Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The latest model was first unveiled globally in May 2022, followed by an India launch in December 2022. Currently in its third-generation version, the new Range Rover Sport is a fine example of effortless style, comfort, and performance.

• The SUV is available in four trims: Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and First Edition.

• The new model comes with a host of changes inside and out, including both petrol and diesel engine options.

• Exteriors are now more distinctive, with slimmer headlights and grilles than the previous model. The bumper comes with sporty air intakes, while the side profile is minimalistic and features a sporty alloy wheel design. The rear end witnesses the majority of the changes, with slim taillights.

• The interiors of the new Range Rover Sport come with new tech and upgrades to the cabin upholstery and design. The car also comes with new features such as revamped touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument cluster, three-spoke steering wheel, 800W audio system, etc.

Every vehicle from the brand is attention-grabbing, and the new Range Rover Sport is no exception. The third-generation model gets an identical silhouette but the styling is distinctive and eye-catching.

• The Range Rover Sport is a big, bulky vehicle and not much smaller in dimensions than the flagship Range Rover. In fact, both the vehicle has a similar wheelbase. However, there is much more in the car apart from the sheer size.

• The SUV features sleek pixel LED headlights with signature daytime running lights. The grille is slim in size and is complemented by the clamshell bonnet and the bumpers having body-coloured panels.

• The window line and roofline silhouette convergence works well, enhanced by flush door handles and a strong beltline. The vehicle comes with large 22-inch wheels which are more than enough for Indian driving conditions.

• The rear profile follows a minimalistic path with slender taillights and a nice cohesion of the glossy black panelling and smart shaping of the boot lid.

Though its not the flagship SUV, the company has gone the distance in terms of interior features, comfort and space. There are a lot of shared elements with the elder sibling Range Rover.

• The dashboard is elegant, with the three-spoke steering wheel and a high-mounted centre console lending it a sportier look. The quality of the material remains top-notch and reminiscent of what you would expect from a Range Rover vehicle.

• There is a substantial use of leather and there are plenty of customisation options available.

• Though the seats at the front are positioned lower, you will still get a wide view of the road ahead. The seats at the rear are also nicely cushioned and offer a generous amount of space even by the standards of large SUVs. And though there is good leg and back support, the rear seats have limited adjustability.

• The boot space is massive at 835 litres, and if you want more, then at a touch of a button, the rear seats can be folded to get more than 1000 litres of additional space.

• In terms of features, the car is adequately equipped with aspects like heated and ventilated seats and massaging options for the front seats.

• There is a large 13.7-inch touchscreen infotainment closely fitted next to the driver offering a slick interface, powered by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 13.7-inch instrument cluster has been improved and now offers convenient switching between statistical information and display modes.

• Other comfort aspects include wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and head-up display, among others.

Safety is of paramount importance in such vehicles and the Range Rover Sport comes fully loaded with all the packages required for Indian driving conditions.

• The SUV comes with 6 airbags, though a minimum of 8 could have been better.

• The braking mechanism includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist and electronic parking brake.

• The stability duties are shouldered by electronic stability control, traction control, Hill Start and Descent Control. The car comes with automatic headlamps and an auto rain-sensing wiper with a rear defogger.

• With adaptive cruise control and tyre pressure monitor, the vehicle comes with active safety features including blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist. Although at this price point, an advanced ADAS package should have been included.

• Then there are front and rear parking sensors with 360-degree cameras to give an all-around view of the vehicle.

The car comes in two engine options; the 3.0L petrol and diesel motors. The petrol engine makes 400hp and 550Nm torque, while the diesel one generates 350hp and 700Nm torque, both synced with 8-speed automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid system works in the background.

As you would expect, the petrol engine is refined and the rich growl will entice you to push the pedal. The powertrain is smooth and quiet at the same time, contrastingly with more vigour during the drive and making the driver happy. The 8-speed gearbox supports enough with the paddle shifters offering a convenient workaround.

The claimed 0-100kmph sprint of the Range Rover Sport is 5.9 seconds, but it can give anything below 6.5 seconds in real test driving, which is still brisk, to say the least.

The diesel engine is equally refined and silent. The torque is available from the very low down and there isn't any lack of thrust either. The diesel model can make a 0-100kmph dash in above 7 seconds, which is amazing given the almost 3-tonne weight of the vehicle.

The car comes with an all-wheel drive setup and is loaded with the brands Terrain Response 2 designed for various off-road driving conditions. The adaptive dynamics and air suspension further enhance the feel-good experience by smoothening the bumps. The SUV also feels pleasant and planted at corners and high speeds.