From the outset the Ranger Rover was seen as the ultimate off-road companion. Since its inception, it has become increasingly sophisticated with outstanding off-road capability. Now there’s a new Range Rover Sport (a sort of ‘lite’ version of the full-fat vehicle and preferred by some with the emphasis more on ‘sport’) model that can be honed to be as dynamically engaging as the driver desires, while also offering enhanced levels of refinement and comfort. This ability to combine dual characters is made possible by a comprehensive set of technologies.
It’s fair to say then that the 2023 Range Rover Sport is the most dynamically capable version of Land Rover’s luxury performance SUV and the most competent away from paved roads, using the latest Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) and integrating Land Rover’s latest all-terrain innovations and technologies to ensure its breadth of dynamic capability.
The Looks
Dramatic proportions accentuate the car’s design with taut surfacing, a dynamic stance and instantly recognisable profile, perfectly accentuated by muscular proportions – giving the impression the vehicle was born ready for action.
Slimmer digital LED headlights combine with a narrower black grille, and the deep front bumper gives the front-end a powerful look. Side-on, we can see the new car’s flush-fitting deployable door handles and black glasshouse. At the back, this new model has the longest and largest rear spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover. There’s also new, slim LED tail-lights linked by a black bar for the badging, while the number plate now sits in the bumper instead of in the centre of the tailgate.
The Interior
In keeping with modern trends the Sport offers a reductive design which extends to an all-new interior. Featuring a new cockpit-like interpretation of the usual Range Rover Command Driving Position, the latest convenience and driver assistance technologies and finest materials all combine to ensure every drive is an experience, say the company.
Inside the Range Rover Sport closely mimics the full-size Range Rover, but with a more driver-focused, wraparound cockpit. The dash is dominated by a 13.1 inch central touchscreen using Land Rover’s latest and more advanced (also faster and easier to use, we learn) Pivi Pro infotainment, while a separate climate control stack still features as before.
There’s also a 13.7 inch digital instrument display, while the Sport uses Amazon Alexa voice control along with built-in e-SIMs, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and wireless phone charging. The whole car’s electronics are upgradable via over-the-air updates, too; a useful service.
With the emphasis on emissions these days, the advanced Cabin Air Purification Pro system creates and maintains the optimum interior environment for well-being and driver alertness, while a selection of powerful Meridian audio options are also available.
The Meridian Signature Sound System is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever fitted to a Range Rover Sport, with up to 29 speakers (find them!) including four headrest speakers to create personal sound zones for the four main cabin occupants. Next-generation Active Noise Cancellation plays its part here, reducing the number of external sounds entering the cabin for ultimate cabin refinement. And to think we used to be satisfied with cassette tapes!
The Drive
This new Range Rover Sport features a choice of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all of which featuring 48v mild-hybrid technology, along with a pair of plug-in hybrids and a powerful range-topping V8 model in due course.
Further, three straight-six diesels are offered: A 249PS (245bhp) D250, a 300PS (296bhp) D300 and a 350PS (345bhp) D350. All put power through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, with the most powerful D350 capable of 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and up to 38.2mpg according to the official figures at any rate.
Two straight-six petrols are available with either 360PS (355bhp) or 400PS (394bhp). The latter manages 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and up to 30.1mpg on the combined cycle. But that’s not the fastest Range Rover Sport: The P530 uses a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 530PS (523bhp) and a mighty 750Nm of torque, enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds.
A comprehensive dynamic engineering and software ‘toolkit’ combines for the most engaging and dynamically capable driving experience, based around the inherent strength of the flexible mixed-metal MLA body architecture, say the company. A suite of technologies governed by Land Rover’s Integrated Chassis Control system work in harmony to provide instinctive responses and agility.
Specialist items include the new Stormer Handling Pack which provides the ultimate combination of chassis technologies for the most dynamic and agile handling and includes Dynamic Response Pro, All-Wheel Steering, an Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking, and Configurable Programmes.
Meanwhile, the absolutely brilliant and innovative Dynamic Response Pro is a 48-volt electronic active roll control system, capable of applying up to 1,400Nm of torque across each axle, for a confidence-inspiring driving experience and new levels of body control and cornering composure. All-Wheel Steering helps achieve unrivalled agility and manoeuvrability at low speeds, with superior stability at high speeds.
It keeps getting better: Dynamic Air Suspension introduces switchable-volume air springs for the first time and is fitted to every New Range Rover Sport. The intelligent system enhances the bandwidth of the suspension by varying the pressure within the airbags to deliver traditional Range Rover comfort with the dynamic handling expected from the Range Rover Sport. It’s the epitome of off- and on-road luxury. Built in the UK, orders are being taken now for late 2022 / early 2023 delivery. Contact us here at MHH for more details on importing this fine SUV.
