The latest Range Rover Sport has arrived, and it represents a significant leap forward for Land Rover's sportier luxury SUV. For 2025, the focus is firmly on advanced plug-in hybrid technology, which elevates the driving experience while offering remarkable efficiency. Priced from £90,310, this third-generation model blends the indulgence of a Range Rover with a more dynamic and accessible character.
A Masterclass in Hybrid Performance and Refinement
At the heart of the new Range Rover Sport's appeal are its two plug-in hybrid powertrains. Both utilise a substantial 31.8kWh battery paired with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. Buyers can choose between the P460e with 460hp or the more potent P550e with 550hp. The result is scintillating performance, with the P550e capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Critically, the electric motor is powerful enough for most daily driving. It delivers a pure electric range of up to 76 miles and can reach 87mph without the engine firing up. Land Rover estimates owners will drive in EV mode for 75% of the time, a claim that makes its ultra-low 15g/km CO2 emissions and consequent 6% Benefit-in-Kind tax rate for company car drivers highly attractive.
Luxurious Interior and Cutting-Edge Technology
Step inside, and the Range Rover Sport impresses with its regal cabin. The high-set driving position offers commanding views, while the seats are supremely comfortable. The cabin design is shared with the flagship Range Rover, meaning impeccable materials and a minimalist, tech-focused dashboard.
The infotainment system is a highlight, featuring a 13.1-inch touchscreen running Land Rover's intuitive Pivi Pro software. It's complemented by a 13.7-inch digital driver display. The system's clarity and logical layout set a new benchmark. A clever feature for hybrid driving is Predictive Energy Optimisation, which uses the sat-nav to automatically switch to EV mode in suitable areas like city centres, maximising efficiency.
Practicality, Ride and Verdict
Despite the large battery pack, practicality is uncompromised. Boot space remains a generous 647 litres, expanding to 1,491 litres with the rear seats folded, as the battery is neatly packaged under the floor. The ride, courtesy of standard air suspension, is beautifully smooth, yet the Sport lives up to its name with agile handling and precise steering that belies its size.
Tested at Land Rover's facility at Eastnor Castle, its all-wheel-drive system proved astonishingly capable off-road. On the road, it delivers a duality that is hard to beat: serene luxury with a genuinely engaging drive. While insurance costs may remain high, the plug-in hybrid tech offers significant potential savings on fuel, especially for those who can charge at home on an overnight tariff.
The 2025 Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid successfully carves its own niche. It offers the core luxury and technology of the full-size Range Rover at a more accessible price point, wrapped in a sportier, more focused package. With its long electric range, stunning interior, and compelling drive, it presents a formidable challenge to rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne.
