Cars of the Year: Range Rover Sport SV

Range Rover has gained a reputation over the years for building some of the best off-roaders on the planet. Their rugged go-anywhere capability has made them a firm favourite and the badge of choice in the glitzy world of Hollywood and celebrities. Furthermore, their extensive luxurious nature and feel have given them that Swiss Army knife image which makes them hugely popular all over the globe.

Back in 2005, the firm launched the Sport as the company’s first entry into the driver-focused world of sports utility vehicles. However, it was still taller than any car of that nature – even with the lower ride height and sleeker body. Instead, it became a cheaper alternative to the full-fat Range Rover and was one of the best-selling models in the range. Now, close to two decades on and the firm has taken its Sport to the next level with more power and a couple of special editions along the way that would put even Ferraris and Lamborghinis to shame.

Now, we have the SV Edition One – the most powerful and hardcore Range Rover with a rather eye-watering price tag of £185,000. But, is it any good? Well, at this year’s Road Test of the Year event, we’ve been finding out.

Looking at the exterior, we’d have to say, for a car that cost nearly £200,000, it’s a little disappointing that this SV doesn’t look as wild as versions from the previous generation. In fact, from certain angles and with the exception of the massive 23-inch wheels, you could mistake it for a standard Range Rover Sport. However, some might like the stealthy, under-the-radar look, but for a car to stand out, the SV does not cut it in this department.

Inside, things get better with sports bucket seats that feature an illuminated SV logo and the interior is awash with leather, carbon fibre and piano black trim. It’s all typical Range Rover when it comes to equipment with a large touchscreen infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rear view mirror that doubles up as a rear-facing camera.

So, what’s it like to drive then? For a big beast like this, it drives very well. Don’t expect it to handle like a Porsche 911 or Toyota GR Yaris but Land Rover has done a superb job making the SV handle like a proper car. The steering is precise and the whole car goes around a corner with little lean from that high-riding body. What’s more, instead of traditional anti-roll bars, the boffins at JLR have developed a special hydraulic circuit called a 6D Dynamic Suspension system – which is a world first.

The system responds to different driving styles and saves up to eight kilograms compared to a standard suspension setup. Furthermore, it reduces the pitch when accelerating and braking making the whole driving experience smoother and less floaty. It’s not as ‘boat-like’ as a usual Range Rover, as a result.

On a long journey, this hardcore Range Rover really is a lovely place to sit and is the perfect mile muncher, although the bucket seats may not be as sumptuously comfortable as the standard car’s seats. The SV comes fitted with a 4.4-litre BMW-derived V8 petrol engine that is boosted with a mild-hybrid system to improve its economy. Our test car was getting just over 26mpg on a good run – which isn’t bad at all. This engine also packs a whopping 644bhp and 750Nm of torque making it one of the most powerful Range Rovers there has ever been. Acceleration is pretty brisk with a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds and the SV will go on to a top speed of 180mph.

In terms of space and practicality, buyers will have no problem at all with fitting their luggage into this very large vehicle, and the rear seats are electrically operated – plus the standard air suspension can be lowered from the boot at the press of a button to make the load lip lower for those of a shorter disposition. Rear passenger space is good with loads of room and there are plenty of adjustments in the seats for all occupants to get very comfortable. So, considering this is a performance Range Rover, it still wears its sensible shoes in many areas.