A HYBRID LEAP IN LUXURY

In parallel with its full-bodied fifth-generation Range Rover sibling, the Range Rover Sport is set to embrace full electrification by next year, with an all-electric variant slated for release by 2024. While we wait patiently for that to happen, Range Rover’s extensively revised plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – as tested in P460e First Edition guise – will do just fine.

As Range Rover continues on its journey to zero emissions motoring, more plug-in hybrid versions of its most popular models are available for early adopters. In South Africa, no fewer than ten PHEV models in the full Range Rover line-up employ this technology. Although not available in PHEV guise for the local market until the arrival of the third generation Sport, the previous generation Range Rover Sport introduced PHEV driving to the range, although it was hamstrung by a modest 40 km maximum electric-only driving range.

The new Sport, an overall transformation from its forebear, boasts a noteworthy increase in electric driving range, attaining up to 125 km, as indicated by Land Rover’s data. In practical terms, this equates to approximately 100 km, quite the feat for a vehicle of this size.

CHARGED TO CHARGE

All challengers considered, the Sport’s electric-only range is impressive, and comes courtesy of a substantial 38.2 kWh battery that endows the Range Rover Sport PHEV with enhanced versatility. Daily commutes and significant stretches of highway travel can be accomplished without relying on its 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine. When operated with care – and with diligent overnight battery charging – the P460e will officially achieve an incredibly low 1.6 l/100 km. During our test run, however, the Sport returned a more fathomable consumption figure closer to three times its official figure. Still extremely frugal, considering its weight and eagerness to perform.

Combined with its petrol engine, the P460e First Edition delivers a massive 375 kW and 700 Nm of torque, accessible across the entire rev range. This robust torque delivery imparts a remarkable sense of urgency when accelerating, whether in urban settings or on faster highways.

Officially, the PHEV Sport will accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, characterised by smooth and sustained acceleration that underscores its luxury SUV status. Although it doesn’t quite reach the driving dynamics of a Porsche Cayenne, activating Dynamic mode firms up the suspension, mitigating body roll and enhancing control without impacting ride comfort. Standard features such as air suspension, active anti-roll control, and a rear differential with torque distribution contribute to its dynamic prowess.

For recharging, the Range Rover Sport offers fast-charging capabilities, a feature not commonly found in PHEVs. An 80% recharge can be accomplished in as little as 40 minutes, while a home wallbox will fully replenish the battery in approximately five hours. In contrast, a standard domestic three-pin plug necessitates more than twice that for a full recharge.

It should be noted, however, that the plug-in Sport is positioned at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Commencing at R2,694,400 for a Dynamic SE model and escalating swiftly to R2,810,100 for the First Edition, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is a pricier option to alternatives like the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid Coupé. The price point also excludes potential add-ons from the options and accessories catalogue. On our test unit, the tally of exterior and interior enhancements came to an additional R94,379, including some pricey items that are probably unnecessary for most buyers, such as an entertainment system for rear passengers with 11.4” screens (R47,000), a centre console refrigerator (R9,900), and a heated steering wheel (R3,900). 

LAST WORD

The Sport PHEV shares many interior elements with the larger Range Rover, including the dashboard’s sweeping design, the 13.7” digital instrument cluster, and the 13.1” touchscreen. A panoramic sunroof is a standard inclusion, ensuring ample headroom beneath it. The Sport also offers generous legroom, while the 647-litre boot capacity, although not class-leading, meets practical storage needs. Numerous well-placed storage compartments within the cabin demonstrate careful consideration of daily utility.

Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © JLR SOUTH AFRICA