Plug-in hybrid, diesel-powered 2023 Range Rover Sport makes PH unveil

MANILA: Land Rover Philippines recently introduced the third-generation Range Rover Sport to the local market. The luxury off-road SUV arrives here with diesel- and plug-in hybrid power.

In a release, Land Rover Philippines boasted that the new Range Rover Sport “redefines sporting luxury, effortlessly combining assertive and instinctive on-road performance with trademark Range Rover refinement… The third-generation model is the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable yet.”

2023 Range Rover Sport Philippine Variants and Prices

During the launch event for the luxury SUV, the local distributor of the British marque announced that the following three variants of the 2023 Range Rover Sport will be made available:

• 2023 Range Rover Sport SE D300.
• 2023 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE D300.
• 2023 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE P400e.

The lineup starts with a retail price upwards of P14-million.

2023 Range Rover Sport Diesel, Plug-In Hybrid, Electric Powertrains

The SUV’s new platform is said to accommodate diesel, hybrid, and a battery-electric powertrain that will be fitted by 2024. 

Models with the designation D300 are powered by a three-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine, which produces 300hp and 650Nm of torque. Mated to this powerplant is an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport SE P400e is the highlight variant. Powered by the same three-liter diesel and battery, P440e produces a total of 395hp and can travel on electric power alone for 88 kilometers before it requires charging. Range Rover claimed that the P400e model is capable of 740km total of gasoline and electric range. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Sport P400e completes the zero to 100kph run in just 5.8 seconds.

With regards to a full-electric powertrain, “In 2024, the new Range Rover Sport line-up will evolve with the addition of a fully electric model,” the luxury SUV maker stated in a release.

2023 Range Rover Sport Off-Road Features

The 2023 Range Rover Sport features the most cutting-edge chassis technology yet.

New Dynamic Response Pro works hand-in-hand with the latest generation Dynamic Air Suspension, which introduces switchable-volume air springs for the first time. The Dynamic Response Pro provides ultimate roll control via a 48-volt electronic active roll control system, capable of applying up to 1,400Nm of torque across each axle, for a confidence-inspiring driving experience and new levels of body control and cornering composure.

Dynamic Air Suspension is fitted to every New Range Rover Sport and the intelligent system enhances the bandwidth of the suspension. This works by varying the pressure within the chambers (higher pressure provides stiffer damping) to deliver traditional Range Rover comfort with the dynamic handling expected from the Range Rover Sport. To optimize responses, the vehicle monitors the road ahead using eHorizon navigation data to pre-emptively prime for upcoming bends.

Enhancing the off-road performance is Land Rover’s latest Terrain Response 2 system, which intelligently applies the most appropriate settings for the terrain. New Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control makes its debut on New Range Rover Sport and helps drivers navigate tricky terrain by maintaining steady progress according to the ground conditions. Drivers can select one of four comfort settings and the system intelligently adjusts the speed accordingly, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

2023 Range Rover Sport Interior Equipment

Every journey becomes an event with the 2023 Range Rover Sport. A wide range of technology and features enable this opulence.

Providing the perfect foundation for an engaging and supportive journey are 22-way adjustable, heated and ventilated electric memory front seats with massage function and winged headrests. The flagship seats provide the ultimate support for longer journeys and involving drives on winding roads, while rear passengers benefit from ergonomically optimized seat geometry, with a 31mm increase in legroom and 20mm greater knee clearance, for greater comfort and support.

Next-generation Cabin Air Purification Pro is available to create and maintain the perfect driving environment. It combines PM2.5 filtration and nanoeTM X technology to significantly reduce odors, bacteria and allergens. A second nanoeX device is fitted to the second row to provide consistent air quality throughout the cabin. An advanced CO2 Management function allows owners to purify the cabin before a journey, or while they are driving – ensuring increased alertness for every drive, and enhanced wellbeing for all occupants.

Powerful Meridian audio options are available in the 2023 Range Rover Sport. It presents an enveloping sound experience using 29 speakers, a new subwoofer and up to 1,430W of amplifier power – including four headrest speakers that enable those traveling in the four main seats of the vehicle to experience personal sound zones.
Next generation Active Noise Cancellation plays its part here, reducing the effect of road and tire noise entering the cabin for ultimate cabin refinement or to allow occupants to enjoy the undiluted soundtrack provided by New Range Rover Sport’s powertrain.

This experience is heightened when the vehicle is in the Dynamic driving mode, when the advanced system brings the engine sounds to the fore. In normal driving, microphones and accelerometers inside each wheel arch constantly monitor the sounds passing into the vehicle, while digital processors calculate the level of noise-canceling sound required to filter this from the cabin – much like a pair of high-end headphones.

Range Rover Sport Pure-Electric Model coming to the Philippines?

The 2023 Range Rover Sport’s “MLA Flex Architecture allows the flexibility to manage all powertrains (ICE, PHEV and BEV) across the life of the vehicle as we (Land Rover) transition into a new era of EV motoring,” Chris Ward, President of Philippines Land Rover distributor Coventry Motors Corp., announced during the launch event.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Ward disclosed to journalists that the company eyes to bring the pure-electric version of the 2023 Range Rover Sport “in late 2024 or by 2025.” The British SUV marque previously announced that it plans to offer EVs by 2024.

Photos from Land Rover Philippines and Dylan Afuang

Also read: All-new Range Rover arrives in PH with hybrid power, driving technologies