The Range Rover Sport Is A Top-Class SUV

Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica-Talbot-Ponsonby drive the plug-in mid-size Range Rover Sport.

Car Review: Range Rover Sport

JT – I love a Land Rover, although officially that brand doesn’t exist anymore. It’s now part of JLR – aka Jaguar Land Rover – although the name will still be seen at its car dealerships and on the small badge attached to our Range Rover. Confused?

J-TP – Very! But not as much as I am by the all-new jaGUar logo. It’s been mercilessly ripped apart by all and sundry. I’m guessing that you’ve seen the weird jaGUar commercial? I’m planning my next PhD based on the hidden meaning behind a group of people dressed as M&Ms and sat on a rock.

Yes, for once I’m with Elon Musk – he saw it and tweeted the question: ‘Do you sell cars?’ Anyway, on a more positive note, the latest Range Rover Sport. Discuss.

I wasn’t a fan of the original Sport when it launched in 2005. A mid-size SUV seemed pointless back then – but now we’re all driving them. Powered by a 3.0-litre petrol engine and a battery pack, I think this could be the pick of the current Land Rover – sorry, JLR – line-up.

I agree: for once, the more compact dimensions give it the edge over the full-size Rangey. The Sport is just as refined, very good off-road and the cabin is equally as classy too. In most cases, it’s also much cheaper.

I think recent updates have helped. The plug-in hybrid models can now claim around 50 real-world miles on battery power only, which is great for most commutes.

And the Sport is now built on the same MLA-Flex platform as the full-size Range Rover – which means a roomier cabin and boot. There’s also the promise of rear-wheel steering, which adds proper thrills to a twisty A-road.

Our 550e hybrid is the most powerful model behind the crazy SV version. The SV is a bit of a lunatic, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine.

Yes, I think the hybrid will be a favourite for most Sport buyers. Just a little less ostentatious than its big brother – although you can’t get a seven-seat option for the Sport. Trim levels are equally as lavish though, with plenty of choices to push the price way beyond £114,000 for the 550e.

Any negatives?

Only that the hybrid engine is not that quick to respond if you really want to get a wiggle on. There’s a slight delay on the accelerator, even in Sport mode. Navigating the infotainment system is frustrating at timestoo, some of the basic functions could be a little easier to locate. Otherwise, this is one of the best, electrified-SUV’s available.

And for once, we had a properly capable vehicle when Britain was being swept with snow and icy roads last week. Most of the off-road tech in a Range Rover will never be switched on by the average Sport driver. There are so many driving aids for off-roading, the only thing stopping people putting them to the test will be the hefty price tag!

Still, luxury, performance and off-road capability combined. A top-class SUV indeed.

DISCOVER

Learn more about the Range Rover Sport at landrover.co.uk

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.