2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Review By Larry Nutson, +VIDEO
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Here's a brief overview of the history of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport:
First Generation (2005-2013):
- The first-generation Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2005 and was based on the platform of the Land Rover Discovery/LR3.
- It shared many design elements with the larger Range Rover but featured a more aggressive and dynamic appearance.
- The Range Rover Sport was marketed as a sportier alternative with enhanced on-road performance without sacrificing off-road capabilities.
- It offered a range of engine options, including V6 and V8 petrol engines, as well as V6 and V8 diesel engines.
- The first-generation model received facelifts and updates during its production run.
Second Generation (2014-Present):
- The second-generation Range Rover Sport was introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle.
- This generation marked a significant departure from the previous platform, as it was built on a new lightweight aluminum platform shared with the larger Range Rover and Jaguar models.
- The use of aluminum construction reduced the vehicle's weight, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency.
- The second-generation model offered a variety of engines, including supercharged V6 and V8 petrol engines, as well as V6 and V8 diesel engines.
- It featured advanced technology, improved driving dynamics, and a more luxurious interior.
Throughout its history, the Range Rover Sport has been well-received for its blend of luxury, off-road capability, and on-road performance. It's known for offering a more dynamic driving experience compared to the traditional Range Rover, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and powerful engines.
Land Rover also introduced high-performance variants under the "SVR" (Special Vehicle Racing) badge, which featured even more powerful engines, sportier styling, and enhanced performance characteristics.
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, and there may have been developments or new generations of the Range Rover Sport since that time.
2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Review By Larry Nutson, +VIDEO
By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL
Land Rover is well known as the refined British luxury SUV brand with well-established on-road and off-road capability. The top-of-the-line Range Rover has long served as its most exclusive model.
Range Rover Sport is the brand’s luxury mid-sized model that is very well suited for both suburban family transport as well as off-road adventures. For 2023 the Range Rover Sport, now in its third generation, has been redesigned with a freshened exterior design, a more modern interior, a choice of powertrains, and a new infotainment system.
The new exterior is very well recognizable as a Range Rover Sport with its characteristic profile. There’s a muscular and yet tighter overall look with refined short-overhang front and rear designs. The 5-seat interior is more luxurious with a clean and uncluttered look.
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Available engines include two six-cylinder Ingenium MHEV gas engines, a PHEV Ingenium gasoline engine, plus a new V8 Twin Turbo 523HP V8.
Two versions of a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-L inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid are offered. The P360 has 355-hp and the P400 is rated at 395-hp. A P440e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is rated at 434-hp using the same 3.0-L engine. This PHEV has a 48-mile electric-only range. For those wanting max performance, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 523-hp has limited availability. An eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted with each of these engines, and all-wheel drive is standard.
One moment of pause here. Don’t only think of hybrids, or for that matter a pure battery powered EV, as slouches and for economy only. We have moved into the world of performance hybrids for production vehicles. Performance hybrids have been used in motorsports for a number of years now. They are now available for the masses.
Like other automakers an all-electric Sport is in the plans to be introduced in 2024, as Land Rover continues to electrify its model range.
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The new Range Rover Sport is available in SE, SE Dynamic and Autobiography trim levels, with a First Edition available throughout the first year of production featuring specially curated equipment.
Dynamic Air Suspension is standard delivering both on road comfort and well-balanced dynamic handling. This system monitors the road ahead using eHorizon navigation data to pre-emptively prime for upcoming road terrain.
The Range Rover Sport is equipped with a long list of collision warning, collision intervention, and driving control assistance features.
Inside, a 13.1-inch curved infotainment touchscreen is complemented by a 13.7-inch driver display, with software over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 15W wireless device charger are equipped.
Pricing starts at $83,000 for the SE P360 model. The Dynamic SE P400 is priced at $90,000, and the Autobiography P440e begins at $104,200. Destination and delivery fee is $1,475 additional.
The top-line V8 First Edition P530 is limited to around 1,000 units and is priced at $121, 500. Along with the twin-turbocharged 4.4-L V8, all-wheel steering, Dynamic Response Pro active suspension system, and electronic active differential are equipped.
More information, details and pricing on the Range Rover Sport can be found at www.landroverusa.com.
My drive evaluation had me behind the wheel of a SE model finished in Giola Green. Options fitted to this Sport included black contrast roof, 22-inch wheels, Cold Climate Package, Pixel LED headlights, full size 22-inch spare, black interior veneer and a wi-fi enabled data plan. The total price as equipped is $90,245.
All my driving was on-road around the area of my Chicago home. The Sport is agile, composed and smooth to drive. The suspension nicely soaks up the winter-damaged street surfaces.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 22 mpg combined, with 19 city mpg and 26 highway mpg. Zero to 60 mph acceleration is in 5.7 seconds, according to Land Rover.
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On the inside, Windsor leather seats are both heated and ventilated with 22-way adjustment plus a massage feature. Selectable drive modes, a 29-speaker Meridian sound system, and two-zone HVAC all make for comfort. Active noise cancellation reduces road noise and an air quality ionizer takes care of odors and keeps the air fresh. A 360-degree camera and parking assist features make city parking a dream.
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There are many words that come to mind that describe the 2023 Range Rover Sport. Upscale, elegant, handsome, comfortable, smooth, sporty and pleasant are some. It’s a nicely balanced SUV, in my view.
Happy motoring!
© 2023 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
AIOverview: The 2023 Range Rover Sport comes with various engine options , including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that employs a 48-volt hybrid system and makes 355 horsepower in the P360 SE and 395 horsepower in the P400 HSE . The P400 HSE uses the same engine but is tuned to produce 395 horsepower. Additionally, there's a pulse-pounding 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8 available for those who crave more power . The Range Rover Sport can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph. It also offers an electric hybrid range of 51 miles. The SUV has dimensions of 194.7 L x 80.6 W x 71.7 H and comes with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive . These details are sourced from the Land Rover website and several reviews of the 2023 Range Rover Sport models.
2023 Range Rover Sport Reveal Video - Don't Miss It!
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SEE ALSO Official 2023 Range Rover Sport Tech Specs and Options
SEE ALSO: Land Rover Sport Buyers Guide 2006-2017, Specs, Reviews, Recalls, Service Bulletins, Comparisons, MSRP, More