High-performance SUVs are becoming increasingly common, with sports car brands like Lotus, Ferrari, and Lamborghini trying to profit from the trend. The latest addition to the market is the 2024 Range Rover Sport SV from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), following on from the SVR model. This article provides an inside look at the Range Rover Sport SV, which is still in the development phase but near production-ready.
The interior of the Range Rover Sport SV is stylish and differentiated from other models in the range. It features a new SV-style steering wheel, illuminated paddle shifters, a curved touchscreen with SV-specific menus, and new sports seats with carbon-fiber backs. Additionally, the seats offer an optional vibro-acoustic package that uses specific vibrations linked to the music playing to enhance the entertainment experience and combat driver tiredness.
Ross Restell, the vehicle dynamics manager for JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), explains that the Range Rover Sport SV has been in development for nearly five years. The team focused on tuning the car’s roll center and refining its handling through extensive testing, including driving thousands of laps on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.
The SV model aims to retain the everyday usability of a Range Rover while maximizing its performance. It had to meet ambitious targets set by the SVO team, including minimal roll during lateral acceleration and the ability to tow heavy loads. The Range Rover Sport SV features a distinctive design, with a front bumper optimized for aerodynamics and supplying air to the engine and brakes. It also boasts massive eight-piston calipers, carbon-ceramic rotors, and 23-inch carbon-fiber wheels.
The vehicle’s chassis includes a ‘6D Dynamics’ system, which replaces traditional anti-roll bars with a dual-circuit hydraulic design to control roll and pitch. The Range Rover Sport SV offers a luxurious ride in comfort mode, with the suspension providing a smooth experience for long-distance driving. Switching to sport mode firms up the suspension, enhances the engine noise, and delivers impressive acceleration. The SUV is equipped with a BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, providing even more power than the previous supercharged V8.
During a ride-along, the Range Rover Sport SV demonstrates its impressive performance and handles tight corners with ease. The 6D suspension keeps the front axle planted, and the V8 engine delivers ample power. The steering has been improved for sharper response with the use of rear-wheel steering, and the SUV can effortlessly navigate direction changes at high speeds. Whether on fast, sweeping bends or bumpy roads, the Range Rover Sport SV maintains its surefootedness and comfort.
Overall, the Range Rover Sport SV showcases the remarkable engineering that can be achieved in a large SUV. While it comes with a high price tag and limited availability, it offers a unique combination of power, performance, and functionality, making it an exclusive option for those fortunate enough to own one.