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Thursday, November 21, 2024
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2024 Range Rover Sport P400 review

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 26 Mar, 2024
  • 2024 Range Rover Sport P400 review

In two decades, Range Rover has turned one of the market's boxiest SUVs into one of the sleekest in the Sport. The current model looks amazing and solidifies its position as one of the plushest, most comfortable and capable offerings in the segment.

"The exceptional new Range Rover Sport sets new standards as the ultimate sporting luxury SUV, building on seventeen years of unique customer appeal. It is the latest embodiment of our vision to create the world's most desirable modern luxury vehicles, effortlessly blending new levels of sustainability with the signature qualities that have made Range Rover Sport so popular," says Thierry Bolloré, Jaguar Land Rover CEO in a press release.

Called reductive design, the current styling language has reduced the Digital LED headlamps and slim grille to a near sliver running across the front. Below, wide dual air intakes sandwich a section of body-colour bumper together, providing a very distinctive appearance. At the rear, horizontal taillights and a black panel adorned with the brand script echo the nose. The blacked-out, sloped greenhouse and rear diffuser housing twin tailpipes add some additional visual flair.

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Similarly minimalistic, Inside, everything is ergonomic and beautifully laid out. The seats are among the cushiest available in the industry, and consumers may choose between standard or semi-aniline leather upholstery or go for the Perforated Ultrafabrics vegan option that feels remarkably premium. Fancy a cold beverage on the go? A chiller in the centre console is deep enough to fit a two-litre carton of milk, as I discovered after a trip to the grocery store.

Infotainment is served via a stunning 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, and up to 29 Meridian 3D Surround Sound stereo speakers are installed around the cabin, including ones embedded in the headrests. Built-in Native Amazon Alexa support allows users to control in-vehicle or smart home functions hands-free, all without a connected smartphone, thanks to integrated eSims keeping the virtual assistant online at all times.

We tested the P400 Dynamic HSE model powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mild-hybrid engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The performance is buttery smooth, as is the ride due to standard Dynamic Air Suspension. The latter monitors the route ahead using sensors and navigation data to pre-emptively adjust the dampening force to cancel any unwanted bumps. Next-gen Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted exterior noises to a whisper.

Drivers can also use the Terrain Response 2 system to prime various onboard settings for surfaces like Grass, Gravel & Snow, Mud & Ruts, Sand and more. Selecting a preset is as simple as a twist of the knob located conveniently underneath the shifter. Combined with intelligent all-wheel drive, the Sport should be able to tackle anything from rainy Vancouver roads to backcountry trails.

The 2024 Range Rover Sport P400 Sport Dynamic HSE, built at the company's Solihull Plant in the United Kingdom, starts at $122,560.

Highlights:  

MSRP: $122,560

 Motor: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V6 

 Horsepower: 394 @ 5,500 rpm   

 Torque (lb-ft): 406 @ 2,000 rpm

 Gearbox: eight-speed automatic

 Layout: front-engine, all-wheel drive   

 Fuel economy: 16.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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