(Commonwealth) _ The Range Rover Sport has had a presence in India for approximately a year and a half, primarily featuring 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol and diesel mild-hybrid engine options. However, Land Rover has recently unveiled the flagship Range Rover Sport SV variant and the 3.0-liter plug-in hybrid petrol model, officially listing their prices on its India website. Dealers estimate a delivery timeline of 6-8 months for either variant upon booking. The Range Rover Sport SV, Land Rover’s new flagship model, stands out with its exceptional performance driven by a potent 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from BMW. Generating an impressive 635hp and 800Nm of torque, it positions itself as the most powerful Range Rover to date. Accelerating from 0 to 100kph in just 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 290kph, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Power is seamlessly transmitted to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, ensuring efficient handling and traction across diverse terrains. Setting itself apart from the standard Sport model, the SV showcases subtle yet impactful design refinements. These modifications encompass widened front and rear tracks, increased camber, redesigned front bumper and grille treatments, side skirts, and a rear bumper featuring dual twin exhausts. These alterations serve to accommodate the heightened cooling demands of the robust V8 engine and the upgraded braking system, enhancing both performance and visual aesthetics.
Internally, notable enhancements elevate the SV’s luxurious interior. The introduction of new seats with integrated head restraints provides increased comfort and support. The redesigned steering wheel, featuring an SV button for personalized drive modes, enhances driver control and customization. Additionally, the rear seats mirror the integrated head restraints, contributing to a cohesive and refined cabin ambiance. These collective upgrades underline the Range Rover Sport SV’s commitment to superior performance, design finesse, and luxurious comfort, solidifying its status as a standout offering in the premium SUV segment. Another notable addition to the lineup is the plug-in hybrid variant, powered by a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine coupled with a 38.2kWh battery pack. This setup generates a combined output of 460hp and 660Nm of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100kph in 5.5 seconds and achieving a top speed of 225kph. Charging the battery pack to full capacity using a 7kW AC charger takes approximately five hours, providing an electric-only range of 123km (WLTP cycle). Paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this powertrain efficiently channels power to all four wheels.
While the plug-in hybrid powertrain is exclusively available in the top-spec Autobiography trim without exterior or interior cosmetic updates, it boasts an array of luxurious features. These include digital LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 22-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, illuminated scuff plates, 22-way powered front seats with ventilation and massage functions, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and an array of additional amenities. The arrival of the Range Rover Sport SV positions it within the elite echelon of super SUVs available in India, sharing the stage with prestigious counterparts such as the Lamborghini Urus, Audi RS Q8, and Aston Martin DBX. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and innovation in the SUV segment, each offering its unique blend of power, opulence, and cutting-edge technology. However, while the SV confidently enters this league of high-performance SUVs, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant stands out distinctively without direct rivals in the Indian automotive market. This variant, with its combination of a combustion engine and electric motor powered by a 3.0-liter engine and a 38.2kWh battery pack, represents a progressive shift towards sustainable mobility and eco-conscious driving.
