Road test | Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid: the effort required

Like the industry as a whole, Land Rover is grappling with the challenge of gradually reducing its appetite for fuel, a tall order given its lineup of massive SUVs. Its luxury division, Range Rover, is setting the table with a first plug-in hybrid model, a prelude to a transition to all-electric models. We slipped behind the wheel of the opulent Range Rover Sport Plug-In to get a feel for the effort.

Its design

Only available in the Autobiography livery, the plug-in hybrid version of the SUV is dressed in its finest attire. The design is brimming with confidence, starting with the front frame topped with sinister-looking headlights. From the side, the taut lines reign for continuity and the 23-inch (!) wheels take care of filling the space freed up by the wheel arches. The retractable handles add a smooth look to the rendering and the glossy black beyond the beltline lightens the visuals in a nice way. The rear continues the refinement effort with thin lights that complement a black band. There is a very harmonious side and a desire for timelessness to this Range Rover Sport, which stands out from many more flashy SUVs.

On board

The horizontality of the exterior design dictates the theme of the dashboard, which multiplies the rectangular references. Using less noble materials than the Range Rover, the SUV nevertheless displays luxury by means of finely assembled aromatic leathers. We perceive by touch a solidity of assembly worthy of the positioning and the price (more than $140,000) of the SUV. The only dissonant note: Land Rover is on the wrong track by choosing for 2024 to skip the physical buttons to incorporate them into the infotainment system. Taking advantage of a footprint similar to a BMW X5, the Range Rover Sport also benefits from a spacious interior complemented by numerous compartments.

Under the hood

Essentially, this model is powered by a 160 kW electric motor and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six. A 38.2 kWh battery provides a range of 90 km, if the route is not entirely made up of motorways. The electric mode suits this Range Rover Sport particularly well, but the slightly jerky calibration of the electric motor at low speeds exposes the need for further development. The hybrid mode unleashes the full power (542 horsepower) without too much theatrics. The initial thrust arrives after a slight delay and the six-cylinder is much more discreet than expressive. It's the kind of performance you'd expect, with aplomb that lowers the 0-100 km/h time under 5 seconds.

Behind the wheel

Despite its name, this Range Rover Sport is much more in its element at moderate speeds. Its air suspension allowing variable ground clearance teams up with adaptive dampers to provide an exceptional ride. Its cornering grip is also astonishing, despite its weight and high center of gravity. Its steering is precise and just firm and communicative enough to tackle a series of curves without being tiresome on long journeys. The SUV also benefits from steerable rear wheels that make parking maneuvers easier. We can't ignore the off-road gear guided by the Terrain Response system, which offers a multitude of configurations, depending on the type of ground.

Embedded technologies

This Range Rover Sport is equipped with the latest generation of Land Rover's multimedia system called Pivi Pro. It is based on a 13.1-inch touchscreen that floats in the center of the dashboard. The interface is intuitive thanks to the use of vertical tabs on both sides of the screen. The system is also rather fast and responsive to touch manipulations. However, we regret the absence of physical controls for the many driving modes. There is also no volume adjustment wheel, except on the steering wheel. Moreover, the digital instrument screen displays excellent definition and is configurable as desired, but requires some time to adapt to the buttons placed on the steering wheel.

The verdict

The Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid is not a revolutionary product in itself. The SUV instead relies on a convincing powertrain to enhance its road qualities. With an electric range of almost 100 km, it generally operates without fuel, reinforcing the serenity of its driving experience. The asking price is high, but it is a luxury product that gives an impression of completion and refinement. Not everything is perfect, starting with the disappearance of physical buttons, reliability to be proven and some adjustments to the electric motor. We can nevertheless say that this version makes this model truly persuasive… while waiting for an electric variant promised this year.