The third-generation new Range Rover Sport performance SUV has launched, redefining sporting luxury with attitude, and pre-orders are now being taken for New Zealand.

Check out the launch video revealing the third generation Range Rover Sport tackling the Karahnjukar Dam - the biggest of its kind in the world.

Redefining Sporting Luxury

The new Range Rover Sport includes a line-up of powerful and efficient powertrains which include six-cylinder extended range Electric Hybrids, a potent new V8 and a six-cylinder diesel Ingenium engine.

The new Range Rover Sport is available in Dynamic SE and Dynamic HSE specifications, with a First Edition available throughout the first year of production featuring a specially curated specification.

What’s the exterior like?

The exterior is unmistakably Range Rover Sport with dramatic proportions that accentuate its distinctive character - with short overhangs, an assertive front-end and steeply raked glazing at the front and back.

The sculpted exterior is detailed with finishes such as a stealth-like front grille and Digital LED lighting units, which create a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature.

At the rear is a sculpted tailgate with a full-width feature bearing the Range Rover script. Uninterrupted LED light graphics provide a crisp and contemporary look at night. A characteristic shoulder line runs the length of the vehicle, accentuated by new lower fender details and the longest spoiler ever fitted to a Range Rover.

There are flush door handles, a hidden waist rail finisher and laser-welded roof designed to contribute to excellent aerodynamic performance - delivering a claimed drag coefficient of just 0.29.

The new Dynamic model

If you are wanting something even more special - the new Dynamic model has unique exterior design elements such as:

• Satin Grey alloy wheels
• Satin Burnished Copper finishes for the bonnet louvres and side ingots
• The front grille and Range Rover lettering are finished in Matte Graphite Atlas
• Unique front and rear bumpers and bespoke lower cladding finished in body colour

Sophisticated interior

Of course, the new Range Rover Sport has a sophisticated interior – after all that’s what you would expect in a Range Rover – which includes the trademark Range Rover Command Driving Position, plus all the latest technologies.

The cockpit-like cabin sets the tone for the dynamic driving experience, cocooning the driver with a sweeping console and a fast-angled dashboard, finished with modern materials including sustainable Ultrafabrics™.

Wireless convenience3 includes Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and a 15W Wireless Device Charger. The integrated 29 audio speakers, developed with Meridian™ are hidden behind the textile of the rear doors and in the headrest.

The electric memory front seats are 22-way adjustable, heated and ventilated with massage function and winged headrests. There is also additional passenger comfort with a 31mm increase in legroom and 20mm greater knee clearance.

Advanced seamless tech

Land Rover’s powerful Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) supports an ecosystem of seamless connected technologies, including Software Over The Air (SOTA). The clever technology provides remote updates for 63 electronic modules, ensuring New Range Rover Sport remains at the cutting edge of innovation, modern technology and services throughout its life.

The award-winning PIVI Pro infotainment features a high resolution floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen positioned at the centre of the dashboard. Controlling everything from navigation to media and vehicle settings, it learns the user’s habits and intelligently personalises the onboard experience.

PIVI Pro features an easy-to-use interface with a home screen that can be personalised to include most frequently used functions, while the majority of features are accessed within just two taps of the main screen. Haptic feedback enhances the system by providing positive feedback to the operator’s inputs, reducing the need for the driver to take their eyes off the road to confirm their selection. The PIVI Pro screen is complemented by a 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, with high-definition graphics that echo the main PIVI Pro system, and a reconfigurable layout so drivers can see the information that’s most important to them.

Engaging on every journey

All models are fitted with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which intuitively anticipates where traction is required.
If you plan to do a little off-roading, enhancing the off-road performance is Land Rover’s latest Terrain Response 2® system, which intelligently applies the most appropriate settings for the terrain.

New Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control makes its debut, which helps drivers navigate tricky terrain by maintaining steady progress according to the ground conditions. Drivers can select one of four comfort settings and the system intelligently adjusts the speed accordingly, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Quiet too

New Range Rover Sport promises to be quieter too – with next generation Active Noise Cancellation2, reducing the effect of road and tyre noise entering the cabin.

Safe and cool

All models are fitted with Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, including front and rear parking sensors, Wade Sensing, ClearSight Ground View7 and Manoeuvring Lights – Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Driver Condition Monitor and Lane Keep Assist.

The performance

Electric Hybrid:

The new P510e Electric Hybrid is engineered to meet the demands of drivers looking for a high-performance drive, impressive efficiency and more than 100km of zero emissions BEV range. It seamlessly blends Land Rover’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a powerful 105 kW electric motor and 38.2kWh battery, producing a total system output of 375 kW.

It is capable of 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds, an electric driving range of up to 113km and an expected real-world range of 88km – enough for most owners to complete up to 75 per cent of journeys on electric power6 – and CO2 emissions of just 18g/km. For longer journeys, the plug-in hybrid powertrain provides combined 740km (460 miles) of petrol and electric range.

A P440e Electric Hybrid is also available, producing a total of 324 kW from its powertrain and the same all-electric driving range and low CO2 emissions. It too provides effortless acceleration and refinement, with 0-100km/h claimed at just 5.8 seconds.

V8 Twin Turbo

The new flagship V8 Twin Turbo produces 404kW for the most exhilarating Range Rover Sport character, with 0-100km/h claimed at just 4.5 seconds with Dynamic Launch engaged.

Steve Kenchington, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand, said: “The new Range Rover Sport is dramatically dynamic and luxurious - with new-age modifications, this vehicle sits at the pinnacle of pioneering innovation and desirability. The dynamic driving capabilities are complemented by the vehicle's serene cabin, made of contemporary, minimalist materials. The new model is an evolution rather than a revolution and continues to shift Land Rover from a premium heritage brand to the creator of the most desirable vehicles, for the most discerning of customers.”

“The Range Rover Sport complements the versatile lifestyle of the discerning kiwi customer – including options for the performance-focused and EV-curious customers with SVR and PHEV models launching in 2023.”

It is clear to see why lovers of Range Rover Sport fall for each new generation, and they are in for a treat with this new advanced line-up. We are keen to see how well the new Electric Hybrid performs, and are certain it will be a popular choice going by the huge surge in PHEV sales due to the intorduction of the Clean Car Discount measures and increased petrol prices – the segment was up by 535 per cent in May 2022 compared with last year, and 404 per cent year-to-date.