2023 Range Rover Sport Review: Unveiling Luxury and Performance
The 2023 Range Rover Sport, with its advanced Range Rover Sport Engine, represents a pivotal development in the lineage of this iconic model. Nestled between the larger Range Rover and smaller Velar and Evoque models within the Land Rover family, the Range Rover Sport in its third generation offers a fusion of elegance and performance. This evolution of the Range Rover Sport Engine not only enhances the vehicle’s capabilities but also solidifies its standing in the competitive luxury mid-size SUV class, where it rivals the likes of Audi Q8, BMW X6, and Porsche Cayenne.
A Brief History of the Range Rover Sport
The journey of the Range Rover Sport began in 2004 with the L320 model, essentially a re-bodied Land Rover Discovery. It evolved over the years, with the second generation, the L494, debuting in 2013, offering a more refined experience. Fast forward to 2023, and the latest iteration of the Range Rover Sport emerges as a polished gem. It retains the core attributes of its predecessors while introducing significant enhancements in design, performance, and technology, setting a new standard in its segment.
Land Rover’s dedication to crafting vehicles that blend luxury with exceptional performance is evident in the 2023 Range Rover Sport. This model is not just about a powerful engine and a comfortable ride; it’s about delivering a holistic driving experience that resonates with the brand’s heritage while pushing boundaries in design and technology. The Range Rover Sport is a testament to Land Rover’s relentless pursuit of perfection, combining traditional elegance with contemporary innovation.
Design and Exterior
The Range Rover Sport’s Sleek and Sophisticated Design
The 2023 Range Rover Sport’s design is a harmonious blend of elegance and athleticism. Its polished and sleek styling is accentuated by smoother body lines, a higher shoulder line, updated lower fenders, and new flush door handles.
The vehicle exudes a sense of refinement and class, setting high expectations for potential buyers. The exterior design seamlessly integrates classic Range Rover elements with modern aesthetics, creating a visually appealing SUV that stands out in its class.
A Muscular and Athletic Stance
Building on its robust lineage, the Range Rover Sport showcases a muscular and athletic stance. Its exterior design features, like the sleek roofline, angular headlights, and signature grille, contribute to its imposing presence. The vehicle’s design speaks volumes about its capabilities, blending form and function in a way that’s both aesthetically pleasing and purposeful. The Range Rover Sport doesn’t just look the part; it’s built to deliver performance that matches its aggressive exterior.
Exterior Design Highlights: Sleek Roofline, Angular Headlights, and Signature Grille
The Range Rover Sport’s exterior design is highlighted by its sleek roofline, reminiscent of prewar Bentley designs, angular headlights, and the signature Range Rover grille. These elements come together to create a vehicle that is instantly recognizable and undeniably attractive. The attention to detail in the design ensures that the Range Rover Sport is not just another SUV on the road, but a statement of style and sophistication.
Interior:
A Luxurious and Spacious Interior
Step inside the 2023 Range Rover Sport, and you are greeted with a cabin that is the epitome of luxury and comfort. The interior design strikes a balance between minimalism and opulence, featuring soft, plush leathers and high-quality materials that evoke the feeling of an old English wingback chair. However, there are some ergonomic quirks and oddities that may detract from the overall experience.
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
The use of premium materials and craftsmanship is evident throughout the Range Rover Sport’s cabin. The leather seats and surfaces feel exquisite, and the choice of secondary fabrics, carbon-fiber accents, and open-pore wood in certain models add to the luxurious ambience. However, some design choices, like the speaker-skin-like dash and door trim, may not resonate with all buyers.
Interior Design Highlights: Panoramic Roof, Digital Instrument Panel, and Comfortable Seating
Key interior design highlights of the Range Rover Sport include the panoramic roof, which offers an airy and spacious feel, the digital instrument panel that provides a wealth of information at a glance, and the comfortable seating that ensures a pleasant journey for both driver and passengers. The rear seats offer ample legroom and the ability to fully recline, adding to the overall comfort.
Performance and Handling:
A Powerful and Refined Engine Range
The Range Rover Sport comes with a range of powerful and refined engines, including a 4.4-litre BMW N63 twin-turbo V-8 in the P530 model, producing 553 lb-ft of torque and 523 horsepower. Additionally, there are plug-in hybrid options like the P510e Autobiography and the P440e Autobiography, featuring a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine combined with a 141-hp electric motor. These engines are coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive power delivery.
Responsive Handling and Dynamic Performance
On the road, the Range Rover Sport impresses with its responsive handling and dynamic performance. The vehicle feels sportier to drive, especially in the P530 model, with brisk acceleration and a refined, quiet ride that can transform into a delightful V-8 rumble in Sport mode. The handling is confident and composed, with the vehicle tackling corners effortlessly and offering a luxurious and cosseting ride quality, despite its large 285/40R23 tires.
Off-Road Capability: A True Land Rover Experience
The Range Rover Sport’s off-road capability is a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. The vehicle is equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which includes adaptive off-road cruise control for 2023. This system manages vehicle speed while the driver focuses on steering, and it features driver-selectable modes like Mud and Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Grass/Gravel/Snow. This makes the Range Rover Sport a competent off-roader, staying true to its Land Rover heritage.
A Technology Tour de Force:
Advanced Infotainment System with Pivi Pro
The Range Rover Sport’s infotainment system has been significantly updated for 2023. The new Pivi Pro system features a 13.1-inch tablet-style display that is modern, intuitive, and user-friendly. This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless charging, and built-in Amazon Alexa with advanced voice recognition, offering a seamless and connected driving experience.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the 2023 Range Rover Sport, which comes with a variety of standard safety and driver-assist systems. These include automatic emergency braking, a 3D 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, wade sensing, a ground-view system, adaptive cruise control, a driver condition monitor, lane departure steering assist, and traffic sign recognition. These features enhance the safety quotient of the vehicle, providing peace of mind to its occupants.
Meridian™ Surround Sound System
The 2023 Range Rover Sport elevates the in-car audio experience with the Meridian™ Surround Sound System. This state-of-the-art system, born from a partnership that values quality, performance, and authentic sound recreation, transforms the vehicle’s interior into a concert hall. The Meridian™ technology is designed to deliver the fullness and clarity of a live performance, making every journey in the Range Rover Sport an acoustic delight. Equipped with up to 19 front, side, and rear speakers, the Meridian™ Surround Sound System boasts 825 watts and a dual-channel subwoofer, all seamlessly integrated using the exclusive Trifield technology. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the Meridian Signature Sound System, featuring up to 29 speakers and 1700 watts, includes a dual-channel subwoofer and the world’s first in-car Trifield 3D technology. This advanced system encapsulates passengers in a bubble of pristine, lifelike sound, offering an emotional experience akin to being at a live performance.
Smartphone Integration: Staying Connected on the Move
The 2023 Range Rover Sport’s interior has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of a new infotainment system. The 13.1-inch touchscreen, mounted centrally on the dashboard, is a key component of this update. This large, curved screen is not only easy to read and access but, in conjunction with the 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display, creates a high-tech vibe within the cabin. The screen layout and design ensure that drivers and passengers can stay connected and entertained throughout their journey.
The Range Rover Sport’s Pivi Pro infotainment system stands out for its user-friendliness. It features configurable tiles with haptic feedback and allows for easy navigation through various functions, including music, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system’s compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which connect wirelessly, ensures a seamless integration of the user’s smartphone. This integration allows for a more focused and safe driving experience, as drivers can access their phone’s features without needing to physically handle the device. The static shortcuts, which remain accessible even while using smartphone integration features, add to the convenience, making it easier to switch between the vehicle’s native features and smartphone apps
Technology Highlights: Head-Up Display, and Remote Control Parking
Technology highlights in the Range Rover Sport include a head-up display that provides essential information without distracting the driver, and remote control parking, which adds convenience and ease to the driving experience. These features underscore the Range Rover Sport’s position as a technologically advanced and feature-rich luxury SUV.
Safety:
Top Safety Ratings
The 2023 Range Rover Sport is expected to achieve top safety ratings, thanks to its comprehensive array of safety features and robust construction. The vehicle is designed to provide maximum protection to its occupants, with advanced systems that help prevent accidents and mitigate the impact should a collision occur.
A Variety of Safety Features
In addition to the standard safety features mentioned earlier, the Range Rover Sport offers a variety of optional safety enhancements that can be added for an even higher level of security. These features are part of Land Rover’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers, making the Range Rover Sport a trustworthy companion on the road.
Peace of Mind Knowing You’re in a Safe Vehicle
Owning a Range Rover Sport comes with the peace of mind of being in one of the safest vehicles in its class. With its comprehensive safety systems, high-quality construction, and a focus on occupant protection, drivers and passengers can feel secure and protected, no matter the driving conditions.
Price:
Starting MSRP of £83,620
The starting MSRP of the Range Rover Sport in the UK is £83,620. This price is for the base SE trim with the D250 diesel engine. The top-of-the-line Autobiography trim with the P530 petrol engine starts at £171,160.
The Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that offers performance, off-road capability, and comfort. It is available with a variety of powertrain options, including diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid.
Here is a table of the starting MSRPs for the different Range Rover Sport trim levels and powertrains in the UK:
| Trim Level | Powertrain | Starting MSRP |
| SE | D250 | £83,620 |
| SE | P360 | £86,060 |
| SE | P440e | £94,610 |
| Dynamic | D250 | £86,060 |
| Dynamic | P360 | £89,500 |
| Dynamic | P440e | £97,050 |
| HSE | D250 | £92,500 |
| HSE | P360 | £96,940 |
| HSE | P440e | £104,490 |
| Autobiography | P440e | £112,940 |
| Autobiography | P530 | £171,160 |
Please note that these prices are subject to change and may not include dealer fees or optional equipment.
A Variety of Options to Choose From
Buyers have a variety of options to choose from, with different trims and customization choices available. These options allow customers to tailor the Range Rover Sport to their specific preferences and requirements, ensuring each vehicle is as unique as its owner.
Value for Money
Considering the range of features, advanced technology, luxury appointments, and performance capabilities, the Range Rover Sport offers excellent value for money. It stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that delivers on all fronts, from aesthetics to performance and safety.
Verdict:
The Range Rover Sport: A Luxurious SUV with Exceptional Performance
The 2023 Range Rover Sport emerges as a luxurious SUV that offers exceptional performance, both on and off the road. Its blend of refined engines, dynamic handling, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge technology positions it as a standout option in the luxury SUV market. The vehicle’s ability to deliver a smooth, engaging driving experience while offering versatility for off-road adventures makes it a truly all-rounded choice for discerning buyers.
Who Should Consider Buying a Range Rover Sport?
The Range Rover Sport is ideal for those who value a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and technology. It’s suited for individuals who demand a high level of comfort and sophistication in their vehicle, along with the capability to handle varied driving conditions. Whether it’s for urban commutes, long-distance travel, or adventurous off-roading, the Range Rover Sport caters to a wide array of needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The 2023 Range Rover Sport stands as a symbol of luxury and capability, encapsulating Land Rover’s commitment to excellence. With its impressive range of features, innovative technology, and robust performance, the Range Rover Sport is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of style and substance. It offers a unique proposition in the luxury SUV segment, combining the practicality of an SUV with the refinement and elegance expected of a premium brand. The Range Rover Sport is, without a doubt, a top contender for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality, luxurious, and capable SUV.