Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the latest Range Rover Sport SV for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.
The latest Range Rover Sport SV represents the most powerful and performance-focused version of the Range Rover Sport line ever produced. Developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, it blends raw power with refined luxury, offering a super-SUV experience for those who seek exclusivity, sophistication, and dynamic driving performance.
At the heart of the Range Rover Sport SV lies a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, delivering approximately 626 hp and up to 750 Nm of torque. This powertrain enables the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 to 3.9 seconds, depending on market specifications, making it the fastest Range Rover ever.
A top speed of nearly 290 km/h places it firmly among the world’s elite performance SUVs. The mild-hybrid system not only boosts efficiency but also supports the engine in delivering sharp low-end torque and improved responsiveness, particularly in Dynamic Launch mode.
Beyond the sheer power, what makes the SV stand out is its engineering. It introduces a revolutionary 6D Dynamics suspension system that replaces conventional anti-roll bars with hydraulically linked dampers. This setup actively controls pitch and roll, enhancing high-speed stability and cornering confidence without sacrificing comfort. Complementing the chassis is a set of staggered-width performance tires on massive 23-inch wheels, with optional carbon-fiber wheels available to reduce unsprung mass.
For the first time in a Range Rover, carbon-ceramic brakes are offered, providing exceptional stopping power while reducing overall weight by more than 30 kg across all four corners. These performance-oriented enhancements are matched by intelligent systems like all-wheel steering, an electronic active rear differential, torque vectoring by braking, and adaptive damping, all working together to provide agility and composure unexpected from a vehicle of this size and stature.
The exterior design of the Range Rover Sport SV is assertive and sculpted, with unique SV-exclusive elements that make it visually distinct from the standard Range Rover Sport. A large front grille with increased airflow, quad exhaust pipes, flared wheel arches, and carbon-fiber detailing emphasize its performance identity.
Buyers can choose from a range of exclusive finishes, including matte and satin paint colors, with Edition One and Edition Two models offering curated design themes such as Blue Nebula Matte and Sunrise Copper Satin. The carbon-fiber bonnet, either exposed or body-colored, adds to its aggressive stance, while blacked-out SV Black versions offer a stealthier, more sinister aesthetic. Overall, the exterior is muscular without being flashy, maintaining the elegant proportions of a Range Rover while expressing its performance ambitions.
Inside, the cabin offers a tailored, high-performance experience wrapped in luxury. The SV-specific “Body and Soul” seats feature integrated SUBPAC™ transducers, allowing occupants to feel the music through vibrations in the seat, a world-first sensory feature designed to enhance the emotional connection with the drive.
The materials are exquisite: Windsor leather, Ultrafabrics™, carbon-fiber trim, and optional ceramic finishes elevate the tactile and visual ambiance. The steering wheel is ergonomically sculpted with illuminated paddles and an SV mode button, while the center console and digital displays are refined, intuitive, and driver-focused. Land Rover’s latest infotainment interface is complemented by a premium sound system and full digital instrumentation, all tailored to reinforce the SV’s high-end performance nature.
While the Range Rover Sport SV is equipped with a full suite of modern driver aids and infotainment technologies, including 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and over-the-air software updates, its true strength lies in its ability to deliver an emotional, engaging drive without compromising everyday usability. Despite its capabilities, it remains a true Range Rover at heart, with respectable off-road potential, luxurious ride comfort, and an unmistakable sense of presence on the road.
Ultimately, the Range Rover Sport SV is not just a faster version of the Range Rover Sport, it is a technological flagship that redefines what a luxury performance SUV can be. With supercar-level acceleration, cutting-edge chassis technology, bespoke luxury materials, and limited-edition styling, it speaks to a rare class of buyer who demands the best of everything: speed, prestige, craftsmanship, and off-road heritage, all in one audacious, beautifully executed package.