Range Rover Sport takes on extreme challenges, from the Rub' al Khali desert to Iceland's volcanic terrain, before entering the electrified era.
In the previous generation, Range Rover Sport was often associated with harsh journeys and challenges in many different lands. The 2nd generation (L494) launches the Empty Quarter Challenge, the Range Rover Sport crosses one of the most difficult roads in the Rub' al Khali desert (Saudi Arabia). In 2018, the Range Rover Sport hybrid and racer Ho-Pin Tung climbed the 999 stairs challenge at Tianmen Mountain (China).
In the latest generation (L461), Range Rover Sport participated in The Spillway Challenge at Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric dam (Iceland), overcoming volcanic terrain, flooded tunnels, slopes of about 40 degrees... before climbing up a 193 m long flood discharge trough in conditions of water flow reaching about 750 tons per minute, according to the company's announcement.
These challenges demonstrate the performance that is part of the Range Rover Sport's character. However, when entering the electrified era, the SUV model has a different approach.
Launched in the Vietnamese market earlier this year, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is almost unchanged in appearance, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain option gives the luxury SUV a different approach: more powerful, quieter and with a pure electric range of nearly 120 km. In addition to performance, Range Rover Sport PHEV also creates a highlight thanks to the smoothness and quietness inside the cabin.
Quiet Luxury philosophy - silent luxury
Unlike the sports versions of its competitors, the British automaker's "Sport" suffix is discreet and requires careful attention to recognize the different details. Range Rover Sport PHEV is faithful to the brand's own design language, without even needing to prove that it is an electrified vehicle.
The classic design of the Range Rover continues to be based on three main lines. First is the slight slope on the roof of the car. Second is the border on both sides of the body. Finally, the embossed line emphasizes the sportiness of the wheel arches. Interestingly, all three of these basic strokes converge towards the back, creating a dynamic and luxurious overall look that is very British.
The front of the car still impresses with its minimalist steering wheel, slim LED lights and clamshell bonnet. Hidden door handles contribute to seamless body surfaces. At the rear, the LED light cluster is placed low and in the middle is the words Range Rover.
In this generation, Range Rover Sport has a wheelbase increased by 50 mm compared to the previous generation, while the overall size increased by 76 mm. Rear seat legroom has also been improved, increased by 31 mm and the trunk is 10% larger. The MLA Flex chassis platform is 35% more rigid thanks to the use of new materials, creating the foundation for the sporty performance and smoothness that are characteristic of Range Rover.
Minimalist interior, aiming for tranquility
Inside the cabin, Range Rover Sport PHEV continues to pursue a minimalist design philosophy. Compared to the third generation launched in Vietnam in 2022, the new version omits all mechanical buttons, from the air conditioning knob, start button, terrain operating mode option knob... In the saddle, the only thing kept is the electronic gear lever.
All of the above functions are integrated into the 13.1-inch central entertainment screen, designed with a graceful, gently curved surface, creating a more ergonomic and convenient usage experience for the driver.
High-quality leather, metal, glossy surface materials continue to be used, accompanied by functions such as: multi-directional electric seats, heating, cooling ventilation, Cabin Air Purification Pro air filter, HUD screen, ClearSight rearview mirror...
Sporty the Land Rover way
The name "Sport" sometimes makes people expect a violent driving experience or acceleration with harsh engine sounds. But the Range Rover Sport goes in a different direction, as Land Rover does not try to make the car faster at the expense of a luxury experience and comfort inside the cabin.
MLA Flex chassis platform, Dynamic Air suspension system with variable air springs - combined with 2-valve active dampers to help optimize flexibility and control stability and balance. Complementing that experience is the exclusive patented Terrain Response system, integrating Dynamic mode to optimize operation on both asphalt and offroad.
Modern Land Rover vehicles are famous for their self-developed generation of Ingenium aluminum body engines, especially the 3.0 turbocharged inline 6 (I6) configuration.
On the Range Rover Sport PHEV, the company added an electric motor (equivalent to 140 horsepower), giving a total capacity of 454 horsepower. Maximum torque of 660 Nm at 2,000-5,000 rpm. 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel drive system. The included battery has a capacity of 38.2 kWh located under the floor, giving a pure electric range three times that of the previous MHEV version, at 118 km (WLTP standard), a number large enough to change the way a car owner uses Land Rover in the city.
According to the company, with DC fast charging, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in less than 60 minutes, suitable for daily vehicle use in pure electric mode. When needing to travel long distances, the Ingenium 3.0 6-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a 160 kW electric motor is responsible for expanding the operating range. In addition, the car can be charged flexibly with a 2.4 kW handheld charger, a 7 kW AC wall charger or a DC fast charger. Range Rover Sport PHEV models sold in the Vietnamese market will come with a 2.4 kW portable charger and a 7 kW AC wall charger installed according to user needs.
The ability to personalize is also demonstrated through the list of optional equipment. Users can choose Technology Pack, Comfort Pack and Convenience Pack packages, adding features: advanced air filtration system, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, HUD screen, double-layer soundproof glass, 20-way electric front seats with heating and cooling, integrated cooling compartment, automatic parking assist system...
According to the company, these options allow the vehicle to be configured according to user needs, from daily comfort to experience on long journeys.
For someone who travels dozens of kilometers within the city every day and charges the car at night, most of the daily journey with a luxury SUV can take place with the gasoline engine idle.
In pure electric mode, the personality of the Range Rover Sport PHEV is even clearer, there are no "hiccups" in shifting gears, the SUV moves gently and almost silently at low speeds. But just press the accelerator deeply, the SUV weighs more than 2.7 tons for a neat acceleration. Press deeper and at high speeds, the gasoline engine immediately engages, turning the Range Rover Sport PHEV into a pure high-performance SUV.
Becoming a hyphen before the Range Rover line can be fully electrified in the future, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is the answer to how a long-standing luxury car company transforms in the era of electrification.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport in the Vietnamese market has versions: S, SE, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography and SV. The luxury SUV model starts at 6,989 billion VND, while on-demand (personalized) orders start at 5,959 billion VND for the S MHEV and the Dynamic SE PHEV costs from 6,359 billion VND, including VAT.
