The new Range Rover Sport is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful SUVs on our roads right now. Despite the “Sport” in its name, it also exudes a luxurious charm. We recently sampled the PHEV version, and now, a few months later, we’re behind the wheel of the Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE, powered by a twin-turbocharged diesel engine. Let’s take a dive into this oil burner.
Looks
When it arrived, we were immediately drawn to the spec. Our tester came in an optional Carpathian Grey paint finish (which will set you back R40,100), 22-inch satin dark grey wheels, and red brake calipers (an R8,000 option) to round off the look. Straight off the bat, this thing looked properly stealthy with the paint and wheel combo. Range Rovers generally have a commanding presence, and we’re big fans of this particular spec.
Interior
Step inside, and it’s a luxurious affair. Nothing screams premium quite like sliding into a Range Rover. Our chariot was fitted with stunning Caraway/Ebony perforated semi-aniline leather seats—very nice. The centerpiece of the cabin is the PIVI Pro Duo infotainment system, controlling everything from climate settings to navigation. While we prefer good old-fashioned physical dials for climate control, Land Rover has opted for a more minimalist look. A heads-up: you’ll want to invest in a proper microfiber cloth because the touchscreen is a fingerprint magnet.
Driving experience
Powering the Range Rover Sport D350 is a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech, producing 258 kW and an earth-shaking 700 Nm of torque. This 2.3-ton Buckingham Palace on wheels can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. While Land Rover claims 7.4 L/100 km, we averaged around 8.9 L/100 km, which isn’t too bad considering the weight of this beast.
Once you start driving the D350, nothing else feels quite the same. The 8-speed transmission shifts smoothly, the ride is sublime, and when you press the accelerator, it surges forward with authority. Sure, there’s a hint of engine noise under hard acceleration, but you can easily drown that out with the excellent Meridian 3D sound system. It’s almost like having your own concert on four wheels—just with a diesel soundtrack in the background.
Off-Road capability
The D350 comes equipped with Land Rover’s sophisticated Terrain Response system, allowing you to select various driving modes to optimize performance across different surfaces like mud, sand, or snow. Its wading depth and ground clearance are impressive, giving you the confidence to tackle challenging terrains. While we didn’t get to test these off-road features on our local tar roads (where potholes are the biggest “terrain”), we’ve experienced the system in action before at the JLR Experience Centre in Lonehill, and it works like a charm!
Verdict
The Range Rover Sport D350 is nothing short of outstanding. Price? Well, Range Rover buyers aren’t too fussed about that. Luxurious, tech-laden, comfortable, and surprisingly economical—there aren’t many luxury SUVs that can match it. Pricing for the Range Rover D350 HSE starts at R2,974,231 before options.
