The 2023 Range Rover Sport has made its global debut in the most dramatic way, undertaking a challenging ascent of a 193m dam spillway against a torrent of water flowing at 750 tonnes per minute.
The new model tackled the Kárahnjúkar Dam with James Bond stunt driver Jessica Hawkins at the wheel, after conquering Icelandic volcanic landscape, rock climbs and flooded tunnels during testing.
Theatrics aside, the new Range Rover Sport redefines sporting luxury, effortlessly combining assertive and instinctive on-road performance with trademark refinement, progressive design sophistication and connected convenience.
The third-generation model is the most advanced and dynamically capable yet, with a suite of powerful and efficient powertrains to include a 6-cylinder extended range Electric Hybrid, a potent new V8 and mild hybrid 6-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines.
Pure-electric propulsion will be introduced in 2024, as Land Rover continues its electrification journey. It will be available in SE, HSE and Autobiography specs, with a First Edition available throughout the first year of production.
Dramatic proportions accentuate the Range Rover Sport’s distinctive character, with short overhangs, an assertive front-end and steeply raked glazing at the front and back. The sculpted exterior is detailed with exquisite finishes too.
These include a stealth-like front grille and digital LED lighting units, which create a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature. The eye-catching designs, the slimmest ever fitted to a Land Rover, sit above a sculpted, double-aperture lower bumper.
Perfectly honed design elements are echoed at the rear, incorporating a sculpted tailgate with a full-width feature bearing the Range Rover script. Uninterrupted LED light graphics introduce surface LED technology to a production vehicle for the first time.
A characteristic shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle, accentuated by new lower fender details and the longest spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover. The clean lines are enhanced by beautifully executed flush glazing and door handles.
You’ll also find a hidden waist rail finisher and laser-welded roof for a precise, technical and sophisticated appearance. These design-enabling technologies contribute to excellent aerodynamic performance as well.
The new Dynamic model brings Satin Grey alloy wheels are joined by Satin Burnished Copper finishes for the bonnet louvres and side ingots while the front grille and Range Rover lettering are finished in Matte Graphite Atlas.
With unique front and rear bumpers and bespoke lower cladding finished in body colour, the Dynamic delivers the most dramatic interpretation of the Range Rover Sport formula.
Inside, a new interior features a cockpit-like cabin that provides excellent visibility while simultaneously cocooning the driver with a high, sloping centre console and intuitive technologies.
Innovative and sustainable material choices include tactile and lightweight Ultrafabrics premium textiles finished in attractive new Duo Tone colourways, while a unique textile option that extends to the dashboard and door detailing is also available.
Alternatives include luxurious grained, Windsor or soft Semi-Aniline leather. These tactile materials seamlessly blend with new Moonlight Chrome interior finishers. Next generation cabin air purification is also available.
Those looking for luxury will find it in the 22-way adjustable, heated and ventilated electric memory front seats with massage function and winged headrests. The flagship seats provide the ultimate support for longer journeys.
Rear passengers benefit from ergonomically optimised seat geometry, with a 31mm increase in legroom and 20mm greater knee clearance. Powerful Meridian audio options are available, including a 29 speaker sound system.
This comes loaded with a new subwoofer and up to 1,430W of amplifier power – including four headrest speakers that enable those travelling in the four main seats of the vehicle to experience personal sound zones.
Active noise cancellation plays its part here, reducing the effect of road and tyre noise entering the cabin for ultimate cabin refinement or to allow occupants to enjoy the undiluted soundtrack provided by New Range Rover Sport’s powertrain.
The new Range Rover also features the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, deployable door handles with proximity sensing, soft door close and approach unlock. Automated walkaway lock ensures security is guaranteed.
For 2023, the Pivi Pro infotainment features a high resolution floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen, controlling everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings. Haptic feedback enhances the system.
The Pivi Pro screen is complemented by a 13.7-inch interactive driver display, with high-definition graphics that echo the main system, and a reconfigurable layout so drivers can see the information that’s most important to them.
Amazon Alexa features, while wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both fitted as standard, meaning smartphones can be tucked out of the way on the dedicated wireless device charger.
On the road, the luxury SUV also introduces more advanced chassis technologies than ever before too, including an Integrated Chassis Control system specially tuned for New Range Rover Sport.
All-wheel steering and torque vectoring by braking will feature on the range topping P510e Electric hybrid and P530 powertrains and bring with them, a new Dynamic Response Pro 48-volt electronic active roll control system.
It works hand-in-hand with the latest generation Dynamic Air Suspension, which introduces switchable-volume air springs for the first time. An electronic active differential is also included.
Configurable programs will also provide the opportunity to personalise the driving modes, tailoring the driving experience both on and off road.
Every new Range Rover sport is fitted with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive, Land Rover’s latest Terrain Response 2 system, and for the first time, adaptive off-road cruise control.
Driver assistance systems include emergency braking, a 3D surround camera, including front and rear parking sensors, wade sensing, ClearSight ground view and manoeuvring lights, cruise control, driver monitoring, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.
The 2023 Range Rover Sport line-up is available in multiple diesel variants, including the SE D250 ($139,160), Dynamic SE D300 ($151,026), Dynamic HSE D350 ($168,638), Autobiography D350 ($191,141) and First Edition D350 ($196,359).
The Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model is the Dynamic HSE P510 at $198,097 – offering 125km of extended EV range and 375kW of power. The petrol model range will be launched in 2023, and will be available in SE 360, Dynamic SE P400 and HSE P400.
The latter will also be available as an HSE P530 (as will an Autobiography and First Edition), powered by a twin turbo V8 producing 390kW, and capable of 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds with Dynamic Launch engaged. All prices are plus on-roads.
The New Range Rover Sport is available to order now.
