Skip advert
Advertisement

Range Rover Sport vs rivals

All-new Range Rover Sport takes on the rapid Porsche Cayenne and luxurious Mercedes ML

Range Rover Sport vs rivals

We’re big fans of the latest Range Rover. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessor in every department, and it easily claimed victory in the Luxury Car category at our recent New Car Awards.

But Land Rover hasn’t quite finished updating its luxury line-up, because now an all-new Range Rover Sport has joined the range. The new car was developed in parallel with its bigger brother, but it’s a distinct model in its own right, and Land Rover has tried to ensure that it delivers the sporting dynamics its name suggests.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We pitted the powerful SDV6 diesel against two cars that will test its sporting credentials. First up is the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. It’s the handling benchmark for the large SUV class, yet its V6 diesel keeps running costs down.

Then there’s the Mercedes ML350 AMG Sport. With its AMG badging and powerful diesel, it matches the Brit’s pace. Can these cars show the newcomer a thing or two? Or does the latest Range Rover Sport have enough talent to go straight to the top?

Verdict

This test was designed to really put the new Range Rover Sport under the microscope, and it’s managed to pass with flying colours.

It has the straight-line performance and sharp handling to match the Porsche Cayenne – a car considered to be one of the finest handling SUVs on the market. Yet it’s equally at home cruising the motorway or negotiating city streets in comfort – and it does a better job of that than the refined and luxurious Mercedes M-Class

What’s more, it’s hugely capable off-road, although it’s a shame that the vast majority of buyers will never get anywhere near the limits of the Range Rover Sport’s abilities in the rough.

It’s not the most economical choice here, but comes loaded with kit that makes it feel just a little bit more special than its rivals. If you need a car for all seasons, the Range Rover Sport is by far the most desirable option you can buy.

1. Range Rover Sport

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024