Land Rover has introduced the Range Rover Sport SV, which is set to take on the premium performance SUV segment with a variety of new technologies. Here's what we know so far.
Related: Range Rover (2022) launch First Drive
Design
The Sport SV boasts a new exterior design with a reprofiled front-end, sleek lower body sides, carbon fibre bonnet, and quad tailpipe finishers, which manages to elevate what was already an incredibly good looking SUV.
Interior
In the cabin of the Sport SV gets satin carbon fibre-backed SV Performance Seats, a console gear shifter made of black ceramic, a new sound system with the Body and Soul Seat (BASS), which offers a multi-dimensional audio experience complemented by the 29-speaker, 1 430W Meridian Signature Sound System.
Performance
In terms of its powertrain, there is a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance for a combined output of 467kW and 750Nm of torque. These figures are sent through all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with 305-section rear tyres for improved grip. Performance is strong, with 100km/h coming up in 3.7 seconds and top speed claimed at 290km/h.
This is all kept in check with 8-piston SV brake callipers and Brembo carbon ceramic discs while there is also a world-first hydraulic interlinked 6D Dynamics air suspension with pitch and roll control. This technology is said to ensure that the vehicle maintains a near-level stance even during extreme acceleration, braking, and cornering. Another first includes the optional 23-inch carbon fibre wheel, which saves a total of 76kg of unsprung mass.
Updates to Sport range
The Range Rover Sport line-up has undergone various improvements, including the introduction of a new plug-in electric hybrid variant with an extended electric vehicle (EV) range and the integration of the latest Pivi Pro4 infotainment technology.
To enhance performance and efficiency, the plug-in electric hybrid powertrain has been updated. The new P460e model, replacing the previous P510e, offers an EV range of up to 121km, while emitting CO2 at a rate starting from 15g/km. The P460e electric hybrid combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a total power output of 338kW and 800Nm of torque.
The interior of the Range Rover Sport has been enriched with intuitive technologies. The Pivi Pro4 infotainment system features a 13.1-inch floating glass display. There is also the inclusion of new sidebars with sliders for volume and climate control while approximately 80% of tasks are accessible within two taps from the home screen. Integrated Land Rover voice control systems enable drivers to make cabin adjustments without taking their eyes off the road. The Range Rover Sport also benefits from Advanced Software Over The Air capability.
A new feature, Country Road Assist technology, has been introduced in the Sport for the first time. This system utilizes navigation data to automatically adjust the target speed, accounting for road bends and changes in speed limits.
Pricing
The updated Range Rover Sport line-up is available to order now priced from R2 283 700.
