There is hardly another car in the market that can match the capabilities of the Range Rover sport either on motorways or off-road.
This car can accomplish all missions superbly while cosseting passengers in a cocoon of luxury.
Dimensions may take a while for the driver to get used to but the power output and handling are exquisite.
A 2015 Range Rover Sport Autobiography dynamic spec in Fuji white was tested in the UK and the experience was impressive in more than one sense. Emphasis in this car is on the word “sport.”
While auto-writers in the UK complain that there is no diesel option, the petrol supercharged engine in its V8 5.0 liter guise, providing 510 bhp is practically made for the Gulf and fits perfectly at the top of the luxury SUV segment in the region.
Despite its size, the second-generation Range Rover Sport is lighter and more nimble than its predecessor due to the extensive use of aluminum.
The Range Rover Sport migrated from its old steel body and chassis to an aluminum uni-body like the one on the latest Range Rover. As a result, the Sport shed about 400 kg of its weight, while picking up bundles of drivetrain and handling technology that thrusts it convincingly into the top of the sporty SUVs.
It is one of the lightest in its class.
There are design cues from the F-type in the joystick gear lever and the Evoque in the cabin ambiance.
Visibility is clear all round due to slim side pillars.
On the power front the supercharged V8 5.0 liter petrol engine is coupled with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with a manual sports option through the gear lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
The set up employs stop/start technology.
The range of equipment in the car is very generous and the test car came equipped with many extras including an onboard television, dual-view touchscreen in the front, Meridian Signature audio system, sliding panoramic sunroof, rear seat entertainment.
Other options include traffic signal recognition, closing vehicle sensing and reverse-traffic recognition in addition to surround camera system.
Buyers, however, need to tread carefully when choosing their options as the list above cost more than $20,000 in addition to the car price.
There are options which the buyer might consider essential such as privacy glass ($900) but the Meridian Signature audio system at $7500 is a little steep in price.
The panoramic sliding roof comes at no extra cost, which is a considerable relief.
Fuel consumption is best on motorways at 29.1 mpg while urban consumption is at 15.4 mpg giving a combined cycle of 22.1 mpg.
No other car gives better commanding position on the road. Cars in front see an intimidating presence on the road in their rear-view mirrors (as admitted by one driver).
The levels of luxury provided onboard are more comprehensive than most sedan cars.
Seats are powered, heated and cooled; the multi-function steering wheel is heated; and an array of information is available to the driver through the menu on board including remaining distance with fuel onboard and warning of distance between vehicle and car in front. The ride is smooth and assured on 21” alloy wheels.
The 2015 Range Rover Sport’s cabin has sumptuous styling and high-end materials, including polished aluminum and first-rate leather.
The seats are exceptionally comfortable and roomy, and the driver’s seat offers good all round view of the road. The 2015 Range Rover Sport comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, satellite radio, an eight-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation and a USB port. Options include tri- or quad-zone automatic climate control, a surround camera system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle to aid with parking maneuvers, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. With 62.2 cubic feet of overall room, the 2015 Range Rover Sport has adequate cargo space for its class.
One interesting update is puddle lamps projecting vehicle’s silhouette onto the ground at night to light the way for occupants.
Inside, an Intelligent Cargo Mode senses if the rear seats are about to make contact with the front seats when folded down to increase luggage capacity, and automatically moves the front seats forward.
Once the rear seats have folded flat, the front seats are returned as close as possible to their original position. The tailgate is powered as standard.
An SUV buyer should also consider the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5.
The Cayenne impresses with its sporty performance and quick acceleration and drivers agree it handles best in class and the seats provide roomy and firm ride.
The X5 also has sharp handling and powerful engines.
The cabin is also luxurious and high quality.
However, driving the Range Rover Sport for a week is convincing that this is a luxurious versatile and capable vehicle that has a presence on the road unlike any other.