The third generation Range Rover Sport takes a best step forward in luxury and technology. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Range Rover Sport. The best of all worlds? You might think that Land Rover's flagship Range Rover model would be just about perfect if it was slightly more dynamically styled and slightly sharper to drive. That's just what the third generation Range Rover Sport aims to offer. It now feels like a six-figure SUV inside and out and there's nothing quite like it.

Background

Here's a car that claims to be able to do.... well, almost everything. It'll cruise on the autobahn at 130mph, ford rivers in the Serengeti, take a family on holiday and slip you down to the shops. It can be affordable to run, rewarding to drive and looks dynamic and stylish. There has to be a catch - doesn't there? Time to check out the third generation Range Rover Sport. Ah yes, the Range Rover Sport. A car that in its first generation guise was neither a 'Range Rover' or 'sporty'. In fact, it was based almost entirely on the brand's sensible Discovery model and, thanks to that car's practical ladder frame chassis, as about as dynamic to drive. Still, the smarter set of clothes did the trick and for most of its life between 2005 and 2012, the MK1 'Sport' was one of Solihull's best sellers. The second generation model, launched in 2013 and updated in 2017, satisfied them far more credibly, based this time on the underpinnings of the fourth generation Range Rover. This MK4 design, which arrived in 2022, also shares a Range Rover chassis and powertrain, which means it's very advanced indeed.

Driving Experience

Even with the standard passive engineering spec we tried, there's lots to admire about the way this car tackles the turns. Land Rover reckons the body structure is 35% stiffer than before, offering what the brand claims is 'sportscar levels of stiffness'. Air suspension, a dual chamber system, is now standard and has been designed both to limit cornering body roll and pitch under acceleration. The result is certainly a very different experience from driving an ordinary Range Rover, as you oversee things from the more focused 'Command Driving position'. The news on engines (still all mated to 8-speed ZF auto transmission) isn't that much different to what it was before. A diesel still suits the car best and a vastly powerful petrol V8 is still a bit over-the-top. What has changed a bit is the Plug-in Hybrid offering, which was well worth avoiding with the previous generation car but which now offers a more sensible alternative to DERV - and perhaps also to the full-EV version, which hadn't yet been launched at the time of this test. That's mainly because the PHEV engine now has six rather than four cylinders and there's a vastly larger 38.2kWh battery. To give you some perspective, that's bigger than the battery fitted in some small full-EVs (!) and of course it enormously improves this car's EV range (quoted at 72.1 miles - think 50 in the real world). As usual with Land Rovers, the model names designate horsepower. The main 3.0-litre PHEV unit (which we tried and liked last month in a Range Rover) is badged 'P460e' and makes 62mph in 5.5s en route to 140mph. With plush spec, there's also a fractionally faster P550e version of the same unit. We mentioned diesel; well that's what we tried in the fastest of the various mild hybrid flavours in which the usual 3.0-litre six cylinder unit is now being offered. You can theoretically have a base D250 version, but most choose the mid-range D300, which significantly improves the 62mph sprint to 6.1s en route to 135mph. The top D350 variant enhances those figures further to 5.5s and 145mph, but you're probably more likely to want to choose it because of its artificially enhanced but rather pleasingly snarly engine note. Is there really any need to go faster than that in a Range Rover Sport? The few who think so are offered the stupidly expensive 'SV Edition Two' flagship performance model. Unlike the old SV 'Sport' (which had the classic old 5.0-litre supercharged JLR unit), this one uses a 4.4-litre petrol V8 borrowed from BMW and putting out 635hp. Rest to 62mph requires 3.7s en route to 180mph; why would you? Answers on a postcard please. Whatever your powertrain of choice, highway cruising is effortless, spoiled only by a bit of undue wind noise from the boxy body. Ride quality's probably about 90% as good as a Range Rover, which means it's very good indeed. As before, the Range Rover Sport is unrivalled off road, with intelligently variable all-wheel drive and 'Terrain Response' with six settings. The air springs can offer a 135mm ride height increase, water up to 900mm deep can be forded and 45-degree gradients attempted.

Design and Build

You'd instantly identify this as a Range Rover Sport, though on closer inspection, this third generation model is a good deal more sophisticated to look at. It's now a fraction under five-metres long, with a silhouette featuring three defining lines. There's the roof, which slopes downwards into a bigger rear spoiler; a more angled waistline with flush fitting for the door handles and glass; and a lower line that sweeps upwards. Up-front, the grille is slimmer and the LED headlamps are the narrowest ever fitted to a Land Rover model. Out back, it's particularly striking, with a visor-like screen and tail lamps with smart red OLED embedded strips. Inside, there's a more focused and immersive cockpit design than you'd get in a full-fat Range Rover, though all the technology is much the same. You sit 20mm lower and the steering wheel is smaller. A high centre console flows into a curved 13.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a 13.7-inch digital instrument binnacle. There are some lovely touches too, like the way that the speakers for the Meridian sound system can be covered with textiles. More space for leg room has been freed up in the back thanks to a 75mm-longer wheelbase. And the cargo bay has risen in size to 647-litres (dry-rated) - 55-litres more than before. This time round, there's no seven-seat option. And unlike the Range Rover, there's no long wheelbase version either.

Market and Model

At the time of our test in Autumn 2024, Range Rover Sport pricing was starting from around £75,000, which gets you base 'S' trim, but you're probably not going to want that because it restricts you to the base D250 diesel engine. Most Range Rover Sport customers budget at around the £85,000 price point, for either 'SE' or 'Dynamic SE' trim, where the choice is between either the uprated D300 diesel or (for around £6,000 more) the P460e petrol Plug-in Hybrid. If you can stretch to nearly £100,000 for the plush 'Autobiography'-spec we tried, your engine choice further widens to also include an extra PHEV option, the rare P550e, or an alternative faster diesel, the D350 (which is what we tried, priced at the time of our test at just under £103,000). Think also in terms of needing a six-figure sum if you want the full-EV version, which hadn't yet been launched at the time of this review. The only other choice is the fearsomely expensive (to buy and run) 'SV Edition Two' flagship performance model, which uses a 4.4-litre petrol V8 putting out 635hp and, as we compiled this test, cost around £172,000. Even base 'SE'-spec gets you quite a lot; 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a fixed glass panoramic roof, a heated windscreen and a year's subscription to a 'Secure Tracker Pro' system. Plus, like all Range Rover Sports, you get key engineering features like Dynamic air suspension and the best off road system in the business, 'Terrain Response 2'. Inside with 'SE'-spec, there's grained leather upholstery with 12-way powered front and rear adjustment, plus a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable steering column, a 3D Surround Camera and a Meridian sound system.

Cost of Ownership

The Range Rover Sport has come a long way since the days of the heavy, thirsty old first generation model. The second generation design adopted an all-aluminium body structure which cut kerb weight by a whopping 39%. And this MK3 model took another step forward with its MHEV mild hybrid diesel tech and improved PHEV Plug-in powerplants. As we compiled this review, there was also the promise of more to come, with a full-EV version being readied for imminent launch. All of these headlines rather mask the fact that the versions most customers will actually choose still lag a little behind less capable rivals when it comes to matters of efficiency. The base D250 MHEV diesel manages 39.4mpg on the combined cycle and 188g/km of CO2. For the D300 MHEV, it's 38.8mpg on the combined cycle and 191g/km of CO2. For this D350 MHEV, it's 38.1mpg and 194g/km. You'll need deep pockets of course to run the top 'SV Edition Two' 4.4-litre V8 petrol model, which only manages 23.6mpg and 272g/km. Your diesel alternative is the P460e, which returns the usual unrealistic fantasy-land three-figure fuel return common to all PHEVs (in this case 382.4mpg) and a tax-beating 17g/km of CO2 (putting the car in the 5% BiK bracket), while the 38.2kWh battery is supposed to manage up to 73.3miles of EV range. It's 362.2mpg, 18g/km and 71.5 miles for the faster P550e. Take those mileage figures with a pinch of salt by the way, as Land Rover admits via a caveat on their website stating that in real-world driving, you should expect up to 54 miles of range. What about PHEV battery replenishment? Well rapid charging capability of up to 50kW is now included, which means an 80% charge will occupy under an hour. Use a home wallbox and a full charge will take around five hours. It'd be a yawning 15 hours from a domestic plug. On the move in a 'Sport' PHEV, there's a choice of full-electric mode, plus a default Hybrid setting and a 'Save' option, which defers electric charge for when you might need it later in your trip.

Summary

With the fully fledged Range Rover being these days very much a plutocratic purchase, it's this 'Sport' model that for us, now most faithfully continues a model line stretching all the way back to the 1970 original. That very first Range Rover was a car you didn't have to be afraid to use as intended, on or off road. And nor is this one, usefully improved in this more sophisticated third generation form. It looks and feels a more luxurious, expensive product this time round, but it's still one that wouldn't mind getting its wheels dirty, should you ever have the opportunity to exploit quite astounding reserves of off road prowess. Previous generation Range Rover Sports had to pay for that with stodgy on-road handling, but this one has improved greatly in this regard, providing you tick the right expensive options boxes. It's taken Land Rover a long time to get this model exactly right; but try it for yourself and you may well feel that it's been worth the wait.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Rear wash/wipe

Heated rear window

Privacy glass

Remote window closing

Heated washer jets

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti trap

Winter wiper park position

Toughened front and rear side glass

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Roll stability control

Red brake calipers

Low traction launch

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Emergency braking

Brake pre-fill technology

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive dynamics

All terrain progress control

Automatic access height

Terrain Response 2

Dynamic air suspension

Communication

Android Auto

Apple car play

Wireless device charging

Remote

Bluetooth connectivity streaming

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Eco mode

Blind spot assist

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Adaptive cruise control with steering assist

Front and rear parking aid

Rear traffic monitor

Electric power assisted steering (EPAS)

Rear collision monitor

3D 360 degree surround camera with wade sensing

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Powered single-piece tailgate/boot lid

Driver Information

Trip computer

Interactive Driver display instrument cluster

13.1" Touchscreen

Driver condition response

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Side repeater indicators in mirror

Electric heated/power fold memory door mirrors with approach lights and auto dimming driver side

Embellishment Trims

Fine brushed aluminium interior trim

Entertainment

USB/aux input socket

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Meridian sound system

Incontrol protect - SOS emergency call with automatic collision detection, optimised assistance call and Incontrol remote app essential

Pivi pro connected

Exterior Body Features

Fixed panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind

Metal load space scuff plates

Flush deployable exterior door handles

Front and rear recovery eyes

Integrated twin tailpipes

No badges

Rear side wing doors

Illuminated aluminium treadplates with Range Rover script

Exterior Lights

Headlight power wash

Automatic headlights

Adaptive brake lights

LED tail lights

Automatic headlight levelling

Rear fog lights

Pixel LED headlights with LED signature DRL

Follow me home lighting

Centre high mounted stop light

Rear animated directional indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Air quality sensor

Automatic air recirculation

Two zone climate control

Interior Features

Electric adjustable steering column

Loadspace cover

Rear centre armrest

Driver's footrest

Lockable glovebox

Heated steering wheel

Front stowage pocket

Centre console with armrest

Three 12V accessory power outlets

Front and rear cupholders

Front/rear passenger grab handles

Gearshift paddles

Multifunction steering wheel

Bright metal foot pedals

Perforated Windsor leather upholstery

Extended leather upgrade

Power socket

Front door storage space

Loadspace mounting provisions

Customer configurable single point entry

Easy boot loading

Loadspace Hook

Luggage tie-downs in loadspace

Ebony console door armrests and seatbelts

Leather steering wheel with moonlight bezel

Upper secondary glovebox

Interior Lights

Front map lights

Loadspace light

Cabin lighting

Packs

Black Exterior pack - Range Rover Sport Dynamic

Online pack with data plan - Range Rover Sport

Safety

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Front side airbags

Seatbelt warning

3 point seatbelts on all seats

TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system)

Power operated child locks

Passenger seat occupant detector with front airbags

Occupant protection assist

Configurable autolock

Seats

Rear head restraints

Front seat back map pockets

Isofix child seat preparation

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear ISOFIX

Single front passenger seat

20 way electric heated memory front seats with heated power recline rear seats

60:40 seats with power recline and loadthrough

Seat backboard in PVC

Security

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote locking

Perimetric and volumetric anti theft alarm

Keyless entry

Intrusion sensor

Secure tracker pro

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

Twin speed transfer box

8 speed automatic transmission

Open differential with torque vectoring by braking

All wheel drive system

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Home charging cable

Public charging cable

Wheels

All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

22" SV bespoke satin black with gloss black contrast alloy wheels - Style 5131

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair system

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 900

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 40

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 38.2

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 119

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 73.9

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 38.2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 17

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 20

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

CC: 2996

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 385.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 328.8

General

Coin Series: Edition

Coin Description: P460e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 103149

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 82

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 460

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.3

Top Speed: 140

Engine Power - BHP: 460

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 338

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 5131

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4946

Width: 2003

Wheelbase: 2997

Width (including mirrors): 2209

Height: 1820

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 71.5

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 647

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1491

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.53

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Black contrast roof

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Trim - Leather

Perforated Windsor leather - Ebony with ebony interior, Ebony headlining

Perforated Windsor leather - Light cloud/ebony with light cloud/ebony interior, Ebony headlining