2014 Range Rover Sport HSE

If you are a celebrity, pro-athlete, gold digger or belong to any other similar social groups, beware; there is a new Range Rover Sport out.

It is the most dynamic Land Rover ever built. It is based on the lightweight aluminum Range Rover chassis but visually it resembles the smaller Evoque. There are two engine options and four total trim variations. An SE will set you back $73,990, an HSE will cost you $78,990, the V8 Supercharged is $91,490 and the top of the range Autobiography Supercharged V8 is a whopping $104,990. Our HSE was $85,990 as tested and some of the standard features were; full real leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, climate control, selectable off-road modes, all-around airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, all-around cameras, sat-nav, Bluetooth, cruise control, power tailgate, xenon headlights with LED daylights and an excellent Meridian sound system.

The exterior design follows the trends introduced with the Evoque and full sized Range Rover. The front grille and thin headlights look angry and the smaller tail lights and steep angled roof-line resemble the coupe styling of the Evoque as well.

The interior is very similar to the full size Range Rover, minus a few things. For starters, this one has a regular analog instrument cluster instead of the fully digital screen. You will notice that there are fewer off-road modes and there is no low-range transfer case. Also, the massage therapist that was inside the seats seems to be on permanent vacation. Other than that, the built quality is once again beyond words and the classiness of the atmosphere inside is unsurpassed. Stitched leather and soft quality materials are dominant making this interior comparable only with the best. The driving position is ideal, the seats are fantastic and roominess is very satisfying in the front. The rear seats on the other hand are not as roomy, but the atmosphere is so luxurious that you get tricked into feeling comfier than what you really are. Nevertheless, five adults will fit without issues and will happily agree to go on a long journey all together. The trunk will surely fit their gear, as at 784lt it is one of the largest in the class.

The 3.0L Supercharged engine feels and sounds really spectacular and the 8-speed automatic ZF transmission is near perfect. 340 HP and 332lb-ft means that from a standstill, the 100 km/h mark is 6.5 seconds away and 100-0km/h to zero comes in only 37 meters, numbers that place it directly into sports car territory. It is very civilized and refined in everyday use and it even comes with an auto start/stop system. Premium fuel is of course mandatory, but only 12.8lt of it are required for every 100km you cover on average. Everything aside, I just love what Jaguar Land Rover are doing with their exhaust notes lately. It’s absolutely fantastic!

On the road it is where it starts justifying its money. Even though the ride is on the firm side is it still supremely comfortable. The chassis feels rock solid and there is minimal noise dashing over bumps. Wind noise is kept outside well and cruising feels very rewarding until your adrenaline rush kicks in; you’ll be surprised how athletic this SUV feels going around corners. Fitted with Torque Vectoring Control, which means that power is always sent to the right wheels in a more dynamic way than in a Lancer EVO. One thing is for sure; you won’t see any physics teachers driving these as it defies some of the laws they swear by. Driving it feels like you are in total command of a sports car, yet from higher up. Where the tarmac ends is where the line is drawn against its competition. Even this cut down version without the low-range box and disconnecting anti-roll bars, it is very capable handling reasonable wading, deep snow, steep hills and rocky trails.

The second generation Range Rover Sport is overall a very capable, luxurious and prestigious vehicle that ups the game of trophy wife transportation and wannabe bling-mobile. The serious buyer will have to head-to-head it with the Porsche Cayenne, but if the genuine off and on-road ability is high priority, then there is no better choice than the Range Rover Sport.