Firms most popular model gets PHEV and V8 power
Introducing the new Range Rover Sport, the third generation of the SUV has been revealed and promises sporting luxury, instinctive on-road performance with trademark Range Rover refinement, and is the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable yet.
The new Sport offers a variety of powerful and efficient powertrains from a 525bhp V8 to a PHEV variant. A pure electric model is set to be introduced in 2024.
The design of the new Range Rover Sport is clearly drawn from the design of the fifth generation Range Rover in which it was developed alongside, an active posture and immediately recognizable silhouette give the SUV a poised and ready stance, shadowed by its muscular proportions.
The short overhangs of the bumpers, a emphatic front end and steeply raked roofline provide a tough and commanding road presence and all add to that sporty look.
The exterior is also detailed with attractive elements for example a stealth-like front grille and Digital LED lighting units that create a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature. These details sit above a sculpted, double-aperture lower bumper enhanced by black detailing.
At the rear the design elements are echoed, including a molded tailgate which features uninterrupted LED light graphics that introduce surface LED technology to a production vehicle for the first time, claims Range Rover.
A distinguishing shoulder line runs the span of the vehicle, highlighted by new lower fender elements, flush glazing and door handles. These design assisting technologies provide a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
The flagship model for now is the P530, this model receives a BMW derived twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol producing 525bhp. This powertrain allows the new Range Rover Sport to reach 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with Dynamic Launch engaged – matching the previous Range Rover Sport SVR while providing a 17 per cent improvement in efficiency over the old V8.
The new extended range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains are headed by the P510e, it uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine coupled with a 141bhp electric motor, powered by 38.2kWh battery for a total output of 503bhp. It will complete the 0-60 sprint in 5.2 seconds and reach 70 miles of EV range, the top speed is 150mph
The initial line-up is completed by a number of 48V mild-hybrid options in petrol and diesel guise, the full engine line-up includes the following:
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
· P510e, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, PHEV
· P440e, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, PHEV
Petrol
· P360, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV
· P400, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV
· P530, 4.4-litre Twin Turbo V8
Diesel
· D250, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV
· D300, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV
· D350, 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV
The new Range Rover Sport sits on the same underpinnings as its larger counterpart. JLR’s flexible mixed-metal architecture, known as MLA-Flex, and claims it has 35% higher torsional stiffness than the outgoing model, also stating that “the MLA architecture and the latest chassis systems come together to deliver the most engaging and thrilling Range Rover Sport ever”.
The new Dynamic Response Pro works jointly with the Dynamic Air Suspension, introducing switchable-volume air springs for the first time, and uses a 48V electronic active roll control system to provide ultimate control and capable of applying up to 1400Nm of torque across each axle to offer new levels of confidence around corners and body control.
The Range Rover Sports ability to handle turns is now taken to a new level with all-wheel steering, which provides rear-wheel steering of up to 7.3 degrees to attain improved agility and maneuverability at low speeds and superior stability at high speeds, this is joined with torque vectoring by braking and an electronic differential.
The up-to-date Terrain Response 2 system is introduced for off-roading, and also introduced is the make's new adaptive off-road cruise control, in which drivers can choose one of the four settings available and the system will adjust the speed correspondingly so the drivers attention is all on the steering.
On the inside is more focused refinement, with sculpted seats, next-generation Cabin Air Purification Pro and Active Noise Cancelling Meridian Signature Sound.
The 22-way adjustable heated electric memory seats have a massage option, the rear passengers benefit from a 31mm increase in legroom and 20mm greater knee clearance, for greater comfort and support.
The Cabin Air Purification Pro is available to create the perfect driving environment by combining PM2.5 filtration and nanoeTM X technology to significantly reduce odors, bacteria and allergens, the driver can also select an advanced CO2 Management function that purifies the cabin before a journey, or while they are driving – warranting improved alertness for every drive, and enhanced wellbeing for all occupiers.
Powerful Meridian audio alternatives are offered, the Meridian Signature Sound System is the most superior and powerful audio system ever fitted to a Range Rover Sport. It presents an enveloping sound experience using 29 speakers, a new subwoofer and up to 1,430W of amplifier power – including four headrest speakers that enable those travelling in the four main seats of the vehicle to experience personal sound zones.
The system also includes next generation Active Noise Cancellation, this reduces the effect of road and tyre noise entering the cabin.
Positioned at the centre of the dashboard is the high resolution floating 13.1” curved screen with the award-winning Pivi Pro infotainment system, from this you can control everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings. Plus a 13.7” drivers instrument display with high-definition graphics that reverberate the main Pivi system, and a reconfigurable layout so drivers can see the information that’s most important to them.
Also available is over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android and Amazon Alexa capability.
Deliveries for the new Range Rover Sport will start in September with prices starting from £79,000
