The latest generation of Range Rover’s sprightlier sibling has officially arrived in the Philippines.

Coventry Motors Corporation, the official importer and distributor of Land Rover in the Philippines, launched the 2023 Range Rover Sport on Feb. 28, 2023 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

The biggest news about the luxury sport-utilty vehicle (SUV) is the addition of electrified engines to the lineup.

These include the P440e and the P510e plug-in hybrid-electric variants that produce 440 PS and 510 PS, respectively. Both use a turbocharged 3.0-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve, inline-6 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor.

The P510e, in particular, can do 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and has a claimed maximum fully electric range of 113 kilometers. 

Meanwhile, the P360e and P400e are mild-hybrid gasoline models, while the D250, D350 and D400 variants are mild-hybrid turbodiesels.

The most powerful Range Rover Sport packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter, twin-cam, 32-valve V8 gasoline engine pumping out 530 PS and can do 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

All variants are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Coventry Motors said a fully electric Range Rover Sport will be launched in 2024.

“It is truly the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable yet,” said Coventry Motors Corporation president Chris Ward. 

“Its design sophistication: having Land Rover’s pioneering flexible MLA architecture delivers the highest levels of dynamism and most powerful performance we have ever seen on Range Rover Sport,” he added. 

New chassis, improved dynamics

Although the latest Range Rover Sport looks fairly similar to its predecessor, its all-new MLA Flex platform is 35 percent stiffer than the previous model.

“MLA Flex Architecture allows the flexibility to manage all powertrains (ICE, PHEV and BEV) across the life of the vehicle as we transition into a new era of EV motoring,” Ward said.

Combined with electronic aids like Dynamic Response Pro, Dynamic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics 2, the huge SUV promises to deliver an even more rewarding on-road driving experience.

There’s also the optional Stormer Handling Pack that includes All-Wheel Steering and an Electronic Active Differential. 

All-Wheel Steering provides rear-wheel steering of up to 7.3 degrees out of phase with the front wheels to “achieve enhanced agility and maneuverability at low speeds, while turning in-phase for superior stability at high speeds,” Coventry Motors said.

Despite all these, Land Rover’s legendary off-road performance is not sacrificed thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system, which automatically applies the most appropriate settings for the terrain. 

In addition, New Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control makes its debut on the Range Rover Sport. It helps drivers navigate tricky terrain by maintaining steady progress according to the ground conditions. 

Drivers can select one of four comfort settings and the system intelligently adjusts the speed accordingly, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Sumptuous cabin

As befits a Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport has a truly decadent interior – lined with soft Windsor Leather or optional semi-aniline hide.

The SUV also features sustainable material choices like tactile and lightweight Ultrafabrics premium textiles finished in attractive new Duo Tone colorways, while a unique textile option that extends to the dashboard and door detailing is also available. 

These all complement the new Moonlight Chrome interior finishers while elements like the integrated audio speakers, developed with Meridian and hidden behind the textile of the rear doors, contribute to the clean and crisp aesthetic.

Owners are also pampered by 22-way adjustable, heated-and-ventilated, electric memory front seats with massage function and winged headrests. Meanwhile, rear passengers get better seat geometry, with a 31mm increase in legroom and 20mm greater knee clearance.

The new Range Rover Sport also gets next-generation Cabin Air Purification Pro, which combines PM2.5 filtration and nanoeTM X technology to significantly reduce odors, bacteria and allergens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus4. 

A second nanoeTM X device is fitted to the second row to provide consistent air quality throughout the cabin. An advanced CO2 Management function allows owners to purify the cabin before a journey or while they are driving.

Outstanding tech

The Range Rover Sport also comes with Electrical Vehicle Architecture that supports various technologies, including Software Over The Air that can provide remote updates for 63 electronic modules.

Meanwhile, the Pivi Pro infotainment features a high-resolution, floating, 13.1-inch curved touchscreen positioned at the center of the modernist dashboard. It can learn the user’s habits and intelligently personalizes the onboard experience.

The Pivi Pro screen is complemented by a 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display, with high-definition graphics and a reconfigurable layout so drivers can see the information that’s most important to them.

Meridian audio options are available, with the Meridian Signature Sound System being the most advanced and powerful audio system ever fitted to a Range Rover Sport. 

Audiophiles can revel in the sound of 29 speakers, a new subwoofer and up to 1,430W of amplifier power – including four headrest speakers that enable those traveling in the four main seats of the vehicle to experience personal sound zones.

There’s also Active Noise Cancellation that reduces the effect of road and tire noise for ultimate cabin refinement.

Finally, the Range Rover Sport doesn’t skimp on safety with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. All models are fitted with:

• Emergency Braking

• 3D Surround Camera, including front and rear parking sensors

• Wade Sensing

• ClearSight Ground View and Manoeuvring Lights

• Cruise Control

• Driver Condition Monitor

• Lane Keep Assist

• Traffic Sign Recognition

What do you think of the latest (and electrified) Range Rover Sport?

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