accents, it has a distinctive style from the classic Range Rover. The profile and the back emphasize its sporty design, and the 23-inch wheels add a luxurious touch despite their large size. The flush door handles add to the elegant ensemble. The absence of the Land Rover badge in the back is interesting, with only Range Rover spelled out in the middle.
When you opt for the Range Rover Sport, you will get a premium cabin; our test model featured a Deep Garnet and Ebony interior, a mix of burgundy and black. Once you sit in the vehicle, you feel immediately comfortable. The semi-aniline, heated, ventilated and massaging front leather seats will make your next road trip more enjoyable. The rear seats are also super comfy; you can tilt them back to your preferred position thanks to the controls on the door panels. There are plenty of amenities for the rear occupants, including heated and ventilated seats, USB-C ports, individual air vents (even on the roof), individual temperatures, cupholders and two 11.4-in rear seat entertainment with USB and HDMI ports. There are also ISOFIX ports and rear anchors on the back. In the cargo area, even though it isn't the full-size Range Rover, you still get a respectable amount of room, and you can lower the suspension at the touch of a button to stow items away easily. We also had a full-sized 23-in spare tire, a $750 option. A possible downside of the Range Rover Sport is the absence of a third row, unlike other similarly-sized models in the lineup. If this is important to you, we invite you to check out our review of the Range Rover.
If you had time to sit in any recent Land Rover, the steering wheel and digital gauge cluster would be familiar, as would the 13.1-inch touchscreen fitted with Pivi Pro, the latest infotainment system from the British automaker. The gauge cluster is big, and you can easily configure it to display your preferred information, such as a full-screen map, trip information, or sport-oriented gauges. We regret to find that all climate controls have been integrated into the touch screen, and changing the settings on a whim can be challenging. Last year, when we tested the Range Rover, it had these clever dials that allowed you to select the temperature, the fan speed and the heated/ventilated seat control. You now find black plastic pieces in that area. Otherwise, the screen reacts promptly and is loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. As mentioned, two smaller touch screens are mounted on the back of the front seat, which can be linked to the front screen. Unlike other automakers, these screens don't have integrated apps, meaning you must connect your device to watch something. On the plus side, the optional 29-speaker Meridian sound system delivers an excellent musical experience.
Moving on to performance, the latest Range Rover Sport is available with two powertrains. The base engine option is a mild hybrid, 3.0L turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, which, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, develops 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The mild hybrid setup is helpful for the start/stop function at a stoplight. Then, you also have the plug-in hybrid versions offered on the Dynamic SE and Autobiography, with the latter bringing performance to a higher level. You will still have the turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine with a sizeable 38.2kWh battery pack, also coupled to an eight-speed automatic. Overall, the numbers are impressive: 543 hp, 590 lb-ft of torque, a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds and an electric range of about 82 km (50 mi). All Range Rover Sport trims offer all-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension, increasing the price compared to its competitors.
The Range Rover Sport Autobiography is smooth yet surprisingly fun to drive. The vehicle launches quickly and isn't a handful to keep it moving straight. In EV mode, the power available is enough to bring it to highway speeds, and the shift to hybrid mode when the battery is depleted is seamless. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is an improvement over the mild hybrid thanks to the power increase. The steering and handling are suitable for such a heavy vehicle; the ride is comfortable. You can drive this vehicle for a while and still be fresh when you reach your destination. The air suspensions play a massive part in keeping the body roll to a minimum, although, as one can expect, there is some weight shifting, especially when you're braking. Land Rover partnered with legendary brake company Brembo to equip the Range Rover Sport with their brakes. The ride quality is unmatched on a vehicle at this price point; the British automaker has done its homework and raised the bar even higher regarding ride quality and preciseness of the steering daily.
On the electric side, Land Rover has fitted this vehicle with a large battery to help you save fuel. We were surprised with the range; we could drive about 94 km (59 mi) consistently on a single charge. The larger battery also means longer charging times, close to an electric-only vehicle, with a nearly 5.5h charging time. Fortunately, fast charging is available, and you can get up to 80% in about 50 minutes, a massive improvement over a standard home charging station if you're out of the house.
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport P550e PHEV Autobiography has a hefty price tag of $162,385. We wouldn't call it a bargain, but it offers quite a lot of comfort and quality. The Range Rover Sport has many attributes, with its biggest downside being the cluttered infotainment system. It's a fast, efficient, and comfortable SUV with much going for it. If your budget allows you to splurge a bit, the Autobiography brings out the best England offers.
Range Rover has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Range Rover Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.
Commenti