Range Rover Sport

There are luxury SUVs that are designed purely for comfort, and then there are those that try to strike a balance between comfort and driving enjoyment. The Range Rover Sport fits right into the second category. It carries everything that makes a Range Rover special: premium feel, strong road presence and excellent comfort, but packages it in a way that feels more engaging to drive.

Since 2025, the Range Rover Sport has become more relevant for Indian buyers thanks to local CKD assembly. This has brought its price down by a significant margin, making it much easier to justify when compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the BMW X7 and the Porsche Cayenne, without taking away any of the core experience.

What makes things more interesting now is the introduction of the SV Edition Two. While on paper it is just another variant, in reality, it transforms the Range Rover Sport into something far more extreme. It keeps the same luxury-focused approach but adds a layer of performance that feels closer to a sports car than a traditional SUV.

So, depending on which version you choose, the Range Rover Sport can either be a well-rounded luxury SUV or an all-out performance machine. Let’s take a closer look.

The Range Rover Sport follows the same design philosophy as the larger Range Rover, which means it focuses on simplicity rather than flashy styling. Even though it is a big SUV, it doesn’t look bulky or overdone. Instead, it looks clean, modern and expensive in a very understated way.

At the front, the slim LED headlamps and neatly integrated grille give it a sharp and sophisticated look. The bonnet is wide and muscular, but not aggressive, which fits the Range Rover image well. From the side, the proportions are what really stand out. The slightly sloping roofline, short overhangs and large wheels give it a sportier stance compared to the regular Range Rover, making it look more dynamic without losing its premium appeal.

At the rear, the design continues to stay minimal. The tail lamps are slim and neatly integrated, and while they look modern, they may feel a bit too subtle for buyers who prefer something more eye-catching. That said, the overall design has a timeless quality to it, which means it won’t look outdated anytime soon.

The quality of finish is exactly what you’d expect from a Range Rover. Even though it is now assembled in India, there is no compromise in paint quality, panel gaps or overall fit and finish.

The SV Edition Two builds on this design but adds small changes that make a noticeable difference if you look closely. You get carbon fibre elements, more aggressive bumpers, and a quad exhaust setup that immediately signals that this is not a regular Range Rover Sport. There are also unique paint options and larger wheels, including 23-inch options, which add to its presence. However, even in this version, the design remains subtle overall, which means there is awe to its look but no shock.

Step inside the Range Rover Sport, and the cabin immediately feels premium, modern and well put together. The design is clean and simple, with a strong focus on minimalism. The dashboard is dominated by a large 13.1-inch touchscreen, and there are very few physical buttons, which gives the cabin a clutter-free look.

The quality of materials is excellent throughout. Soft leather, brushed metal elements, and solid-feeling plastics come together to create an interior that feels properly luxurious. Even areas that you don’t interact with often, like the lower dashboard or door pockets, feel well-built and durable.

The steering wheel is slightly smaller than the one in the full-size Range Rover, which adds to the sporty character, but still feels substantial and comfortable to hold.

The SV Edition Two takes the same cabin and adds a layer of drama and craftsmanship that you can feel the moment you step inside. It’s not about adding more features, but about making the experience feel more special and performance-focused.

One of the first things you notice is the edge-lit paddle shifters, which look premium even when the car is off. Once you switch to SV mode, they glow red, adding a sense of theatre.. Even the drive mode selector is neatly integrated into the steering wheel, keeping the clean design intact. You also get details like ceramic-finished controls and a suede headliner, which add to the sense of craftsmanship.

What stands out is how all these elements come together. It doesn’t feel like features added for the sake of it. Instead, everything feels carefully chosen to create a cabin that is both luxurious and sporty, without losing the understated character that Range Rover is known for.

Front Seats

The front seats in the Range Rover Sport are designed to offer maximum comfort, whether you are driving yourself or being driven around. They come with multiple adjustments, including heating, ventilation and massage functions, which means you can easily find a comfortable position for long journeys.

The driving position is slightly lower than the regular Range Rover, which makes you feel more connected to the car. Despite that, visibility remains excellent, and you never feel overwhelmed by the size of the SUV.

Long-distance comfort is one of the highlights here. Whether you’re driving for an hour or several hours at a stretch, the seats remain supportive and comfortable.

The SV Edition Two is equipped with the Body and Soul seat system, which takes the audio experience to another level. Instead of just hearing the music, you can actually feel it, as the seats vibrate in sync with the bass. It sounds like a gimmick on paper, but in reality, it feels surprisingly refined and well executed.

The seats themselves are more performance-oriented, with carbon-backed sport seats that offer better support while still being comfortable.

Rear Seats

The rear seats offer a comfortable experience, but they are not as indulgent as those in the full-size Range Rover. There is enough legroom and headroom for most passengers, and the seats themselves are well cushioned. Ingress & egress could be a little difficult for elderly passengers, because of the height, although it can be adjusted for passenger comfort.

The backrest can be reclined, which adds to comfort on longer journeys. There is also a feature that allows the front passenger seat to move forward, giving rear passengers more legroom when needed.

While three people can sit at the back, it is best suited for two passengers if comfort is a priority. 

Practicality

For everyday use, the Range Rover Sport does a great job of making life easy. There’s plenty of storage space spread across the cabin. All four doors can comfortably hold 1-litre bottles along with smaller items like snacks or other essentials.

Up front, the centre console is neatly designed. You get two cupholders that can be covered when not in use, keeping the cabin looking clean. Just ahead of that is a wireless charging pad, which doubles up as a handy spot to place your phone. There’s also an open space for small items like keys or sunglasses, while bigger things like a wallet or power bank can go inside the large centre armrest storage, which also comes with a cooling function to keep drinks chilled.

The glovebox is split into two sections, both of which are decently sized and useful for storing documents or other items. At the rear, passengers get seatback pockets for tablets or magazines, along with a central armrest that includes cupholders and a small storage space.

Charging Options

There are multiple USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers, so everyone can keep their devices charged without any hassle.

You also get a wireless charger for the front passengers, which is convenient for daily use. In addition to that, there’s a 12V socket and even a regular plug point, which can be useful for charging laptops or other devices on the go. Rear passengers also get their own charging ports, so no one is left searching for a charger during a long drive.

Features

The basics expected in a luxury at this price point are all in place. You get keyless entry, push-button start, electrically adjustable seats, four-zone climate control, cruise control, powered tailgate, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. 

The highlight inside the cabin is the 13.1-inch touchscreen running Land Rover’s Pivi Pro system. The screen is sharp, smooth and easy to navigate, with a clean interface that matches the minimal design of the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect without any issues, and overall, the system feels quick and responsive rather than complicated.

Alongside it, you get a fully digital instrument cluster, which is crisp and simple to read. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you with too many flashy graphics, but it does offer multiple layouts and useful information, which makes it practical for daily driving.

Comfort features are where the Range Rover Sport really shines. You get powered front seats with heating, ventilation and massage, a large panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel airy, and a Meridian sound system that delivers rich and clear audio.

Other useful features include a 360-degree camera, which is especially helpful given the size of the SUV, along with a full suite of ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist that make long drives more relaxed.

The SV Edition Two builds on this by adding a few more premium touches. You get the Meridian Signature sound system, which sounds noticeably better, along with sportier seats and unique interior elements. It also adds features like illuminated paddle shifters and the Body and Soul seat system, which enhances the overall experience in a more immersive way.

One thing that may take some getting used to is the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls. Basic functions like climate control and drive modes are accessed through the screen, which can feel distracting while driving, especially in city traffic.

Safety is an area where the Range Rover Sport performs very well. It comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and traction control, along with ISOFIX child seat mounts.

In addition to these basics, it also offers a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 360-degree camera system provides clear visuals and helps reduce the chances of minor bumps or scratches.

While it is not tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet, it did score 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests.

The Range Rover Sport offers 835 litres of boot space, which is very good for a luxury SUV of this size. The shape of the boot is wide and practical, making it easy to load luggage without having to adjust things too much.

You can comfortably fit 3 large suitcases, one duffel bag, and some other travel essentials, making it ideal for family trips. The wide opening also makes loading and unloading easy.

If you need more space, the rear seats can be folded down to create a much larger cargo area, which is useful for carrying bigger items.

Engine Performance

The Range Rover Sport keeps things simple when it comes to engine options, but what it offers is well-suited to its character. You get a choice of a 3.0-litre petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel engine, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and mild-hybrid tech. On top of that, the SV Edition Two introduces a much more powerful 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, which takes performance to a completely different level.

Unlike smaller SUVs, where engine choice is about budget, here it’s more about preference, whether you want torque and efficiency, smoothness and refinement, or outright performance.

3-litre Diesel

The diesel engine feels like the most natural fit for the Range Rover Sport.

City Performance

In the city, this engine feels strong and effortless. The 700 Nm of torque means you don’t have to push the accelerator much, and the SUV moves forward smoothly even in slow traffic. It never feels like you’re driving something this big, and managing it in daily conditions is surprisingly easy.

The gearbox is well-tuned and works quietly in the background. It doesn’t keep hunting for gears in traffic, and shifts feel smooth without any jerks. Even in stop-and-go conditions, the mild-hybrid system helps make the experience feel more refined.

You’ll rarely feel a lack of power, even when overtaking or closing gaps in traffic. It always feels ready to respond without needing too much effort from the driver.

Highway Performance

On the highway, the diesel engine really shows its strength. It feels relaxed at cruising speeds, and overtakes are handled effortlessly. You don’t need to plan too much—just press the accelerator and the SUV picks up speed with ease.

Even with a full load of passengers and luggage, performance doesn’t feel strained. The engine remains smooth and composed, and the cabin stays quiet, making long drives very comfortable.

Fuel efficiency is also reasonable for a car of this size, with real-world figures around 10–12 kmpl.

3-litre Petrol

The petrol engine is more about refinement than outright torque.

City Performance

In everyday driving, the petrol engine feels smoother and quieter than the diesel. Power delivery is linear, and the SUV builds speed in a very refined manner. It’s easy to drive in traffic and doesn’t feel aggressive or sudden.

The gearbox complements the engine well, offering smooth shifts and a relaxed driving experience. If you prefer a calm and silent drive, this engine suits that need perfectly.

Highway Performance

Out on the highway, the petrol engine feels quick and responsive. It may not have the same low-end shove as the diesel, but it makes up for it with smooth and consistent acceleration.

At cruising speeds, the engine becomes almost silent, adding to the overall sense of comfort. Overtakes are still easy, though you may need to press the throttle slightly more compared to the diesel.

Fuel efficiency is lower, with real-world figures around 7–9 kmpl.

SV Edition Two (4.4-litre V8)

The SV Edition Two doesn’t just feel like a faster version of the Range Rover Sport; it feels like a completely different personality. Where the standard car is about balance and comfort, the SV is clearly built with performance as the priority.

City Performance

In everyday city driving, the V8 immediately feels overqualified for the job. The power delivery is very strong, and even light throttle inputs result in noticeable acceleration. This makes it feel exciting, but city traffic barely requires a fraction of what the engine’s capable of..

In its more aggressive drive modes, the throttle becomes extremely sharp, and the SUV reacts instantly to every input. While that sounds great on paper, in real-world city conditions, speed breakers, potholes and constant stop-go traffic, it can feel a bit too sensitive. You need to be more careful with your inputs to keep things smooth for passengers.

Highway Performance

On the highway, the SV Edition Two finally gets to show what it’s capable of. This is where the V8 engine truly comes into its own.

Acceleration is brutally quick for something of this size. The moment you press the throttle, the SUV surges forward with an urgency that you simply don’t expect from a 2.5-tonne luxury SUV. Overtakes require almost no planning, you just point, press and you’re past traffic in seconds.

What adds to the experience is the way the engine sounds. The V8 has a deep, aggressive note that builds as you rev higher. It’s not just fast, it feels dramatic and engaging in a way that the standard engines don’t.

The gearbox complements this performance well, delivering quick and smooth shifts. If you choose to use the paddle shifters, it becomes even more engaging, allowing you to hold gears and make the most of the engine’s power band.

It’s an experience that very few SUVs in this segment can match, but it also comes with lower fuel efficiency, around 5-6 kmpl.

The Range Rover Sport’s suspension setup is designed to balance comfort with a slightly sportier feel compared to the full-size Range Rover.

At low speeds, especially in the city, the air suspension does a good job of absorbing most bumps and potholes. It feels comfortable over regular road imperfections, but sharper bumps do make themselves felt, especially with the larger wheels. It’s not uncomfortable, but you are aware of the road more than you would be in the bigger Range Rover.

As speeds increase, the ride quality improves. On highways, the SUV feels stable, planted and very reassuring. It handles undulations well, and the cabin remains composed even over patchy sections.

Where the Range Rover Sport stands out is in its handling. For an SUV of this size, body roll is well controlled, and the car feels confident when taking corners. You can carry decent speeds without feeling uneasy, and the chassis responds well to inputs.

The steering is light in the city, making it easy to manoeuvre, and it gains some weight at higher speeds to improve confidence. It may not offer the sharpest feedback, but it is predictable and easy to use.

The SV Edition Two takes handling to another level. With its advanced suspension setup, body roll is almost eliminated, and the car feels much sharper and more responsive. It corners flatter and feels more like a performance car than an SUV.

However, this comes at the cost of comfort. In its sportier modes, the ride becomes quite stiff, and you feel more of the road surface, especially on uneven city roads.

Overall, the standard Range Rover Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for everyday use as well as long drives. The SV Edition Two, on the other hand, focuses more on performance, even if it means sacrificing some comfort.

The Range Rover Sport is available in multiple variants globally, but in India, the lineup can be broadly divided into Dynamic HSE, Autobiography and SV-based variants. Here’s what each of them offers:

Dynamic HSE

• Available with both 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines.

• On the outside, it gets 22-inch alloy wheels, sleek LED headlamps and the clean, minimal Range Rover design.

• Inside, it comes with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a premium dashboard layout and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

• Front seats are 20-way electrically adjustable with heating and ventilation, while rear seats get power recline along with heating and ventilation.

• Being the entry point, it still covers all essentials like four-zone climate control, keyless entry, wireless charging, a digital driver’s display and a Meridian sound system.

• Safety includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, a 360-degree camera and ADAS features.

Dynamic HSE (Made in India)

• Also available with petrol and diesel engines, but with added features over the standard HSE.

• Exterior upgrades include 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and digital LED headlights with projection function.

• Cabin gets upgraded comfort with 22-way electrically adjustable front seats that also offer a massage function, along with improved rear seat comfort.

• Audio is enhanced with a Meridian 3D Surround Sound system.

• Overall, this variant feels more complete and is the most balanced option in the lineup.

Autobiography

• Available with petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid option.

• Builds on the Dynamic HSE by adding more luxury-focused elements rather than changing the overall layout.

• The cabin gets richer materials, more attention to detail, and a more premium overall feel.

• Focus here is more on comfort and indulgence rather than adding flashy features.

Autobiography (Made in India)

• Adds more exclusivity and premium touches over the standard Autobiography.

• Gets unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels and red brake callipers for a slightly sportier look.

• Inside, you get full extended leather upholstery, including leather seatbacks, which makes the cabin feel more luxurious.

• The sound system is upgraded to the Meridian Signature system, which offers a more immersive audio experience.

SV Edition Two

• This is the performance-focused flagship of the lineup, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

• Gets a completely different suspension setup (6D Dynamics), which significantly improves handling and reduces body roll.

• Exterior gets SV-specific styling elements, including unique badging and design details.

• Inside, it adds sportier seats, carbon fibre elements and features like illuminated paddle shifters and the Body and Soul seat system.

• While it still offers luxury, the focus here shifts clearly towards performance and driving excitement.

SV Black

• A more visually aggressive version of the SV Edition Two.

• Gets gloss black exterior elements, larger 23-inch wheels and darker styling throughout.

• Interior also gets performance-focused upgrades like Windsor leather seats and a sportier steering wheel.

SV Carbon

• The most extreme and exclusive version in the lineup.

• Features extensive use of forged carbon fibre on the exterior and interior, including seatbacks and engine cover.

• Gets unique 23-inch forged wheels and lightweight-focused components.

• Also uses special materials like Ultrafabrics seats to enhance the sporty feel while maintaining luxury.

CarDekho Recommends

Go for the Dynamic HSE (Made in India) if you want the best balance of luxury, performance and value. It feels complete and is the most sensible choice for most buyers.

Pick the Autobiography variants if your priority is a richer, more premium cabin experience and added comfort.

Choose the SV Edition Two (or other SV variants) only if you want extreme performance and a more exciting driving experience, and are willing to compromise a bit on everyday comfort.

The Range Rover Sport is one of those SUVs that manages to do multiple things well. It is comfortable enough for daily use, practical enough for family duties, and engaging enough to enjoy driving.

For most buyers, the standard version makes the most sense. It offers the right balance of luxury, performance and usability without going overboard in any one area.

The SV Edition Two, on the other hand, is for a very different kind of buyer. It is not about practicality or comfort, but about performance and excitement. It takes the Range Rover Sport into a completely different league, where it competes with high-performance SUVs rather than traditional luxury ones.

In the end, the Range Rover Sport feels like the more complete and versatile choice, while the SV Edition Two is the one you pick if you want something truly special.

Other Cars To Consider Instead Of Range Rover Sport

Standard Range Rover Sport Rivals

BMW X7

Reasons to consider

• One of the most well-rounded SUVs in the segment

• Better handling and more engaging to drive

• Modern, tech-loaded cabin

Reasons to ignore

• Doesn’t feel as premium or special

• Lower road presence

• Lacks the same sense of occasion

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Reasons to consider

• Very comfortable and smooth ride

• Refined engines

• Feature-rich cabin with MBUX system

Reasons to ignore

• Not as engaging to drive

• Design lacks a strong road presence

Porsche Cayenne

Reasons to consider

• Best-in-class driving experience

• Sharp handling and precise steering

• Feels closest to a sports car

Reasons to ignore

• Rear seat comfort isn’t as strong

• Less focus on luxury

• More driver-focused than family-friendly

Audi Q8

Reasons to consider

• Bold and stylish design

• Quite spacious cabin

• Comfortable and easy to drive

Reasons to ignore

• Not as capable off-road

• The infotainment package feels old

Range Rover Sport SV Rivals (Performance SUVs)

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53

Reasons to consider

• Good mix of performance and comfort

• Easier to live with daily

• Sporty but still practical

Reasons to ignore

• Not as powerful or exciting

• Lacks V8 drama

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Reasons to consider

• Benchmark for performance SUVs

• Extremely sharp and engaging

• Excellent handling

Reasons to ignore

• Less comfortable

• Not as luxurious

• Lower rear seat focus

Audi RSQ8

Reasons to consider

• Very fast and aggressive

• Bold styling

• Feature-rich interior

Reasons to ignore

• Not as balanced in luxury and capability

• Less off-road ability