Range Rover Sport, the queen of large SUVs. Here’s the hybrid fare for the 550 HP plug-in

ROME – Attractive appearance and dimensions, but modern and minimalist lines that make the richness of the interior and the equipment of the board more obvious: the Range Rover Sport P550e Phev is certainly one of the most attractive and luxurious queens of the large hybrid SUV . Plug-in industry with its big sister. And behind the wheel it proves everything one would expect from a sports utility vehicle of this class, showing extraordinary speed, speed, safety and grip characteristics for a car that is 4.95 meters long, 2.05 meters wide, and meters long. 1.82 and road weight. about 3 tons. We tested it in the city, on state roads and on smooth roads and in general it handled easily, like a small and light car, but with the comfort of a flagship.

The style of the Range Rover Sport is unmistakable, bold and elegant with a very high bonnet and cool grills, knife-shaped LED lights, a generous bumper and a large air intake. At the sides, small skirts designed to promote grip and aerodynamics add clean side lines, high like those of a motorboat, with retractable handlebars and 23-inch ten-spoke sports wheels. The rear is attractive and balanced at the same time, made “naughty” with a double wide exhaust, a branded fascia with headlights and a sliding spoiler on the rear panoramic and narrow roof, characterized by two “shark fins” with a camera. and antenna.

The interior is characterized by luxury and quality, with extensive use of leather, high-quality finishes, high cleanliness and simplicity of the design of the digital instrument panel, dashboard, 13.1-inch screen with backlight, and console center, where the automatic gear knob and start button stand. The steering wheel is wide and three-spoke with all the main controls on it. The Pivo Pro adjustable infotainment system with central touchscreen is complete, intuitive and easy to use and controls all functions, from audio to phone, from front and rear climate control to air quality monitoring . The space on board is known: the front seats that can be adjusted electronically with a massage function are comfortable and covering, as are the rear ones, with climate control and USB-C sockets and where it is impossible to touch your knees thanks to the steps. which flies at a height of 3 meters. The trunk is 647 liters and can reach up to 1,500 by folding down (with electronic control) the rear seats.

And we get to the heart of the P550e Phev. The battery pack has a capacity of 38.2 kWh which guarantees approximately 100 km of electric range (more than the advertised 110 km) and powers a new 160 kW (217 HP) electric motor that works in tandem with a six-cylinder turbo petrol engine. 400 HP and 550 Nm of torque, for a total power of 550 HP and 800 Nm of torque. Which, when you press the accelerator, you can hear it all. The power train, in fact, allows the hybrid Range Rover Sport to run from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 242 km / h (140 km / h in electric mode). The gearbox is a ZF eight-speed automatic, with a reduction gear for the more desirable off-road mode. Traction is all-wheel drive and the rear differential is electronically controlled.

Behind the wheel, the P550e Phev offers a feeling of dominating the road in all conditions. In the city, despite its size, it is an easy car to drive, thanks to a good and high driving position, light and precise steering, rear steering wheel and cameras that enable driving and cover every corner (there is also a “transparent bonnet” feature which shows what is in front of and between the front wheels, useful off-road but also for some car parks due to the length and height of the bonnet). The engine is great, especially with a full battery and it makes the Range Rover fly through traffic lights like a real sports car. Electric mileage is good, where it is easy to cover 80-90 km “real”, while the dynamic air suspension makes even the roughest terrain seem smooth.

On the open road and on the road, the P550e proves itself as a suitable vehicle for long journeys, due to the comfort of the seats, the volume of the six-cylinder petrol engine even without the additional electric boost and the electronic shock absorbers that keep the Range set down in fast bends and in hybrid riding, adjusting the height according to the needs and the selected driving mode (Normal, Eco, Dynamic). There is a lot of comfort on board and you can travel hundreds of kilometers at a time without getting tired. The only drawback is the aerodynamic noise due to the “vertical” front line which, despite the double glazing, is quite audible (but here the audio system comes in handy).

The real surprise, however, is driving such a long, wide and heavy car through tight curves and hairpin bends. Accurate handling at all times, safe and well-tuned brakes, a high-horsepower engine and a combination of variable air suspension, rear-wheel steering and All Terrain mode, make the Range Rover hybrid slide from corner to corner with ease. . and safety, also preventing overturning and the usual annoyance of large SUVs. Even on these roads you can maintain a high average tirelessly, at high speed when passing.

It is clear that a car like this does not use like a small car and, by pushing the accelerator without thinking about saving money, you get about 8 km per liter. Prices start at 147,300 euros and the company offers a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty at no extra cost.