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.

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