Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE Dynamic prototype
What is it?
It’s the new Range Rover Sport, which despite looking production-ready is described by Land Rover as a late stage prototype. Nevertheless, Land Rover allowed Business Car Manager an opportunity to get behind the wheel before the first deliveries begin in the third-quarter of this year.
Based on the same aluminium platform as the new Range Rover (rather than the old Discovery platform), the Sport is now 420kg lighter than before, which has a huge effect on handling, performance and fuel economy. Land Rover says it’s “the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever”, so we want to find out if it really is.
What’s hot?
- The Sport looks incredible. The swept-back headlights, sloping roofline and bold grille are a mix of all the best bits from the stylish Evoque and the latest Range Rover.
- The interior is a huge improvement, too. You sit a little more cocooned than in the Range Rover but the luxury is just as apparent. Fewer switches, high quality materials and premium LCD displays are the big news.
- The SDV6 engine we’re driving has 288bhp and is expected to be the biggest seller. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, which feels as quick as you’ll ever need it to be. There are V8 petrol and diesels, too.
- Refinement is excellent, with a smooth and quiet note from the engine and barely any wind noise at high speeds. Despite its ‘Sport’ name, this feels like a car that could easily eat up big journeys.
- Handling is surprisingly good. There’s barely any body roll, a high level of grip and a clever torque vectoring system that seems to twist the car around your body in tight bends.
- Improvements to fuel economy and CO2 now make the Sport a better company car than ever before, as does the relatively low £51,500 starting price.
- An extra two seats are offered in the boot – they rise out of the floor electronically
What’s not?
- Still, our SDV6 HSE Dynamic model will cost around £64,995 and those 199g/km CO2 emissions will still result in a company car tax bill of over £8000 a year for higher rate users.
- The price looks good next to the Range Rover but when compared with competitors like the Porsche Cayenne, it actually starts to look quite expensive.
- This car is firmer than you’d expect – the engineers really have taken the ‘Sport’ moniker to heart. It thumps and bumps over ridges that the Range Rover would just glide over.
- Probably best not to try and squeeze adults in those two extra seats. It’s a bit tight.
Business Car Manager Verdict
If you like the stylish design, luxurious cabin and excellent refinement of the latest Range Rover but want something a little sportier that costs a lot less then the Sport is perfect.
There are problems, though, as the Sport is more expensive than its rivals and it doesn’t have the wafting ride of the standard Range Rover.
The relatively low CO2 emissions do their part to improve its credentials as a plush company car for SME directors buyers buyers will still face that hefty company car tax bill.
As for the Sport’s off road performance, not a priority for most buyers, but it will have to wait until we try the car after the launch.
The Low Down…
Doors and body style | 5-door SUV |
Engine/gearbox | 3 litre turbodiesel V6/8-speed auto |
CO2 Emissions | 199g/km |
Economy | 37.7mpg |
Power/torque | 288bhp/600Nm |
0-62mph/top speed | 6.8secs/130mph |
Insurance group | 40 |
…and what it costs
P11D Value | £64,995 |
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | N/A |
Road tax (VED) | Band J |
Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16 | 34%, 34%, 37% |
Benefit in kind 2013/14 to 2015/16 | £21,918, £22,563, £23,852 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £1435/£120 |
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £2870/£239 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £4383/£365 |
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £8767/£731 |
Figures correct at time of posting | |
For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |