The new top dog Land Rover Range Rover isn't the only one to get a slick redesign. The sporting sibling just followed it up nicely with similar lines, interior, tech, while retaining that muscular Range Rover Sport look we've come to know and love. The biggest news, however, might just be the fact that it's also getting a plug-in hybrid model just like the flagship.
As you notice here, much of the design from the Range Rover makes it to the Sport with flush door handles, windows, trim, and body panels for that ultra-smooth look. Not only does it look as modern as ever, but the slick design and flush features makes it even more slippery and drag-reducing.to an impressive 0.29. The Sport gets unique cues such as the slimmed down grille, horizontal taillights, model-specific bumpers, and special copper trim bits. They were able to make the Sport truly minimalist while looking seriously sexy. We have to say Land Rover pulled it off nicely.
In terms of power, there are some great choices to pick from. There are two base engines with different outputs, both are turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinders with a mild hybrid. The first delivers 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and one with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. Wait, there's more. Slotting in above those mills is a PHEV with 434 horsepower and 619 lb-ft of torque thanks to a 105-kW electric motor. paired with a 31.8-kWh battery. It will provide 48 miles on electricity only.
The top-end engine is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 from BMW that's good for 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. 0-60 comes in a scant 4.3 seconds, which is righteously quick. Every engine gets paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Land Rover says a Range Rover Sport EV is coming in 2024, but no power output, charging details, or range have been disclosed.
The posh interior shows off a big 13.7-inch instrument configurable instrument cluster, a curved and floating 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The touchscreen is slightly angled upwards and starts the waterfall design of the center stack that allows for an open storage passthrough underneath. It also happens to look pretty sweet. The linear dash shows off a full-width HVAC vent design that makes it look elegant and modern. The new steering wheel design is also attractive and fresh.
The brand's new MLA-Flex platform also provides more rigidity for improved handling, and all trim levels have standard adaptive air suspension. There's also rear-wheel steering, brake-based torque vectoring and an “electronic active differential" that should make the Range Rover Sport even more engaging and composed. Buyers of the First Edition with the V8 engine can also add a Stormer Handling Package that includes the aforementioned performance enhancements and the body-roll-reducing Dynamic Response Pro technology.
Options include 22-way adjustable front seats, seat heat/ventilation/massage, a 29-speaker and 1,430-watt sound system, a cabin filtration system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as important driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view and ground-view cameras, and even water wading depth sensors, which we're guessing most affluent buyers won't ever use. Too bad because Land Rovers are truly capable in the great outdoors.
There's also a special new feature for the Range Rover Sport known as off-road cruise control. Using it, the driver can set speed and comfort and just steer the vehicle. The system controls the vehicle to manage obstacles off-pavement, which means a new level of capability. Orders for the 2023 Range Rover Sport are being taken now at a base price of $84,350 including destination.
