Guaranteed to grace any country manor driveway or Chelsea mews, Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport PHEV masterfully marries class and eco creds, to appeal to those who want a powerful luxury SUV without the guilty conscience.
The gorgeous range topping Autobiography on test came in Carpathian Grey with an ebony/ivory interior, Morzine headlining, and 21.5” split-spoke alloys with silver finish. Exceptional quality materials and finishes throughout are just two of the factors that really set this impressive model above the competition.
A vehicle of substance, yet speed and eco credentials too. The Si4 PHEV P400e engine/85 KW electric power motor delivers a hefty 640/275Nms of torque, which, coupled with its eight-speed transmission, enables a 0-62mph sprint of just 6.3 seconds.
Out on the road, the power is evident, just the lightest of touches to the accelerator propels the Sport past any obstacle with effortless ease. The driving experience is enjoyable. Given the height, size and weight of the vehicle, the handling and responsiveness are remarkably good.
The command position and acres of glass give excellent 360 visibility, perfect for confidently navigating tricky off-road terrains. For the vertically challenged, getting in and out can be a bit of a leg reach though, but that’s about the only tiny niggle we can find.
For passengers, the Range Rover Sport’s comfort, visibility, space and airiness is unbeatable. Butter-soft yet supportive seats, ample shoulder, head and leg room, minimal road, wind and engine noise and a host of entertainment equipment mean even the longest-distance hikes are a pleasure. This is First Class travel with bells and bows on.
The Autobiography model on test has probably the longest list of equipment and features of any vehicle. From a heated windscreen, panoramic roof, Matrix LED headlights, 22-way heated and cooled memory front seats, Meridian surround sound system, drive and park packs, to rear view camera, configurable ambient cabin lighting and auto-dimming power fold heated mirrors, everything you could dream of functionality-wise is there.
As capable as it is comfortable, this Range Rover Sport is fully at home even when taken off tarmac. More features such as gradient acceleration and release plus hill descent and low traction controls are included and a wade sensor offered at a small extra cost. Whether climbing mountain passes, traversing over ice, mud, ruts and rocks, or slick wet grass, little is impossible. With a decent wading depth of 850mm, crossing many steams, estuaries, fords, floods and rivers is achievable with care.
The Range Rover Sport PHEV is as good as you could possibly imagine.
Prices from: £72,785
For further details, visit landrover.co.uk.
