2023 Range Rover Sport Review
Two years ago Land Rover announced plans to make all of its nameplates available in pure electric form by the end of the decade and that metamorphosis begins in 2024 with the planned introduction of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport EVs.
Until that time the new Range Rover Sport launches with three models: The SE and this Dynamic SE, both powered by mild-hybrid, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines of varying outputs and the range-topping Autobiography which is a plug-in hybrid with limited availability. A V8-powered First Edition model has since sold out.
This 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain – meaning the engine gets an electric boost from a lithium-ion battery that stores energy recuperated through regenerative braking -uses both an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger. It debuted on the 2019 Range Rover Sport and here on this Dynamic SE trim outputs 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It’s tuned for 355 horsepower on the base SE model. Referred to as the P400, this was previously the Range Rover Sport HST. It’s now faster from 0-to-60 MPH, previously clocking in at 5.9 seconds and now down to 5.4 seconds. A number that hasn’t diminished is the price. The 2022 HST started at $84,000 while this Dynamic SE begins at $90,000. Upgrade to these massive 23” wheels, the Bespoke Satin Forged Carbon finishers, the Technology Package and a plethora of other options and you’re looking at a Range Rover Sport that tops $103,000. But man is it sharp. The new designs for the Range Rover Family are instantly recognizable as Range Rovers yet modernized in all the right ways, particularly with this Black Exterior Pack on this fee-rent-say Red Dynamic model with its body colored lower cladding and unique bumpers– it’s as sexy as a luxury performance SUV gets.
Dimensionally, the new Sport is about 2.5” longer than before with a 3” longer wheelbase affording a little more legroom and cargo space behind the 2nd row – but note that max luggage volume with the seats folded has decreased. There’s a bit more ground clearance – up to a healthy 11.1” in the highest off-road setting – and it can still tow over 7,700 pounds. Riding atop a stiffened chassis cradled by an air suspension, the Sport’s ride quality has never been this close to the big Range Rover’s – it’s incredibly poised and isolating.
(Stand-up)
On these sport truck tires there hasn’t been any real off-roading, despite the multitude of electronic terrain tricks and a max water fording depth of nearly 3’. But that doesn’t mean these all-season Pirellis and new on-demand all-wheel drive system aren’t up for snowy fun though I wish some of the traction settings weren’t buried in Pivi Pro – that’s the name of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest infotainment system. The permanent four wheel drive days are gone as this intelligent system will engage the front wheels only when needed and let’s be frank – no one is taking a spec like this one through potentially damaging terrain. Even with the new all-wheel drive system, the mild hybrid powertrain manages the same 21 MPG in combined driving as before and with a diminished driving range – the gas tank is smaller now so expect about 500 miles when full, premium gas, of course.
With its substantial size and increased heft – now weighing more than 5,000 pounds, the Sport skews more towards coddled, luxury motoring than tearing up the back roads but in the Dynamic setting while paddle shifting the 8-speed, the Sport not only sounds racy but precisely manages its body movements to maintain occupant comfort. Wait for the upcoming SVR model if you crave a more hardcore power and handling experience.
With heated, power rear seats, a panoramic roof, and a Meridian 3D Surround Sound System – though not the optional 29 speaker Signature system with headrest speakers – the Sport is a lovely, quiet, high-riding place to spend time. And out back the cargo area has switchgear for adjusting the height of the body for easier access and for lowering the rear seats. I also love this built-in, collapsible storage bin.
As for the electronics, I wish this had a more exciting and configurable gauge cluster and PiviPro is OK – not great and I don’t like the steering wheel control buttons – but it does support wireless phone projection though it can be easy to forget your phone tucked down here. The center console storage options are clever, there’s a rear view camera mirror, a fancy 360 degree camera, and the leather seating is supremely configurable and comfortable.
It's a shame there’s so much capability here for owners who will never use it, but a Range Rover Sport does afford downtown style and vault-like security like none other and this new riff gently evolves the concept.
Today, millions of people once again turn to social media to voice their sentiments about guns and politicians.
The post-shooting rhetoric never changes and, sadly, neither will these murders.
#SchoolShooting #StatusQuo #TheNewNormal #NationDivided #Hopeless
Subtlety
Until that time the new Range Rover Sport launches with three models: The SE and this Dynamic SE, both powered by mild-hybrid, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines of varying outputs and the range-topping Autobiography which is a plug-in hybrid with limited availability. A V8-powered First Edition model has since sold out.
This 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain – meaning the engine gets an electric boost from a lithium-ion battery that stores energy recuperated through regenerative braking -uses both an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger. It debuted on the 2019 Range Rover Sport and here on this Dynamic SE trim outputs 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It’s tuned for 355 horsepower on the base SE model. Referred to as the P400, this was previously the Range Rover Sport HST. It’s now faster from 0-to-60 MPH, previously clocking in at 5.9 seconds and now down to 5.4 seconds. A number that hasn’t diminished is the price. The 2022 HST started at $84,000 while this Dynamic SE begins at $90,000. Upgrade to these massive 23” wheels, the Bespoke Satin Forged Carbon finishers, the Technology Package and a plethora of other options and you’re looking at a Range Rover Sport that tops $103,000. But man is it sharp. The new designs for the Range Rover Family are instantly recognizable as Range Rovers yet modernized in all the right ways, particularly with this Black Exterior Pack on this fee-rent-say Red Dynamic model with its body colored lower cladding and unique bumpers– it’s as sexy as a luxury performance SUV gets.
Dimensionally, the new Sport is about 2.5” longer than before with a 3” longer wheelbase affording a little more legroom and cargo space behind the 2nd row – but note that max luggage volume with the seats folded has decreased. There’s a bit more ground clearance – up to a healthy 11.1” in the highest off-road setting – and it can still tow over 7,700 pounds. Riding atop a stiffened chassis cradled by an air suspension, the Sport’s ride quality has never been this close to the big Range Rover’s – it’s incredibly poised and isolating.
(Stand-up)
On these sport truck tires there hasn’t been any real off-roading, despite the multitude of electronic terrain tricks and a max water fording depth of nearly 3’. But that doesn’t mean these all-season Pirellis and new on-demand all-wheel drive system aren’t up for snowy fun though I wish some of the traction settings weren’t buried in Pivi Pro – that’s the name of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest infotainment system. The permanent four wheel drive days are gone as this intelligent system will engage the front wheels only when needed and let’s be frank – no one is taking a spec like this one through potentially damaging terrain. Even with the new all-wheel drive system, the mild hybrid powertrain manages the same 21 MPG in combined driving as before and with a diminished driving range – the gas tank is smaller now so expect about 500 miles when full, premium gas, of course.
With its substantial size and increased heft – now weighing more than 5,000 pounds, the Sport skews more towards coddled, luxury motoring than tearing up the back roads but in the Dynamic setting while paddle shifting the 8-speed, the Sport not only sounds racy but precisely manages its body movements to maintain occupant comfort. Wait for the upcoming SVR model if you crave a more hardcore power and handling experience.
With heated, power rear seats, a panoramic roof, and a Meridian 3D Surround Sound System – though not the optional 29 speaker Signature system with headrest speakers – the Sport is a lovely, quiet, high-riding place to spend time. And out back the cargo area has switchgear for adjusting the height of the body for easier access and for lowering the rear seats. I also love this built-in, collapsible storage bin.
As for the electronics, I wish this had a more exciting and configurable gauge cluster and PiviPro is OK – not great and I don’t like the steering wheel control buttons – but it does support wireless phone projection though it can be easy to forget your phone tucked down here. The center console storage options are clever, there’s a rear view camera mirror, a fancy 360 degree camera, and the leather seating is supremely configurable and comfortable.
It's a shame there’s so much capability here for owners who will never use it, but a Range Rover Sport does afford downtown style and vault-like security like none other and this new riff gently evolves the concept.
Today, millions of people once again turn to social media to voice their sentiments about guns and politicians.
The post-shooting rhetoric never changes and, sadly, neither will these murders.
#SchoolShooting #StatusQuo #TheNewNormal #NationDivided #Hopeless
Subtlety