Introduction
The V8 engines fitted to Range Rovers are usually there for smoothness and a dose of unlimited power, as well as plenty of torque for off-roading. This Range Rover is a little different, though, because it’s an ‘SVR’.
This means its V8 is not there for comfort, but instead there to defy the laws on what can be achieved from an SUV. It’s the mastermind of Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division, and aims to combine the standard Range Rover Sport with performance that’s a match for a supercar.
The latest model comes with the same revisions as the standard Range Rover Sport – so, slimmer headlights, new paint options and alloy wheels, and an upgraded grille on the outside, as well as a two-screen infotainment setup on the inside. But, thankfully, it still uses the same marvellous V8 as before.
Performance
The aforementioned V8 is a supercharged 5.0-litre unit producing 567bhp (it’s shared with the Jaguar XJR and Jaguar F-Type SVR) and it provides the SVR’s menace. The performance is a little more subdued than those other cars, such is the size of a Range Rover, but it still makes do with a 0-60mph time of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 176mph. Both these figures are remarkable.
The performance is quite frankly ridiculous, but enjoyable all the same, just because a Range Rover shouldn’t be able to move this fast. A meaty engine note features, as does a tasty exhaust note – both adding to the SVR’s character.
Ride and handling
You might expect the SVR to be fearsome in a straight line but falter in the corners, but it doesn’t, and instead features impressively sharp handling and steering, which gives it the agility of a car a fraction of its size.
But the comfort expected from a Range Rover still remains intact – providing it’s in ‘Comfort’ mode – thanks to the air suspension fitted. And while it’s unlikely that an SVR will be taken off-road, it’s more than up to the job if it does, with Land Rover’s renowned terrain response system installed as usual.
The breadth of the SVR’s abilities is mightily impressive.
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Interior and equipment
Land Rover has done away with nearly all dashboard buttons on the latest Range Rover Sport, and while it looks superb without any clutter, it takes time to adjust to.
The twin screen setup works well, with the top screen handling the media and satellite navigation functions, while the lower display looks after the driving modes, climate and seat controls.
The Special Vehicle Operations department can also look after your every need. So if you want a bespoke interior or something a little different, the division can happily accommodate - admittedly at a price.
Standard equipment includes the usual range of off-roading goodies – including Terrain Response, hill descent control, adjustable suspension and more – but elsewhere it comes with adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, electric seats that are both heated and ventilated, and the aforementioned dual touchscreens.
Cost
Unsurprisingly, all this performance and luxury comes at a price, and it’s quite a high one.
The SVR slots in at just a smidgen under £100,000 - £99,680 to be precise – which no matter how you look at it, it’s expensive. Particularly as a few select options can add another £10,000 at least to that. That said, price it up against a Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentagya and it starts to look better value.
The running costs will also be high, as even the claimed 22.1mpg economy figure will be unreachable, along with high CO2 emissions of 294g/km.
Verdict
Although the Range Rover Sport SVR is expensive with high running costs, this is immediately forgotten when you take into account its incredibly fast performance.
However, get behind the wheel and have access to the luxurious interior, its sublime driving dynamics and engine, and it all makes sense.
Cars like this won’t be around forever, and they should be applauded, respected and enjoyed for as long as they can still be bought. The latest SVR only shows the range of talents that Land Rover has under its belt.
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