The new Range Rover Sport has been revealed in a dramatic event that saw the SUV perform a “world-first climb up a flooded dam spillway in Iceland,” said the manufacturer.
This was to show that the new vehicle is capable of delivering “the highest levels of dynamism” ever seen in a Sport.
The SUV now sits on a new chassis and boasts a powerful V8 engine, with a reworked exterior giving it a “modern and assertive” design.
What’s new
The new Range Rover Sport sits on the Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) Group’s MLA-Flex chassis and is equipped with the latest Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, making it more competent off-road than the generation it is replacing, said the automaker.
It will be offered with four engines in South Africa – comprising the D350, P400, P510e, and P530 – each mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The D350 is the entry-level, six-cylinder, turbo-diesel option; whereas the P400 is the entry-level petrol alternative in a mild-hybrid configuration.
The P510e gets you a range-extender, plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine and 105kW electric motor, altogether producing 375kW.
This configuration also offers 88-113km of all-electric driving range, a maximum range of 740km on one fuel tank, and a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds.
Finally, at the top sits the flagship P530 with a V8, twin-turbo, petrol powerplant pushing out 390kW for an acceleration time of 4.5 seconds.
“Pure-electric propulsion will be available in 2024, as Land Rover continues its electrification journey,” said the company.
As an option, buyers of the new Range Rover Sport can tailor it with a “comprehensive dynamic toolkit” that comes with a suite of technologies aimed at improving off-road competence.
This includes a Stormer Handling Pack that provides the Dynamic Response Pro programme, all-wheel steering, an electronic active differential, and additional configurable drive modes.
“Dynamic Response Pro is a 48-volt electronic active roll control system, capable of applying up to 1,400Nm of torque across each axle,” said Range Rover.
Dynamic Air Suspension can further be installed, as well as the new adaptive off-road cruise control system that helps drivers navigate tricky terrains by maintaining steady progress according to ground conditions.
Enhanced equipment
Moving inside the Sport, the “cockpit-like” cabin has been enhanced with the latest convenience and driver assistance technologies at JLR’s disposal.
Standard features for the entire range include emergency braking, a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, digital-LED lights, manoeuvring lights, leather upholstery, a 15W wireless charger, proximity-based keyless entry and start, soft-close doors, and the ClearSight Ground View programme that displays a video feed on the central display of what’s going on under the SUV’s nose.
Moreover, owners are treated to a “floating” 13.1-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, navigation, and software-over-the-air updates, as well as a 13.7-inch interactive driver’s display.
A wide selection of options is now also available, such as Meridian sound systems with up to 29 speakers, Ultrafabric textile upholsteries, and 22-way electrically adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging.
South African launch
The new Range Rover Sport is now open for orders with the first models planned to arrive in South Africa at the end of 2022.
Pricing is to be announced closer to the launch time, said the company.
The SUV will exclusively be built a the Solihull Manufacturing Facility in the UK.
Range Rover Sport
Keyword: New Range Rover Sport revealed – Photos and details