Range Rover Sport

STEALTHY STYLING

Inspired by the reductive design philosophy of its big brother, although in a sportier application, the new Range Rover Sport looks stealthier than ever while remaining faithful to its namesake’s unmistakable silhouette and dramatic proportions. The exterior is free from excessive detailing. Instead, with the latest iteration, the familiar cues – the iconic raked roofl ine and rising waistline – have been ironed out to give it a more streamlined appearance.

The new generation’s stealth-like front grille — the slimmest ever fi tted to a Land Rover product — is fl anked by tapered headlamp housings incorporating digital LED light units and distinctive LED daytime-running lights (DRLs). The front design elements are echoed at the rear. The redesigned stern features slim LED taillamps linked by a styling bar spanning the revised tailgate. A fi rst for a production car, the uninterrupted graphics feature surface LED technology. The fi tment of fl ush door handles enhances the sleek aesthetics.

LOCALLY, THE RANGE ROVER SPORT WILL BE OFFERED WITH THE OPTION OF FIVE TRIM GRADES. THESE INCLUDE AUTOBIOGRAPHY, FIRST EDITION, DYNAMIC S, DYNAMIC SE, AND DYNAMIC HSE.

Allowing for a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, Land Rover says it has introduced more advanced chassis technology to the Sport. The new model’s flexible, mixed-metal architecture provides “up to” 35 per cent higher torsional sti ness than its forebear.

IN-CABIN AND IN COMMAND

Harmoniously echoing the assertive nature of the exterior, Land Rover maintains the driving position instils confidence. According to the British marque, “The Command Driving Position provides excellent all-round visibility, inspiring confidence and enabling the driver to place the new Range Rover Sport perfectly on and o the road.”

Those who upgrade from the previous model to the new generation will notice that the multifunction steering wheel found inside the new model is smaller. A 13.7-inch interactive digital driver’s display is sited in front of the tiller.

The revised cocooning cockpit features a curved touchscreen infotainment screen. The 13.1-inch item incorporates the company’s Pivi Pro software, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging is also present, as is a Meridian sound system o ering active noise cancellation. A purification system keeps the cabin fresh.

PROPULSIVE POWERTRAINS

The engine line-up comprises a duo of extended-range hybrid powertrains, the (324 kW) P440e and (375 kW) P510e, and turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The forced-induction petrol units include the P350 and P400. The D250-, D300- and D350-badged oil-burners complete the range. All models will feature automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive. Four powertrains have been confirmed for South Africa. These are the D350, P400, P510e and, available in only limited numbers, the P530 V8.

The V8 model is endowed with 390 kW, allowing a 0-100 km/h sprint time of “just” 4.5 seconds. Land Rover says that, in 2024, the new Range Rover Sport line-up will evolve with the addition of a fully electric variant.