Range Rover Sport – plugged in to economy

DYNAMIC, clean, elegant and muscular – there can be no doubt that the Range Rover Sport is built for impact.

Key to the Sport’s appeal is its sophisticated design, opulent interior and of course that trademark all-round Land Rover capability.

And now you can add economy – to a point at least – to that list of attributes courtesy of the luxury adventure brand’s new plug-in hybrid model.

Named the P400e, it is the most fuel-efficient Range Rover Sport yet and can drive up to 25 miles in full electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions.

It features a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine from Jaguar Land Rover’s Ingenium family paired with a 105kW electric motor for a combined output of a whopping 404PS.

The PHEV powertrain blasts the sleek-looking Sport from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, on to a potential 137mph while returning up to 88.3 miles per gallon in WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) tests, though our own return proved a little less impressive.

It’s the plug-in bit that really makes the difference, a standard-fit Mode 3 cable enabling a full charge to take less than three hours from a wallbox or public charging point compared to 7.5 hours via a regular Mode 2 attachment.

The feelgood factor that comes from piloting a car like the Sport takes some beating, but then you certainly pay for the privilege.

And even though every model comes comprehensively specced up, there’s still scope to add more goodies.

For instance our tested high grade HSE model included no less than 11 extra cost options, including a distinguished Lantau Bronze metallic paint finish costing £895 but worth the money, smart 21-inch split spoke gloss silver wheels at £1,685, an 8-inch rear seat entertainment set-up at £1,620 and a 360-degree surround camera costing £755, taking the overall tab to £82,110.

Step inside and you are greeted by a cabin that is both simple and sumptuous with soft perforated leather seats, acres of rear space for passengers to stretch out their legs and sufficient luggage space with the rear seats folded to accommodate two eight-foot Christmas trees.

There’s also a pin-sharp Meridian surround sound set-up, a rear armrest containing a pair of cupholders along with a flip-up tray in two halves – one for oddments or a mobile, the other housing the remote control for the rear media system, which has a screen in the back of each front seat headrest.

You can also appreciate a bright, airy atmosphere in the car thanks to the panoramic glass roof that stretches the length of the cabin, and enjoy chilled drinks from the centre console cooler compartment.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard across all models, while up to eight 4G Wi-Fi connections can be made. Driver and passenger wellbeing has been boosted too with the Sport’s cabin air ionisation system.

Controlled via a Purify button within the touchscreen infotainment, it filters out fine dust particles and allergens, and also neutralises any nasty niffs.

Out on the road the Sport’s strong performance is backed up by an engaging drive that strikes an easy balance between dynamics and comfort.

The all-wheel drive and air suspension both respond seamlessly to road conditions, providing plenty of driver feedback and involvement, while feeling refined throughout.

But then technology like four-wheel drive, hill descent control, adaptive damping and Land Rover’s multi-mode terrain response set-up are also standard, along with a full suite of safety features.

And for added peace of mind, a 12-month subscription to the highest level of vehicle security – Secure Tracker Pro is standard-fit.

You certainly pay a hefty premium for the Range Rover Sport – prices for the PHEV start at £72,495 – but there are few better looking or more comfortable, and none more capable, big SUVs on the road.