The Land Rover Range Rover Sport III SV 4.4 V8, launched in May 2023, represents the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the third-generation Range Rover Sport lineup. Positioned as the flagship variant, the SV model, developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, offers a substantial power upgrade and exclusive features compared to other trims. It builds upon the foundation of the 5-door, 5-seat SUV, utilizing the MLA-Flex platform, and caters to buyers seeking uncompromising performance and a highly personalized driving experience. This variant distinguishes itself through its potent 4.4-liter V8 engine, mild-hybrid technology, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Range Rover Sport |
| Generation | Range Rover Sport III |
| Type | SV 4.4 V8 (635 Hp) Mild Hybrid iAWD Automatic |
| Start of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 19.7-20.3 l/100 km (11.9 – 11.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 11.4-12.2 l/100 km (20.6 – 19.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at High speed (WLTP) | 9.7-10.4 l/100 km (24.2 – 22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Very High speed (WLTP) | 10.8-11.5 l/100 km (21.8 – 20.5 US mpg) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 11.7-12.5 l/100 km (20.1 – 18.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 267-282 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 290 km/h (180.2 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Power | 635 Hp @ 6000-7000 rpm |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 1800-5855 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5855 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 4395 cm3 (268.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2485 kg (5478.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3250 kg (7165.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 765 kg (1686.54 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 4970 mm (195.67 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2047 mm (80.59 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2209 mm (86.97 in.) |
| Height | 1814 mm (71.42 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2998 mm (118.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1714 mm (67.48 in.) |
| Rear track | 1723 mm (67.83 in.) |
| Front overhang | 897 mm (35.31 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1075 mm (42.32 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | iAWD |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 420-440 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 390 mm |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Range Rover Sport SV lies the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, internally designated as the P650. This engine is sourced from BMW and meticulously calibrated by Land Rover’s engineers. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a sophisticated engine management system to deliver 635 horsepower at 6,000-7,000 rpm and a substantial 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque from 1,800 to 5,855 rpm. The mild-hybrid system, operating at 48V, incorporates a belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) to enable smoother start-stop functionality, regenerative braking, and a small power boost during acceleration. The engine is longitudinally mounted and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, optimized for both performance and efficiency. The transmission features closely spaced gear ratios to maximize acceleration and responsiveness.
Driving Characteristics
The SV 4.4 V8 delivers exhilarating performance. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in just 3.6 seconds, and it boasts a top speed of 180.2 mph. The all-wheel-drive system, coupled with the responsive automatic transmission, provides exceptional traction and stability in various driving conditions. While the performance is undeniably impressive, the SV maintains a degree of refinement expected from a Range Rover. The suspension, tuned for both comfort and handling, effectively mitigates body roll during cornering. Compared to lower-powered Range Rover Sport variants, the SV offers a significantly more engaging and dynamic driving experience. The power delivery is immediate and linear, making it easy to modulate throttle inputs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The SV trim level represents the highest echelon of luxury and customization within the Range Rover Sport lineup. Standard features include premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Meridian Signature sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The SV also offers exclusive design elements, such as unique badging, bespoke interior trim options, and a wider range of exterior color choices. Customers can further personalize their vehicle through Land Rover’s SV Bespoke service, allowing for virtually limitless customization options.
Chassis & Braking
The Range Rover Sport SV utilizes an advanced chassis architecture featuring fully independent air suspension with dynamic response technology. This system continuously adjusts the suspension settings to optimize ride comfort and handling based on road conditions and driving style. The SV is equipped with high-performance brakes, featuring ventilated discs measuring 420-440mm at the front and 390mm at the rear, providing ample stopping power. The braking system incorporates ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and emergency brake assist for enhanced safety.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Range Rover Sport SV 4.4 V8 has been well-received by automotive critics, praised for its exceptional performance, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Compared to other high-performance SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and the BMW X5 M, the Range Rover Sport SV offers a unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and on-road performance. While fuel economy is not a strong point (estimated at 11.7-12.5 l/100 km), it is comparable to other vehicles in its class. Reliability remains to be fully assessed, but Land Rover has made strides in improving build quality and reliability in recent years.
Legacy
The Range Rover Sport III SV 4.4 V8 represents a significant step forward for Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division. It establishes a new benchmark for performance and luxury within the Range Rover Sport lineup. The long-term reliability of the powertrain remains to be seen, but the BMW-sourced V8 engine has a proven track record in other applications. As a flagship model, the SV is expected to hold its value well in the used car market, appealing to discerning buyers seeking a high-performance, luxurious SUV with a distinctive character.
