A Brute in a Suit
Unmistakably a Range Rover, handsome from every angle, the Sport it embodies the brand’s gravitas. The D250 SE features a 3-liter, six-cylinder turbo diesel delivering 165 kW and 600 Nm of torque with a refined burble reminiscent of a petrol engine. On road it’s sprightly and effortless; off-road it shines with capability. This blend makes it equally competent in town or tackling rugged terrains.
Photography by Jake Hoare
The Sport carries a younger, more muscular feel than the standard Range Rover. While retaining signature design cues, its aerodynamic touches and contemporary styling give it a distinct personality. A brute in a suit, albeit a beautifully tailored suit.
Inside you’re greeted by a cabin swathed in leather. The black-and-tan combination on this model was sophisticated and luxurious. The driver’s seat and cockpit are well-appointed, offering comfort and control. Adjustable seating (22 ways, if you’re counting) ensures an optimal driving position. The rear seats are also electronically adjustable, keeping the luxury consistent throughout.
The steering wheel follows the standard Range Rover design and has beautiful metal paddle shifters for more control over the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Configurable driver’s dash is refined and clear and the main console screen embraces the minimalist design ethos. Ventilation and terrain settings and other essentials are always visible.
Passenger comfort is paramount, with supportive seating and generous storage throughout. Load space is excellent, with automatically folding rear seats that enhance convenience. The tow bar deploys or retracts with a simple on-screen command.
The ride is smooth and quiet; highway driving is effortless, with low noise levels and a plush ride making long trips a joy. In urban settings, its wide dimensions require attention, yet the proximity indicators and advanced camera systems simplify maneuvering.
Range Rover’s off-road prowess is legendary, and the latest Sport continues that tradition. Adjusting terrain modes and raising the ride height transforms this vehicle into a four-wheel-drive powerhouse. During testing on sand and gravel, it performed flawlessly, showcasing its capability with precision features like the “look-through” mode, which displays the wheels and ground for high-accuracy navigation.
The Range Rover Sport excels as a versatile, high-end family SUV. While it’s not a performancemodel, it does just about everything in true Range Rover style; be it on-road, off-road, or anywhere in between. It’s about capability and luxury. Brimming with lux and practicality, this is likely to be a very popular model.