Test Range Rover Sport P550e (2024) – More electro sauce

An electric Range Rover or Range Rover Sport is nothing new. In the previous life, these two cars still existed under the name P400e, a plug-in hybrid which, due to the low capacity of its battery (13.1 kWh) and the inefficiency of its line, did not immediately enjoy the commercial success expected by JLR.

But you can learn from your mistakes. This is what the British did. A year ago, at the end of 2023, we drove the Range Rover P510e for the first time. This time with a 3-liter six-cylinder under the hood with an electrical capacity of 38.2 kWh. Needless to say, it crushed its predecessor in terms of performance and efficiency.

Hooray, one can imagine. But it’s more than Gaydon anyway. Obviously, the points weren’t quite on the i yet, considering the Range Rover Sport P550e from the 2024 model year. So what’s left to change, you ask?

Concept Range Rover Sport P550e

It’s simple, electric motor. The P510e synchronous motor produces 145 hp. It’s certainly not bad, but it’s a little too much for the 2.7 tonnes of this plug-in Range Rover Sport to push through the air. It’s still an integral part of the Range Rover experience. As a result, the eight-speed automatic transmission is now powered by a 218 hp engine. Along with the combined high power – and the sprint to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds – this increased electric power also facilitates cruising at cruising speed. Unlike the P510e, you now feel the extra power.

An additional bonus, from 113 km of electric range we now go to 121 km. So much in theory, because, as before, Land Rover adjusts this figure a little. So, in practice, 90 kilometers – which is not an understatement – is actually a more realistic target.

Another change, although not for the better: the separate climate controls are gone. Now, even to adjust the temperature or set the seat heating/cooling, you have to be on the central 13.1-inch touchscreen. Fortunately, the response of this screen is fast and accurate, so the ergonomic loss is not too great. Despite everything, we prefer round buttons.

Values Range Rover Sport P550e

JLR recently introduced the Range Rover Sport SV, a supercharged megalomaniac modification that threatens to break the sound barrier. The Range Rover Sport version that blew our minds a bit during the test week. Always the question of whether this SV would be worth our increase compared to this P550e?

Certainly not in terms of performance. At 5.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, even the plug-in hybrid is more than quick enough for us. In addition, the speed increases linearly to more than 200 km / h. We could see this on a German highway. Those who think this is not enough should instead find the problem themselves.

Furthermore, the plug-in hybrid achieves these speeds without losing its stability. The P550e will always remain a gentleman who will reduce as much as possible the roar of the six-cylinder, however powerful and smooth it is. Unless you unleash the Range Rover Sport, through a dynamic driving program.

A more sporty setting that we recommend if you want better behavior in bends. In Comfort and Auto modes, active stabilizer bars allow more body roll to remain stable even at high speeds. A “problem” that no longer exists in dynamic and stable form.

Be careful, even in this case, it will not be active as in SV. One can only wonder if the main goal of such a behemoth should be a corner. No? So prefer the deafening silence. Both in EV mode and in Comfort mode (at least if you relax the accelerator a little). Because even the petrol engine is not heard. The double-glazing and noise-canceling speakers in the headsets definitely deserve a special mention.

Which finally brings us to the added value of the fast charging feature. Indeed, in addition to the 7.4 Kw you use online, you can also connect the P550e to a fast charger. With 50 Kw that uses at maximum, you have 80% of your battery capacity again after half an hour. This may seem small, but over long distances (in the case of a hybrid), this additional charge reduces consumption. In our case, it went from 9.8 to 6.5 liters / 100 km.

Decision Range Rover Sport P550e

Did we get it? Is the Range Rover Sport the best? The P550e comes very close. It is indeed very comfortable, luxurious, spacious and quiet. Thanks to its great electrical independence, it can also be very economical. Or renew economically, depending on what you prefer to invest your energy at that time.

Since we are playing with driving programs, this plug-in combination even wants to be semi-sporty. Without denying its off-road past. And with 3 tons you can still pull a good load. In short, this Range Rover Sport P550e is a real jack of all trades.