2020 Range Rover HSE Sport wraps you in a lap of luxury while being off-road capable
There are several off-road capably vehicles out there for the choosing; the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and Jeep Wrangler come to mind first. Whereas the Wrangler can now offer a hint of luxury amenities, it can’t complete when it comes to the luxurious refinement of the boxy G-Wagon, nor can it touch the refinements of a “Rover”.
That’s where the Range Rover HSE Sport steps forward. The Land Rover name was originally used by the Rover Company for a boxy four-wheel drive, off-road model, launched in 1948 - now known as the Land Rover Series, it is today regarded as a British icon. It was granted a Royal Warrant by King George VI in 1951, and fifty years later, in 2001, it received a Queen's Award for Enterprise for outstanding contribution to international trade.
Over time, Land Rover grew into its own brand, (and for a while also a company), encompassing a consistently growing range of four-wheel drive, off-road capable models. Starting with the much more upmarket 1970 Range Rover, and subsequent introductions of the mid-range Discovery and entry-level Freelander line, (in 1989 and 1997), the 1990 Land Rover Defender refresh, as well as the Evoque [Doug DeMuro] Evoque [TFL Car] and Velar. The marque today includes two models of Discovery, four distinct models of Range Rover, and after a three-year hiatus, a second generation of Defenders have gone into production for the 2020 model year – in short (Defender 90) or long wheelbase (Defender 110), as before.
It seems that Land Rover has changed ownership as offer as I’ve changed underwear. After most all the common brands (sans Rolls-Royce and Bentley) folded into British Leyland in 1968, which turned out to be a disaster, dissolving in 1985. Jaguar and Land Rover, along with Aston Martin was acquired by Ford Motor Company, brokered by then CEO Jack Nasser. Then in 2008, during the Great Recession, when Ford was looking for a bale out, Ford practically gave Jaguar Land Rover away to India’s Tata Motors (father of the Tata Nano). Despite overall sales for JLR being less than desirable, its current owner has managed to at least keep the two brands afloat, while creating more interesting models. However, the only tie-in I can see why an Indian company would own a staler British brand, would be when England colonized India.
Getting down to basics, I absolutely enjoyed my week with the Range Rover HSE Sport. The only gripe I had was that at highway speeds the panoramic moonroof leaked a wind noise that was deafening, but I assume that was an easy fixed at the dealership. Other than that, the Range Rover HSE Sport is impressive in every respect. However, a feature worth noting is that the sunshade for the panoramic roof opens and closes with the gesture swipe one way or another with one’s hand, at the roof’s sensor pad.
Perhaps the most dynamic SUV in the lineup, the latest iteration of the Range Rover Sport is infused with impressive performance capabilities to help invigorate the driving experience.
The interior is filled with amenities and creature comforts, like Semi-Aniline leather and 22-way memory front sets with massage functionality., dual 10-inch high definition touchscreens, and as intuitive steering wheel.
There's a new powerplant for the Land Rover’s base Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. Part of the company's Ingenium engine family, this 3.0-liter inline-six combines a turbocharger, supercharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system to improve overall efficiency and refinement. In theory, anyway.
The engine is available with two output levels. The base P360 configuration offers 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, while the P400 variant ups those numbers to 395 hp and 406 lb.-ft. Both are mated to a smooth-shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with Land Rover's legendary, go-anywhere capability.
In the case of our Range Rover Sport HSE tester, only the more powerful P400 tune is available. HST is a new trim level for the 2020; slotting above the HSE, it comes standard with unique 21-inch wheels, LED headlights, red brake calipers and a black exterior visual package, along with a number of interior upgrades including Windsor leather seats, a Meridian sound system and Land Rover's Touch Pro Duo infotainment system - more on that in a minute.
A look at the spec sheet revels how the Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic SUV in the Range Rover lineup. A Dynamic Response feature helps enhance performance in a variety of ways. Vehicle handling is improved through hydraulic roll control which is not only optimizes on-road performance – it also increases passenger comfort. Other benefits include enhance high-speed stability, greater low-speed agility, and superior steering precision. An electronic air suspension delivers exceptional poise and nimble handling. Capable All Wheel Drive makes for the perfect companion when traveling unpredictable road surfaces. Even your biggest toys (i.e. boat, travel trailer) can come along for the journey thanks to towing capacity of up to 7,716 lbs.
Quintessentially British, the Range Rover Sport is instantly recognizable as the premier luxury SUV. Its iconic profile is seamlessly proportioned thanks to a sleek sloping roof and uninterrupted waistline. Wraparound LED lights and Auto High Beam Assist help enhance its sleek and contemporary appearance. The cabin can be appointed to reflect personal tastes with either New Ebony/Vintage or Ebony Eclipse colorways. With the simple press of a button, available ambient lighting adds to the refined atmosphere of the interior to help the Range Rover look and feel as good as its drives.
Completely centered around comfort, the interior of the Range Rover Sport transforms the experience of a luxury SUV. An optional 5+2 arrangement allows room for up to seven occupants while also allowing to conveniently stow two seats beneath the floor. Convenience features which set the Range Rover Sport apart from its competitors include precision-crafted Semi-Aniline leather with 22-way memory front seats with massage functionality a front center console refrigerator Land Rover Activity Key to wear during outdoor activities, and a Gesture Sunblind to prevent overheating and minimize air condition usage.
When it comes to technology, the Range Rover Sport does not disappoint. The intuitively designed dashboard features a 12-inch Interactive Driver Display, infotainment system integrated with two 10-touchscreens, hidden-until-lit-touch-sensitive switches and a dynamic steering wheel with paddle shifters. Two available 8-inch touchscreens built into the front headrests are there to entertain rear seat passengers. A total of five USB ports scattered throughout the cabin help ensure everyone is connected and entertained.
Pricing
Our Range Rover Sport HSE came in the optional Firenza Red ($710) with an optional black top ($665). The Interior was adorned with the standard Espresso/Almond with Espresso seats in Windsor Leather and optional Shadow Zebrano veneer ($355).
Our Range Rover Sport tester came equipped with a HUD (Heads-up Display), although I found it to be smaller than most in its segment. Other features include automatic ride height with three settings, and doors that will self-close (a $610 option) when left cranked open; so, there’s no need to slam any doors. Base MSRP begins at $68,750 for the SE. Our HSE tester started at $74,500. Our tester had about $27,505 worth of options, so taken that into consideration puts the Range Rover Sport HSE right at $103,050, including designation charge of $1,295. Wade Sensing ($350) is another option.
As good as the Range Rover Sport HSE is, I wouldn’t suggest you make it a purchase instead of a lease, which is what most followers prefer. With a kind of sketchy track record of high maintenance after the warranty period and iffy resalability its best to lease and just trade up for a new one.
Disappointing was the fact that, though the rear seats recline the seats themselves are not adjustable making legroom just a little tight compared to the competition, such as the BMW X5. Land Rover does not disclose interior measurements, but you can defiantly tell it’s not as roomy. One good thing is that the rear seats do offer, as an option, a heated and cool feature ($1,250).
