Range Rover showcased its latest and greatest 2022 Sport yesterday. The third-generation luxury SUV is now bigger, better and fancier. And yes, the company will be bringing it to our shores soon.
Design-wise, the 2022 Sport gets the same minimal, futuristic treatment we’ve seen on many modern cars. Gone are the sharp creases and aggressive lines, which are now replaced with cleaner and modern looks. It now also borrows styling cues like the ultra-sleek LED headlamps and pop-out door handles seen on its bigger sibling, the recently introduced 2022 Range Rover and the Evoque.
At the back, things are again kept in tune with minimalistic design elements. For instance, the number plate has now moved from the tailgate to the bumper, making way for LED taillamps. This horizontal strip just beneath the rear window now also houses the “Range Rover” badging. Overall, the SUV now sports a rather boxy look, which may need some getting used to.
On the inside, passengers now get increased legroom (54 mm extra) along with 22-way adjustable massage seats, an air purification system and an optional 1,430 W, 29-speaker Meridian hi-fi, active noise cancellation speakers. Taking the centrestage, however, has to be the 13.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an additional 13.1-inch digital driver’s display, which can be controlled via the touch button on the new 3-spoke steering wheel.
Under the hood, the range-topping variant features a BMW sourced 4.4-litre V8 motor, which produces 530PS of power and can do 0-100kmph in just 4.3 seconds. Other options include 3-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel motors, which make 400PS and 360PS of power respectively.
The company will also offer the Sport in a plug-in hybrid variant in two different trims. Both get a 38.2kWh battery pack working in tandem with the petrol engine. Together, they put out 440PS of power on the P440e and 510PS of power on the P510e. Range Rover claims, that the plug-in hybrid can offer a range of 113km on electric power alone.
Also new here is the addition of Dynamic Air Suspension, which controls the air pressure in the suspension chamber, for tighter handling. Along with it, you also get an active anti-roll bar, an electronic differential and an all-wheel drive configuration.
Considering the popularity of Land Rover in India, expect the Range Rover Sport to arrive at our shores early next year. Once launched, it’ll compete against the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Audi Q8.
( Image credits: Land Rover Range Rover )
