The Land Rover Range Rover Sport could very well be the ultimate all-around machine - a sporty three-row luxury performance off-road for those that insist on having their cake and eating it too. For 2017, the Sport receives more technology, more equipment, and more potential for personalization.
All Range Rover Sports gain the latest version of the InControl TouchPro infotainment system as standard. It benefits from a larger 10.2-inch high-definition display, on-board wi-fi, and navigation. The setup can be upgraded to the InControl Connect Pro, which allows the owner to control the climate control and engine via the InControl smartphone app.
2017 also marks the year the Rover Sport trods down the semi-autonomous path with newly available active safety features including blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, and emergency autonomous braking.
Those who frequently tow will be delighted by the availability of the new Advanced Tow Assist. Similar to the system found in the Ford F-150, it allows the vehicle to be steered via the Terrain Response control knob for easier reversing. Along with the available 360-degree parking camera, it's certain to help make the most out of the ute's 3,500-kilogram (7,716 lb) towing rating.
For 2017, the range of Rover Sports continues to expand with the arrival of a new HSE Dynamic trim. This replaces last year's limited edition HST, a sort of mid-grade roadgoing performance model, and features the same powerful 380-hp supercharged V6 engine, contrast black exterior trim and roof, and premium interior finishes. It also gets a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display, and a single-speed Torsen transfer case as standard.
Last but not least, the Range Rover Sport is available in 19 (yes, 19!) new colours in a variety of finishes including Ultra Metallic, Chromaflair, and matte metallic finishes.
The standard engine on the Range Rover Sport SE and HSE is a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that develops 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque; it's shared with many other Jaguar and Land Rover products including the F-Type sports coupe. The HSE Dynamic uses a more powerful 380-hp version of this engine.
Optional on the HSE is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 which develops 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds, it's nearly as quick as the gas V6 (7.2 seconds), but is significantly more efficient.
Standard on the Supercharged and Autobiography is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that belts out 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. V8s also come standard with a two-speed transfer case that includes a proper low-range mode, hydraulic body-roll control, and a torque-vectoring differential.
Last but not least is the SVR, the high-performance variant designed to gun down the BMW X5 M and Benz GLE 63 AMG. It too uses a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, but its output is heightened to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This, the quickest of the models accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and it's the fastest, too, with a top speed of 260 km/h.
As with the full-size Range Rover, the Sport can be lavishly equipped with all manner of luxuries from soft-close doors and a hands-free power tailgate, to a 1,700-watt 22-speaker Meridian sound system. Supple leathers and rich wood trim are core to its posh environment.
Pricing for the Range Rover Sport starts at $77,000 and tops out at $127,500 for the SVR.
