Range Rover Sport |
Following hot on the heels of the new Range Rover, Land Rover has now introduced the new Range Rover Sport overseas. Combining dramatic modernity and distinctive character with electrifying performance, this third-generation range (L461) based on the Jaguar Land Rover MLA-Flex platform is set to be launched locally towards the end of this year.
Described by the Whitley-based group as redefining sporting luxury by combining assertive on-road performance with trademark refinement, progressive design sophistication and connected convenience, the new Sport is the most desirable and dynamically capable model yet.
With taut surfacing and instantly recognisable profile, the sophisticated exterior is unmistakably Range Rover Sport, detailed with a stealth-like front grille and LED lights with a distinctive DRL signature. The clean lines are enhanced by flush glazing and door handles, a hidden waist rail finisher, and a laser-welded roof. These all add to the sophisticated appearance and excellent aerodynamics, delivering a drag coefficient of only 0.29.
The new Dynamic model in the line-up has unique exterior design elements to show off its purposeful character. This includes special Satin Grey alloy wheels, Satin Burnished Copper finishes for the bonnet louvres, matte Range Rover lettering on the front grille, and unique bumpers and bespoke lower cladding.
New Interior
The reductive design extends to the Sport’s all-new interior with trademark Range Rover Command Driving Position, the latest technologies and finest materials, including tactile, lightweight Ultrafabrics textiles finished in Duo-Tone colours. Alternatives include grained, Windsor or soft Semi-Aniline leather options.
These tactile materials blend well with new Moonlight Chrome interior finishes, while the integrated audio speakers contribute to the crisp, modern interior aesthetic. The front seats are 22-way adjustable, with heated and ventilated electric memory, massage function and winged headrests, while rear passengers benefit from a 31 mm increase in legroom and 20 mm greater knee clearance.
The optional next-generation cabin air purification system combines PM2.5 filtration and nanoeX technology to further reduce odours, bacteria and allergens, and an advanced CO2 management function allows you to purify the cabin before a journey or while driving.
The Meridian Signature sound system with 29 speakers, a new subwoofer and up to 1,430 W of amplifier power is the most advanced audio system ever fitted to a Sport. Active Noise Cancellation reduces road and tyre noise, and other conveniences include deployable door handles with proximity sensing, Soft Door Close, Approach Unlock, and Automated Walk Away Lock.
Positioned at the centre of the modernist dashboard, the Pivi Pro infotainment system, controlling everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings, features a high-resolution 13.1” curved touchscreen. This is complemented by a 13.7” Interactive Driver Display with high-definition graphics and a reconfigurable layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on all Sport models include Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, including front and rear parking sensors, Wade Sensing, ClearSight Ground View6, Manoeuvring Lights, Driver Condition Monitor and Lane Keep Assist.
Bespoke Chassis Dynamics
The stiffness and strength of MLA-Flex architecture provide up to 35% higher torsional stiffness than the previous Range Rover Sport, and it harmoniously works with a suite of systems governed by the Integrated Chassis Control system – all specially tuned for the new Sport.
Dynamic Response Pro, combined with the latest Dynamic Air Suspension with switchable-volume air springs (now available in all Sport models), can apply up to 1,400 Nm of torque across each axle via a 48-volt electronic active roll control system. To optimise the responses of the Dynamic Air Suspension, the road ahead is monitored using eHorizon navigation data.
Adaptive Dynamics 2 technology, monitoring external factors up to 500 times per second, All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking and an Electronic Active Differential further contribute to the new Sport’s dynamic capability – as optimised in the Stormer Handling Pack (standard on P510e Electric Hybrid and P530 powertrains).
Bespoke Drivetrains
The powerful and efficient engines in the new Sport include the new P510e six-cylinder extended range Electric Hybrid that blends the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 105 kW electric motor and 38.2 kWh battery, producing a total system output of 375 kW.
This combination delivers a zero to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds, an electric driving range of up to 113 km, an expected real-world range of 88 km and CO2 emissions of just 18 g/km. The plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a combined 740 km of petrol and electric range for longer journeys.
The new flagship V8 Twin Turbo produces 390 kW for a zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds with Dynamic Launch. A powerful P400 mild-hybrid straight-six Ingenium petrol and a six-cylinder D350 diesel engine conclude the comprehensive choice of powertrains. Pure-electric propulsion for the Sport will be introduced in 2024.
An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive are standard across the range, and the latest Terrain Response 2 system enhances off-road performance. New Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control makes its debut on the Sport, allowing drivers to select one of four comfort settings and adjust speed accordingly.
Last Word
According to Jaguar Land Rover, the new Range Rover Sport can be honed to be as dynamically engaging as the driver desires while offering enhanced levels of refinement and comfort. Locally, the new Sport will be available in S, SE, HSE and Autobiography specifications, with a First Edition available throughout the first year of production. The new Range Rover Sport will be exclusively produced at Solihull alongside the new Range Rover.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © Jaguar Land Rover
