Seventeen years ago, when the Range Rover Sport was introduced to the market it was seen as a vehicle for the rich and famous, Royalty and Oil Barons. Today Range Rover launches the third generation Sport as the world’s most desirable modern luxury SUV effortlessly blending new levels of sustainability with signature qualities that have made the Range Rover Sport so popular. And popular to far more buyers that the customers it attracted in its early days of availability.
Offered with a suite of powerful and efficient engines including a six-cylinder extended range Electric Hybrid, a potent new V8 and six-cylinder petrol and diesel ingenium engines. At this point it is worth mentioning pure electric propulsion will be introduced in 2024 as Land Rover continues its journey towards electrification of all it’s vehicles. Available in S, ES, HSE and Autobiography specifications, a First Edition will also be produced for launch featuring specially curated specifications.
When looking at the exterior of the new Sport it is unmistakably confident projecting muscular proportions, short overhangs, assertive front-end and steeply raked glazing, all distinctive trademarks of the Range Rover Sport. The exterior also boasts exquisite finishes such as the stealth-like front grille and digital LED lighting units, the slimmest ever light clusters fitted to a Land Rover. From the rear a sculpted tailgate a full-width feature bearing the range rover script.
From the side a characteristic shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle accentuated by new lower fender details and the longest spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover. Door handles are hidden, and the glazing is flush with the body both to help deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
Satin grey alloy wheels and satin burnished Copper finishes on the bonnet louvres and side ingots compliment the Range Rover lettering finished in Matte Graphite Atlas.
Moving inside and the new Range Rover Sport retains the trademark Command Driving Position with the latest technology combined with finest materials. Ultrafabrics, premium textiles finished in attractive new duo tone colourways and a choice of Windsor grained or soft Semi-Aniline leather options. All interior materials blend seamlessly with new chrome interior finishes contributing to the clean, crisp modern aesthetics.
The driving experience has been improved through advanced chassis technologies, inherent stiffness with flexible mixed metal architecture. Dynamic Response Pro works hand in hand with the latest generation Dynamic Air Suspension which introduces switchable-volume air springs for the first time.
Adaptive Dynamics 2 technology contributes to dynamic capability by continuously controlling the Active Twin Valve Dampers to reduce unwanted body rolls, it monitors external factors up to 500 times per second to deliver the perfect responses and in harmony with the other chassis technologies delivering the most composed driving dynamics of any Range Rover Sport.
All the new models are fitted with an eight speed ZF automatic transmission and intelligent All-Wheel Drive which anticipates where traction is required, efficiently engaging to provide the most effective progress in all conditions. Off road performance is further enhanced with the latest Terrain Response 2 system which intelligently applies the most appropriate settings for the terrain. This helps Drivers navigate tricky terrain by maintaining steady progress according to ground conditions. Drivers can select four comfort settings and the system will adjust the speed, accordingly, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering.
Luxury features contribute to the journey from 22-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated electric memory front seats with massage function and winged headrests to 20mm greater knee clearance in the rear seats. Cabin Air Purification, Meridian Signature Sound System, four headrest speakers, Active Noise Cancellation, Soft Door close, and seamless support technology all contribute to the driver and passenger comfort.
Pivi Pro features an easy-to-use interface with home screen that can be personalised to include most frequently used functions. A 13.7-inch interactive drivers display compliments the Pivi Pro screen. All to assist the driver and reduce the need to take their eyes off the road to confirm tasks or data. Wireless apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both fitted along with a dedicated 15W Wireless device charger beneath the Pivi Pro screen.
The new P510e Electric Hybrid is engineered to meet the demands of drivers looking for high performance drive, efficiency and more that 100 km of zero emissions EV range. It blends the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a powerful 105 kW battery producing a total system output of 375 kW, capable of 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The range for electric driving is 113 km, and 740 km range when you add the petrol engine.
The flagship V8 produces 390 kW and accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Produced at the Solihull Manufacturing Facility in the UK the new Range Rover Sport will be available in South Africa towards the end of 2022.
