Range Rover Sport

Make
Land Rover
Segment
SUV
  • BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 engine produces 626 hp and 553 lb-ft
  • 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds
  • Available 23-inch carbon fiber wheels
  • First time carbon ceramic brakes are offered on a Range Rover
  • "Body and Soul" vibrating seats create an immersive audio experience for front passengers

Land Rover has revealed the all-new Range Rover Sport SV, the latest high-performance SUV to rumble out of Whitley. With a mighty V8 under the hood, squared-off styling, and a sumptuous interior, the latest iteration picks up where the outgoing model left off, but there's one difference. The 2024 Sport SV makes use of a BMW-sourced engine.

Gone is the grumbly 5.0-liter supercharged engine. In its place, a turbocharged mild-hybrid 4.4-liter V8 develops a thunderous 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This is the same S68 motor found in the recently facelifted BMW X5 M and X6 M super SUVs.

The performance figures are impressive.Zero to 60 mph is dealt with in 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 mph.

Sophisticated Suspension Pays Dividends In The Bends

The S68 may be smaller, but the new V8 produces 59 more hp and an extra 37 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 15% compared to the outgoing engine.

Land Rover has gone the extra mile to ensure the Sport SV handles exceptionally well. The 6D Dynamics suspension system features a world-first combination of pitch control, height-adjustable air springs, and interlinked hydraulic dampers. The semi-active system eliminates the need for regular anti-roll bars.

This pays dividends in the bends, where the automaker says pitch and roll have been dramatically reduced, with a "near-level body stance" while cornering. Land Rover claims this also improves comfort and refinement while increasing grip levels.

Aside from that, the Sport SV also sports a new rear subframe and suspension links. Land Rover has also developed a new electronically power-assisted steering rack that is said to have the fastest ratio of any Range Rover ever. The Sport SV sits 0.4-1 inches lower than regular models depending on the chosen drive mode.

The SV further differentiates itself with special SV tuning for the all-wheel steering, Configurable Dynamics, locking rear differential, and more. The rear wheels are shod with 305-section Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires (a first for a Range Rover).

Despite the heft of this British behemoth, the Sport SV is reportedly capable of "generating lateral acceleration in excess of 1.1G" with all-season tires. That represents a 22% increase compared to the outgoing SVR on summer tires.

23-Inch Carbon Fiber Wheels Are An Industry First

The Range Rover Sport SV receives Dual-Cast performance brakes as standard. For the first time ever, customers can select optional carbon-ceramic brakes. Not only are they more resistant to higher temperatures, but they represent a 75-lb unsprung weight reduction compared to the standard brake setup.

If you're determined to have the most dynamic Range Rover on the road, 23-inch carbon fiber wheels can be specified at extra cost. This, says Land Rover, is the first time carbon fiber wheels in this diameter have been fitted to a production vehicle.

Compared to the standard 23-inch wheels, the carbon fiber items save 20 lbs per corner, which has several benefits. Not only is handling improved, but so is the ride quality.

Aggressive Yet Restrained Styling Hints At Performance Capabilities

JLR has worked exceptionally hard to transform the lumbering Rangie into a serious performance SUV. With a new Cayenne on the scene, the Sport SV will have to work doubly hard.

The new Range Rover Sport SV's styling is surprisingly restrained. The front end benefits from a more prominent bumper with pronounced air intakes, along with carbon fiber detailing. The lightweight material has been applied to the hood vents, grille surround, and Range Rover badging.

The rear features a faux diffuser and four prominent exhaust pipes. Together with the tasteful alloys, subtle SV badging, and black-painted roof, the SV is a rather handsome brute that will appeal to the Range Rover faithful.

"Body And Soul" Vibrating Seats Enhance Comfort

The overall look of the interior is similar to the regular Sport model, which debuted last year. The big news here is the introduction of the Body and Soul Seat (BASS), which Land Rover describes as a "multi-dimensional audio experience with wellness benefits."

The front seats are equipped with a tactile audio system from SUBPAC. With AI-optimizing software and transducers in the seatbacks, BASS analyzes media and generates audio vibrations that create an immersive in-car audio experience. This system works in conjunction with the 1,430-watt, 29-speaker Meridian Signature sound system. Interestingly, Meridian is working on a similar setup called Vibrohaptic Audio that will launch in 2025.

Unique Interior Touches Make The Sport SV A Special Place To Be

The Body and Soul Seats also feature wellness programs that contribute to the relaxation of the front passengers. BASS can influence the heart rate variability (HRV) of an individual. If you're not aware, HRV is the variation in time between heartbeats. The higher the HRV, the more relaxed the person is.

The SV Performance Seats can be trimmed in a new Ultrafabrics PU material. This lightweight textile upholstery looks great and is a classy alternative to leather. Other neat touches include the translucent edge-lit shift paddles (another world first) and the black ceramic trim on the gear shifter.

If you're interested in getting your hands on a new Range Rover Sport SV, you may have to wait - unless you're one of Land Rover's special clients.

How Much Will It Cost?

For the first year of production, the Sport SV will only be available for certain customers, who will be invited to order the vehicle in limited edition SV Edition One spec. The company says every single SV Edition One is spoken for. These unique models will differentiate themselves with model-specific branding on the center console, treadplates, puddle lamps, and front splitter.

Pricing is yet to be revealed, but we're guessing the new SV will be priced around the $140,000 mark.

In other news, several updates have benefitted the rest of the Range Rover Sport lineup. The P510e plug-in hybrid has been replaced by the 542-hp P550e, which pairs a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with an enhanced electric motor. The P530 V8 has also been updated with MHEV technology.