Water Works: 2023 Range Rover Sport Revealed
The 2023 Range Rover Sport features a host of improvements which make the third generation the most attractive yet.
Two weeks back I wrote that Land Rover would be debuting the new Range Rover Sport with a spectacular stunt video — and the company delivered the goods. The wet work that stunt driver Jessica Hawkins accomplished in the new clip, where she drives up Iceland’s Karahnjukar dam, is indeed pucker inspiring, and hopefully won’t be banned by authorities in the United Kingdom. Now, let’s tackle some specifics on latest incarnation of the Ranger Rover’s mid-size sibling, as a host of improvements across the board make the third generation of the model the most attractive yet.
First, the engines. Entry-level P360 SE models ($83,000) will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 and mild-hybrid setup which produces 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. For more poke, buyers can select the P400 SE Dynamic model ($90,000), which features a more aggressive tune that ups total system power to 395 ponies and 369 lb-ft of twist. Next up is the P440e Autobiography ($104,000), a plug-in hybrid with a 31.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 50-mile all-electric range, which boasts 434 horsepower and a whopping 619 lb-ft of torque. All models will pump power to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic.
The range-topping version of the model will be the P530 First Edition ($121,500), which will make the sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, thanks to a twin-turbo V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of which powertrain buyers choose, the greasy bits will be mated to a modified version of the Modular Longitudinal Architecture which underpins the latest Range Rover, which is 50% more rigid than its predecessor. All Range Rover Sport trims will feature an adjustable air suspension, four-wheel steering, and the company’s Terrain Response System, which includes drive settings for sand, mud, snow, and rock crawling. The system’s Auto setting will also allow the vehicle to choose the best option given current conditions.
All Range Rover Sport models will feature a 13.7-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 13.1-inch central infotainment screen. As you’d expect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, buyers can choose from several versions of Land Rover’s Meridian system, the most pricey of which pumps over 1,400 watts of power through 29 speakers and a subwoofer. While the ongoing pandemic and semiconductor shortage is still wreaking havoc on automotive production, the 2023 Range Rover Sport is expected to arrive at Land Rover dealerships before the end of the year.
Photos: Land Rover
