The Land Rover Range Rover Sport II, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2017, represented a significant evolution of the popular luxury SUV. This variant, equipped with the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 525 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and offering optional 5+2 seating, occupied the performance-oriented upper echelon of the Range Rover Sport lineup. Production of this configuration ran from 2017 until May 2022, solidifying its place as a desirable, albeit fuel-intensive, offering in the luxury SUV segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Range Rover Sport |
| Generation | Range Rover Sport II (facelift 2017) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V8 (525 Hp) AWD Automatic Supercharged 5+2 Seating |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | May, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18 l/100 km (13.1 US mpg, 15.7 UK mpg, 5.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg, 22.1 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 294 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.4 kg/Hp, 226 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 269 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 525 Hp @ 6000-6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105 Hp/l |
| Torque | 625 Nm @ 2500-5500 rpm (460.98 lb.-ft. @ 2500-5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 508PS |
| Engine displacement | 5000 cm3 (305.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.5 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.83 l (9.33 US qt | 7.77 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2323 kg (5121.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3250 kg (7165.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 927 kg (2043.69 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 221 l (7.8 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1686 l (59.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 104 l (27.47 US gal | 22.88 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 4879 mm (192.09 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2073 mm (81.61 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2220 mm (87.4 in.) |
| Height | 1803 mm (70.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2923 mm (115.08 in.) |
| Front track | 1693 mm (66.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1686 mm (66.38 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 213-278 mm (8.39 – 10.94 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 24.3-33.0° |
| Departure angle | 24.9-31.0° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 19.4-27.2° |
| Wading depth | 800-850 mm (31.5 – 33.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
INTRODUCTION
The 2017 facelift of the Range Rover Sport II brought a refreshed design and updated technology to Land Rover’s performance-focused SUV. The 5.0 V8 Supercharged variant, producing 525 horsepower, represented the pinnacle of performance for the range, excluding the even more potent SVR model. Positioned as a premium offering, it catered to buyers seeking a blend of luxury, capability, and exhilarating acceleration. The availability of optional 5+2 seating further broadened its appeal to families needing occasional extra passenger capacity. This model built upon the foundation of the L494 platform, first introduced in 2013, and aimed to refine the driving experience and enhance the vehicle’s overall sophistication.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Range Rover Sport lies Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, internally designated as the 508PS. This engine utilizes a Roots-type supercharger, providing instant boost and a characteristic whine. Direct fuel injection ensures precise fuel delivery, maximizing efficiency and power output. The engine boasts a 9.5:1 compression ratio and four valves per cylinder, contributing to its robust performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a crucial component of the powertrain. This transmission offers smooth and rapid gear changes, optimizing power delivery and contributing to the vehicle’s impressive acceleration. The transmission’s programming is tailored to balance performance and fuel economy, with adaptive shift patterns responding to driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 525 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque deliver exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 5 seconds, and the vehicle feels remarkably composed even at high speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides seamless gear changes, and the supercharger eliminates any noticeable turbo lag. Compared to lower-powered variants, such as the 3.0-liter V6, the V8 offers a significantly more responsive and engaging driving experience. While the V8 is less fuel-efficient than the V6 or the four-cylinder Ingenium engines, the trade-off in performance is substantial. The air suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while maintaining excellent body control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 5.0 V8 Supercharged variant came standard with a high level of equipment, reflecting its premium positioning. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Optional extras included upgraded leather trim, rear-seat entertainment, and a variety of exterior styling enhancements. The 5+2 seating option added a third row of seats, suitable for occasional use by children or smaller adults. The interior design emphasized luxury and craftsmanship, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
Chassis & Braking
The Range Rover Sport II utilizes an aluminum-intensive chassis, contributing to its relatively low weight for a vehicle of its size. The air suspension system provides adjustable ride height and damping, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s handling to their preferences. The front suspension features double wishbones, while the rear suspension employs a multi-link setup. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The electronic stability control system and traction control system work in conjunction to enhance stability and control in various driving conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Range Rover Sport II 5.0 V8 Supercharged was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and capable handling. However, its fuel consumption was often cited as a drawback. Compared to the 3.0-liter V6 models, the V8 offered significantly more performance but at the expense of fuel economy. The V8 also commanded a higher price tag. Against competitors such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the BMW X5 M, the Range Rover Sport II offered a unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and performance.
Legacy
The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine has proven to be a robust and reliable powerplant, although maintenance costs can be higher than those associated with smaller engines. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also demonstrated good long-term reliability. On the used car market, these models hold their value relatively well, particularly those in excellent condition with low mileage. The 2017 facelifted Range Rover Sport II 5.0 V8 Supercharged remains a desirable choice for buyers seeking a high-performance luxury SUV with a distinctive character.
