New Range Rover Sport SV: Modern Luxury Performance Flagship
The new Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover Sport ever, blending supreme performance and dynamism with peerless Range Rover capability, refinement and reductive design.
Image supplied by Land Rover South Africa
Its array of performance-enhancing technologies includes the most advanced suspension system in its class6 and a sensory audio system with wellness benefits.
The modern luxury performance champion takes its place at the pinnacle of a refreshed Range Rover Sport line-up, driving sporting attitude, dynamic ability and assertive presence to the next level.
Inherent to the high-performance credentials of the new Range Rover Sport SV, an exclusive airflow-enhanced design delivers a more assertive and grounded aesthetic, with functional lightweight and technical material choices throughout reinforcing its high-performance capabilities.
Powered exclusively by a new 467kW, 750Nm2 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo MHEV V8 petrol engine – 44kW and 50Nm more than the previous generation Range Rover Sport SVR’s Supercharged 5.0-litre V8 – the new Range Rover Sport SV is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in as little as 3.7 seconds1 and a top speed of 290km/h. CO2 emissions are also 15 per cent lower than the previous model’s 423kW V8.
This outstanding performance is enabled by a combination of features that deliver a weight saving of up to 76kg1, including the world’s first 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheel option on a production car, Carbon Ceramic Brakes (option available for the first time on a Range Rover), and standard-fit aerodynamic enhancements including a carbon fibre bonnet.
Exemplifying Range Rover’s modern luxury philosophy, the new Range Rover Sport SV is initially being reserved for select clients globally, with the invitation-only SV EDITION ONE specification representing a curation of the best feature combinations, colours and finishes. Each Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE is enhanced with exclusive branding on the front splitter, centre console, treadplates and puddle lamps. Every Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE is already allocated to a Range Rover client.
Geraldine Ingham, Managing Director, Range Rover, said:
“The new Range Rover Sport SV exemplifies Range Rover’s philosophy, not just as a bold evolution beyond its Range Rover Sport SVR predecessor, but also in the personalised approach we are taking with our most discerning clients.”
Revolutionary dynamics
The new Range Rover Sport SV’s 6D Dynamics suspension system is the most sophisticated in its class6, debuting a world-first combination of hydraulic interlinked dampers, height-adjustable air springs and pitch control. This revolutionary semi-active system, which removes the need for conventional anti-roll bars, dramatically reduces pitch and roll to maintain a near-level body stance during extreme cornering and acceleration, while also reducing weight, increasing grip, and benefiting comfort and refinement.
Riding between 10mm and 25mm lower than other Range Rover Sport models, depending on the drive mode selected, the new Range Rover Sport SV’s 6D Dynamics suspension works seamlessly with the suite of advanced chassis and suspension systems. Unique SV-tuned settings are applied to the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Braking, Configurable Dynamics and Active Locking Rear Differential to deliver a more focused, sports car-like driving experience – especially in the all-new driver-selectable SV Mode.
Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, JLR, said:
“The new Range Rover Sport SV delivers an optimum blend of supreme performance, unrivalled desirability, capability and refinement. It’s a visceral addition to the Range Rover Sport line-up that powerfully demonstrates the world-class expertise of our high-performance specialists.”
The new Range Rover Sport SV also features specially developed chassis components including a new rear subframe and new suspension links with revised geometry and compliance. A new electronically power-assisted steering rack has the fastest ratio of any Range Rover to date, for enhanced agility and feel.
For the first time on a Range Rover, 305-section rear tyres are fitted, which are 20mm wider than the 285-section front tyres. This arrangement, with standard-fit Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres, enables a rear-biased dynamic setup enhancing grip, stability and traction. Increased rear roll stiffness also helps deliver immediate steering responses.
Demonstrating the combined benefits of these technologies, the new Range Rover Sport SV is capable of generating lateral acceleration in excess of 1.1G on all-season tyres. That represents a 22 per cent increase on the previous generation Range Rover Sport SVR on summer tyres and is comparable to track-focused sports cars.
Enhancing its on-road dynamic capability, every new Range Rover Sport SV benefits from a specially developed high-performance braking system, with clients able to choose between standard mixed-metal Dual-Cast and optional Carbon Ceramic braking technologies.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB), available for the first time on a Range Rover, deliver ultimate braking performance with improved resistance to high temperatures, a longer lifespan and 34kg total un-sprung weight reduction versus the uprated Dual-Cast iron brake discs fitted as standard to the new Range Rover Sport SV. This reduction in mass at each corner of the car results in even more responsive handling, faster acceleration and improved ride quality.
Whichever braking technology is specified, the unique eight-piston Brembo Octyma front calipers are the largest ever fitted to a Range Rover. Developed exclusively for the new Range Rover Sport SV and sculpted to complement Range Rover Sport SV’s reductive design, the calipers incorporate a unique cross-shape piston arrangement to maximise braking efficiency. Exclusive customisable calliper colours include Yellow, Red, Carbon Bronze and Black.
To further reduce mass, new Range Rover Sport SV clients can choose the first ultra-lightweight 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheels fitted to a production vehicle. Available as an option, these innovative split five-spoke wheels save almost 9kg per corner – a total of 35.6kg – compared with conventional 23-inch cast-alloy wheels, resulting in improvements to outright performance, handling and ride quality. While incredibly light, they are engineered and tested to the toughest durability and robustness standards – the same as Range Rover’s cast or forged alloy wheels.
Maximising the benefit of the new Range Rover Sport SV’s uprated dynamic hardware, drivers can intensify the car’s sporting attitude by pressing the new SV Mode button on the steering wheel. A step beyond Range Rover Sport’s existing Dynamic mode, SV Mode optimises the steering, eight-speed automatic gearbox, throttle response, exhaust note and 6D Dynamics suspension system – including lowering the ride height by an additional 15mm – to deliver the most dynamic and visceral experience possible. SV Mode also allows the track-oriented TracDSC stability control programme to be activated, for drivers to more freely explore the new Range Rover Sport SV’s dynamic balance.
Assertive design
The new Range Rover Sport SV’s high-performance-honed exterior design includes an exclusive airflow-enhanced front-end, reprofiled lower body sides and functional carbon fibre-tipped quad tailpipes for the active exhaust system as focal points of the rear aspect. Carbon fibre detailing on the Range Rover script, front bumper blades, grille surround, bonnet vents and side vents can be supplemented with an exposed finish for the centre section of the carbon fibre bonnet3.
Prof. Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, JLR, said:
“The new Range Rover Sport SV’s clean and reductive design amplifies its dramatic proportions and sporting personality.”
Inside the cockpit-like cabin, exclusive satin carbon fibre-backed SV Performance Seats feature integrated headrests, more sculpted bolsters and illuminated SV logos on their backrests. A new Ultrafabrics™ PU interior is available, with lightweight, seamless, ‘3D Knit to form’ textile. World-first translucent edge-lit gear shift paddles nestle behind a steering wheel with more pronounced thumb grips, while black ceramic for the console gear shifter gives a cool-to-touch feel.
Sensory immersion
Raising that sense of connection even higher, the new Range Rover Sport SV introduces Body and Soul Seat (BASS), a multi-dimensional audio experience with wellness benefits which allows front seat occupants to feel the sound. This is the first production vehicle to incorporate a tactile audio system from industry leader SUBPAC™ – technology used by the world’s top recording artists and composers.
Incorporating SUBPAC™ AI optimising software, and transducers aligned to front seat occupants’ backs, Body and Soul Seat analyses media in real-time, generating high fidelity audio vibrations to create the most engaging and immersive in-car audio. This system works in combination with the 29-speaker, 1430W, Meridian Signature Sound System.
Beyond immersion in music, the Body and Soul Seat Wellness programmes can help enhance the new Range Rover Sport SV’s front-seat occupants’ mental and physiological wellbeing by influencing heart rate variability (HRV) – the variation in time between each heartbeat. High HRV is indicative of lower stress levels and relaxation.
Designed in collaboration with Coventry University’s National Transport Design Centre and the School of Media and Performing Arts, six specially developed tracks – Poise, Soothe, Serene, Cool, Tonic and Glow – could affect passengers’ HRV, either helping to reduce anxiety or improve cognitive response, studies have shown.
SV introduction leads enhancements to Range Rover Sport line-up
In addition to the introduction of the new Range Rover Sport SV, the line-up has received a suite of updates, including a new plug-in electric hybrid with extended EV range, and the integration of the latest generation Pivi Pro4 infotainment technology.
Performance and efficiency are enhanced with an updated plug-in electric hybrid powertrain, with the new P460e – replacing the P510e – offering EV range of up to 121km for swifter and more relaxed journeys5, as well as CO2 emissions from 15g/km5.
The new P460e electric hybrid with its new transmission set-up joins the Range Rover Sport’s extensive powertrain line-up. When combined with the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, the electric hybrid produces 338kW and 800Nm of torque.
Range Rover Sport’s beautifully crafted and reductive interior has also been enriched with intuitive new technologies. Combining effortless connectivity and the latest touchscreen, the Pivi Pro4 infotainment provides intuitive control of all vehicle functions through the elegant 13.1-inch floating glass display.
New sidebars with easy-to-use sliders for the volume and climate control provide immediate and precise operation for key functions directly, whatever menu screen is displayed, and approximately 80 per cent of tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen. Haptic feedback provides an added level of tactility and communication with the user.
Integrated Land Rover voice control systems help drivers to keep their eyes on the road while making changes to the cabin environment. Advanced Software Over The Air capability keeps Range Rover Sport up to date with the latest software.
New Country Road Assist technology features for the first time on Range Rover Sport to enhance passenger comfort when using Adaptive Cruise Control. The intelligent system uses navigation data to automatically adjust the target speed, taking into account bends in the road and changes to the speed limit, effortlessly accelerating or decelerating the vehicle accordingly.
The enhanced Range Rover Sport line-up is available to order now priced from R2,283,700.
1When fitted with all lightweight options, compared with Range Rover Sport P530 in nearest equivalent specification
2800Nm combined engine/MHEV output when using Dynamic Launch Mode. 750Nm certified
3Gloss painted cars only
4Pivi Pro features, options and their availability remain market dependent - check with your Retailer for local market availability and full terms. Certain features require an appropriate sim with a suitable data contract which will require further subscription after the initial term advised by your Retailer. Mobile connectivity cannot be guaranteed in all locations.
5The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU WLTP legislation derivatives with a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment, accessories fitted, actual route and battery condition. Figures shown are for European EU6 markets. Other market fuel economy and range certification and figures published at www.landrover.com All emissions, fuel economy and EV-only range figures are EU WLTP (TEL) Combined.
6Measured against a closed class of competitors, as of 31 May 2023
