The Range Rover Sport, The entry into the world of the elite. The sport used to be on the starter kit for every footballer. Legend has it that it’s actually part of the contract. What on earth is so special about this car? or whip as they say.
The Range Rover L494 sport was one of my early introductions to Range Rover. I was a Land Rover fan once i got in the L322 a couple of years later. To me, the L494 is like the air-force one of the Land Rover Range (pun intended). I am not surprised that you see them everywhere. With this car, they figured out a recipe that sells and I shall elaborate.
The L494 in the photo was relatively new at the time when i checked it out. This was the Autobiography version and It was a good looking car and still is. I think the facelift took it a-bit too far at first but now its not too bad either. The Range Rover SVR was less pretty but the sound compensated for it. I don’t understand why people put fake SVR bodykits on the diesel ones, the standard diesel one looks more pinched and less tacky so its a better looking car! It’s funny how some of the most basic versions of SUV’s end up looking the best when they age. Look at the G wagen professional or basic Land Cruisers then compare to the Lexus Lx, you see? It’s like chicks wearing those fake rectangular shades for goodness sake, throw those things away😂, it’s tacky.
The back is arguably the best angle although i would argue that with the side profile. As with most Rangie sport’s, the wheel was probably kurbed because of the low profile tires. When you drive a Range Rover, theres a specific Range Rover style of driving and most of you will notice the pattern. Believe me, its not the owner, its the car! Because you feel good driving it, it makes you drive a certain way.
Getting back to the batty, the proportions are correct and better than the L405 and Evoque. The Evoque looks like a tonka toy just like those Hummers but the Sport is less visually demanding. This however does take away from the sport’s character just like the L405 did with the L322. It looks more serious like something you can buy and have no buyers remorse for and the same thing happened with Bentley when they went from the Arnage and Azure to the new ones like the Bentayga. The older ones felt like and looked like a legitimate risk to buy and that adds character.
The interior however on the sport was a-bit lower than not just the L405 but even the L320 predecessor. It is also less practical with no second glovebox and a smaller boot. What is going on? At-least it comes with illumination which the old one didn’t have and an optional panoramic sunroof. Im happy it didn’t lose the big steering wheel which i absolutely love.
The interior was minimalist which i like to an extent but i don’t think it was a big improvement over the old sport apart from the digital gauge cluster and………’bluetooth streaming’. The other advantage would also be blind spot monitoring which i love which the standard HSE’s didn’t usually have on the L320. It feels like a Sportier Range Rover than the old one and thats even more evident when you realise the weight loss. From 2.8 tonnes to 2.2, That is Keto diet level.
As usual it came with the rear entertainment screens which btw, iv’e never seen anyone use before but they make the car feel more ‘luxurious’. I also like the two tone leather which just adds to the feeling of ‘sportiness’. Leg room is excellent though and i like that the seats have nets instead of the leather like in the old one. In hot climates, the inside of that leather was lined with a spongy material which would get sticky and disgusting. Kids can also do anything these days so nets were probably best. Like the old one however, the seats are not slidable which is a shame.
This one was equipped with the legendary SDV6. My blog readers know how much i love the SDV6. For some reason the sport with the SDV6 is quicker than the Discovery yet everything is the same. Transmission, Weight, must be the tuning really. To truly appreciate the Range Rover Sport however, you must get the petrol versions because the diesel engine doesn’t have that immediacy and can be a-bit flat after 3000rpm so its better suited to a car like the Discovery. If you need to make a long overtake or your’e on a quick road and you push it, the diesel nature will be felt so If your’e fixated on diesel then the SDV8 is your best bet. Both are freakishly efficient however for the size of the vehicle.
The 5.0l supercharged AJV8 is something else. That engine brings out the Range Rover Sport. It feels immediate and doesn’t suffer from an inability to produce power at the top end so it loves to rev. If your’e serious about your sporty business then the AJV8 is the choice for you but be prepared for the fuel costs however it isn’t as bad as some Japanese rivals such as the Lexus Lx or similar rivals.
In terms of ride comfort, the Rangie Sport is on the other end of the spectrum between the big Range Rover, the Discovery and Sport its self. The Sport is firmer riding than both but don’t let that put you off. I have never once had a problem with the Sport’s ride and this one is not as crashy over tiny bumps as the predecessor was.
Overall i think the Range Rover L494 was a good replacement for the L320. The L320 may have had character but it definitely had flaws like the random toxicity and massive weight. This car manages to remove those flaws and add 2 more seats and ‘bluetooth streaming’ to the mix. It may not look as dramatic but it still looks Range Rover like in its proportions and thats good. It is still an entry point into the luxury lifestyle and when you drive it, it changes your mindset and you seem to attract more luxurious things and opportunities when you drive it. So yes, the L494 Range Rover Sport is a perfect car.
Now i know you think i haven’t talked about the reliability but honestly, its not really as toxic as the old one. I’ve not seen one broken down yet even at the Land Rover garage and the chronic problems such as the timing chain and air-suspension were improved. The endless rants like you see with L322’s and L320’s are few so its just like every other European car in existence.
So yeah, buy it but for goodness sake do not put a body kit on it or facelift it. People will admire it anyway so just leave it alone!
Check out my review of the Range Rover L320 incase your’e considering that one too.
You can also check out my writeup of the 2023 Range Rover Sport although i’m yet to review it in person.
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