The Land Rover Range Rover Sport II 3.0 V6, produced from 2013 to 2017, represented a significant iteration of Land Rover’s performance-oriented SUV. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the second-generation Range Rover Sport (L494) lineup, this variant balanced performance, fuel efficiency, and luxury. It slotted between the entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder models and the higher-performance 5.0L supercharged V8 options. The Sport II generation, built on the modified PQ4L platform shared with other Jaguar-Land Rover vehicles, aimed to deliver a more dynamic driving experience than its full-size Range Rover sibling while retaining the brand’s renowned off-road capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Range Rover Sport |
| Generation | Range Rover Sport II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (258 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 194 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm, 283.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 258 Hp |
| Power per litre | 86.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 2000 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 306DT |
| Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 (182.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.93 l (9.44 US qt | 7.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2115 kg (4662.78 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 77 l (20.34 US gal | 16.94 UK gal) |
| Length | 4850 mm (190.94 in.) |
| Width | 1983 mm (78.07 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2073 mm (81.61 in.) |
| Height | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2923 mm (115.08 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 33.0° |
| Departure angle | 31.0° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Range Rover Sport II variant is the 306DT engine, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. This engine utilizes a sequential twin-turbocharger setup, employing a small, low-inertia turbocharger for immediate response and a larger turbocharger for peak power. The engine features a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The 306DT boasts a relatively high compression ratio of 16.1:1, contributing to its efficiency. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a crucial component of this powertrain. Known for its smooth shifts and wide gear ratio spread, the ZF 8HP45 transmission provides both responsive acceleration and improved fuel economy. The transmission is electronically controlled and adapts its shift points based on driving conditions and driver input.
Driving Characteristics
The 258 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque produced by the 3.0 V6 diesel engine provide a respectable level of performance for a vehicle of this size and weight. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 7.2 seconds, making it adequately quick for everyday driving and highway merging. However, it’s noticeably slower than the supercharged V8 models. The eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving experience, with well-spaced gear ratios that keep the engine within its optimal power band. While not as engaging as a manual transmission, the automatic offers seamless shifts and a comfortable ride. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing both on-road handling and off-road capability. The air suspension system further contributes to ride comfort, absorbing bumps and providing a stable platform.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 V6 AWD Automatic typically came standard with a generous array of features. Interior appointments included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Standard safety features included multiple airbags, ABS, traction control, and stability control. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio systems (often Meridian), adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Trim levels varied slightly by market, but generally, this engine configuration was offered in SE, HSE, and Autobiography trims, with increasing levels of luxury and equipment. The HSE trim was the most popular, offering a good balance of features and price.
Chassis & Braking
The Range Rover Sport II features a robust chassis designed for both on-road comfort and off-road durability. The independent air suspension system, both front and rear, provides adjustable ride height and damping. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard features. The vehicle’s weight distribution is relatively balanced, contributing to stable handling. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Range Rover Sport II 3.0 V6 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and respectable fuel economy (around 32 mpg combined). However, some critics noted that the diesel engine lacked the outright performance of the V8 models. Compared to the 5.0L supercharged V8, the 3.0 V6 offered significantly better fuel economy but considerably less power and acceleration. Against the 2.0L four-cylinder models, the 3.0 V6 provided a substantial performance upgrade, albeit at a higher price point. Reliability was generally good, although, like all Land Rovers, it was susceptible to occasional electronic glitches and air suspension issues.
Legacy
The 3.0 V6 diesel engine proved to be a popular choice in the Range Rover Sport II, offering a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and refinement. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission has also proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. On the used car market, these models represent a good value proposition, offering a luxurious and capable SUV at a more affordable price than the V8 variants. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for air suspension problems and the cost of maintaining a complex vehicle like the Range Rover Sport. Regular maintenance and preventative care are crucial to ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
