The new Range Rover Sport SV introduces several performance-enhancing technologies that elevate it to the most powerful and dynamic model to date. In the first year of its production, however, the marque’s performance flagship will be offered in the limited ‘SV Edition One’ specification, only available for select clients to order by invitation.
The new “Range Rover Sport SV exemplifies Range Rover’s philosophy, not just as a bold evolution beyond its Range Rover Sport SVR predecessor, but also in the personalised approach we are taking with our most discerning clients,” says Geraldine Ingham, Range Rover’s Managing Director.
The new Sport SV’s refreshed exterior design includes an airflow-enhanced front-end, reprofiled lower body sides, and functional carbon fibre-tipped quad tailpipes for the active exhaust system as focal points of the rear aspect. Carbon fibre detailing on the Range Rover script, front bumper blades, grille surround, bonnet vents and side vents can be supplemented with an exposed finish for the centre section of the carbon fibre bonnet.
Inside, the exclusive satin carbon fibre-backed SV Performance Seats feature integrated headrests, more sculpted bolsters and illuminated SV logos on the backrests. A new Ultrafabrics PU interior is available, with lightweight, seamless, ‘3D Knit to form’ textile. The world-first translucent edge-lit gear shift paddles nestle behind a steering wheel with more pronounced thumb grips. Meanwhile, the black ceramic for the console gear shifter gives a cool-to-touch feel.
Another debutant is the Body and Soul Seat (BASS), a multi-dimensional audio experience which allows front-seat occupants to feel the sound. This tactile audio system, from industry leader SUBPAC, is used by the world’s top recording artists and composers. Working in combination with the 29-speaker, 1430W, Meridian Signature Sound System, BASS incorporates SUBPAC AI optimising software and transducers aligned to front seat occupants’ backs. It analyses media in real-time, generating high-fidelity audio vibrations to create highly engaging and immersive in-car audio.
In addition, the BASS Wellness programmes can help enhance mental and physiological well-being by influencing heart rate variability (HRV). Designed in collaboration with Coventry University’s National Transport Design Centre and the School of Media and Performing Arts, BASS Wellness offers six specially developed tracks – Poise, Soothe, Serene, Cool, Tonic and Glow – that have been shown to affect passengers’ HRV, to either helping to reduce anxiety or improve cognitive response.
The new Pivi Pro4 infotainment provides intuitive control of all vehicle functions through the elegant 13.1-inch floating glass display. It features new easy-to-use sliders for the volume and climate control irrespective of which menu screen is displayed. Also, approximately 80 per cent of tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen. Haptic feedback provides an added level of tactility. The integrated Amazon Alexa voice AI6 and Land Rover voice control systems help drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
The new Country Road Assist technology debuts on the Range Rover Sport to enhance passenger comfort when using Adaptive Cruise Control. It uses navigation data to automatically adjust the target speed, taking into account bends in the road and changes to the speed limit.
The new Sport SV’s sophisticated 6D Dynamics suspension system, a world-first, offers a combination of hydraulic interlinked dampers, height-adjustable air springs and pitch control. This semi-active system removes the need for conventional anti-roll bars, and dramatically reduces pitch and roll to maintain a near-level body stance during extreme cornering and acceleration. It also reduces weight, increases grip, and delivers better comfort and refinement.
Riding between 10mm and 25mm lower than other Range Rover Sport models, depending on the drive mode selected, the 6D Dynamics suspension works in conjunction with a suite of advanced chassis and suspension systems, such as All-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking, Configurable Dynamics and Active Locking Rear Differential.
The new Sport SV also features specially developed chassis components including a new rear subframe and new suspension links with revised geometry and compliance. A new electronically power-assisted steering rack, with the fastest ratio of any Range Rover to date, is set up to deliver enhanced agility and feel.
For the first time on a Range Rover, 305-section rear tyres are fitted, which are 20mm wider than the 285-section front tyres. This arrangement enables the rear-biased dynamic setup enhanced grip, stability and traction. Increased rear roll stiffness also helps deliver immediate steering responses. As a result, the SUV is capable of generating lateral acceleration in excess of 1.1G on all-season tyres. That’s not just an increase on the predecessor’s figures but is comparable to some of the track-focused sports cars.
Available as standard on every new Sport SV is the specially developed high-performance braking system, with clients able to choose between standard mixed-metal Dual-Cast and the optional Carbon Ceramic braking technologies. Carbon Ceramic Brakes, making its debut on a Range Rover, offers improved resistance to high temperatures, a longer lifespan and significant weight reduction. All three braking options have eight-piston Brembo Octyma front callipers, the largest ever fitted to a Range Rover, and are available in Yellow, Red, Carbon Bronze and Black.
The optional ultra-lightweight 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheels, the first ever fitted to a production vehicle, have innovative split five-spoke wheels that save a total of 35.6kg compared with the conventional 23-inch cast-alloy wheels. These light wheels were engineered to be durable, while improving performance, handling and ride quality.
The Sport SV range now offers an updated plug-in electric hybrid powertrain, offering a reported EV range of up to 121km and CO2 emissions from 15g/km onwards. When combined with the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, the electric hybrid produces 550PS and 800Nm of torque.
The enhanced electric motor and transmission make the electric hybrid more responsive than ever, reducing the time it takes to reach 100kmph by 5.0 seconds under pure electric power. Utilising both power sources, it can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds, compared to the previous 5.4 seconds.
Additionally, the V8 ICE powertrain now uses Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for the first time. The MHEV system delivers increased efficiency by harvesting energy captured when decelerating and braking, and improved responses as the stored energy is redeployed under acceleration.
“New Range Rover Sport SV delivers an optimum blend of supreme performance, unrivalled desirability, capability and refinement,” says Nick Collins, Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes at JLR. “It’s a visceral addition to the Range Rover Sport line-up that powerfully demonstrates the world-class expertise of our high-performance specialists.”
