I cruise at more than 250 km/h on the straight of the Portimao circuit before applying the ceramic composite brakes and downshifting to third gear for the first corner. In SV mode, the vehicle I drive enters curves with confidence and then enters a slight rear axle drift when reaccelerating.
This driving mode is the most permissive, the one which allows beautiful slides controlled by the accelerator. This is not the first time that I have driven a high-performance vehicle on this circuit, but it is the first time that it is an SUV that weighs more than two and a half tonnes!
The Range Rover Sport SV Edition One is now the most powerful, fastest and most dynamic SUV in the range. It is also one of the most exclusive since it was the subject of a limited production, of which only 600 copies found buyers in Canada and the United States, with a starting price of $236,555.
For this price, the Range Rover Sport SV innovates with several new components, including 23-inch carbon fiber rims, which reduce the unsprung weight by 36.5 kilos, a 6D Dynamic suspension composed of air springs and of cross-connected hydraulic shock absorbers, and an audio system called Body and Soul Seat (BASS) Sensory Audio, which has four transducers per seat so that you can fully experience the music.
Photo: Nick Dimbleby
A BMW V8
Under the hood, the supercharged 5-liter V8, which previously powered the SVR version of the Range Rover Sport, gives way to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 produced by BMW. It is therefore the same engine as the BMW X5M and X6M. Thanks to this unit’s 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft, the Range Rover Sport SV goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Several driving modes are available and SV mode, activated at the press of a button on the steering wheel, calibrates throttle response, gear shifting and steering to fully exploit the performance potential of this Range Rover Unbridled Sport.
Photo: Nick Dimbleby
To tackle the test of the Portimao circuit, 4.7 kilometers long and comprising 15 turns with numerous elevation changes, the engineers of the SVO division fitted new Michelin Sport 5S tires and 23 carbon fiber rims. inches, in addition to adding ceramic composite brakes with 8 Brembo pistons arranged in Xr which are offered as an option. These 5S tires enhance grip on the track, beyond the 1.1G of lateral acceleration that the SV is capable of with the standard Michelin Sport 4S tires.
A 2,560 kilo beast
On the circuit, the Range Rover Sport SV cannot deny its 2,560 kilos. Despite this, it shows a lot of poise and frankly astonishing road behavior. The braking is sharp, the steering is quick and the tires, once warmed up, are very grippy. The new suspension makes it possible to effectively control body movements. This is a system similar to that used by McLaren. The difference is that on McLarens, this system helps reduce roll, while the SV system reduces not only roll, but also forward dive when braking or the sagging of the rear axle when braking. acceleration. All this allows you to feel really confident on the circuit.
While not as sonorous as the SVR’s supercharged V8, the BMW twin-turbo V8 engine expresses itself with beautiful tone. Driving at high speed on the circuit, one cannot help but wonder which Range Rover Sport SV buyer would dare to take on this kind of test. However, it is extremely effective in this particular environment. Obviously, all this arsenal designed to meet the test of the track will not prevent the driver from benefiting from excellent daily handling on marked roads.
Photo: Nick Dimbleby
We also had the opportunity to drive it on the highway, where the quiet ride is impressive even at more than 180 km/h, as well as on secondary roads in Comfort mode, which absorbs the rare unevenness of the surface well. we found on our journey. How will the Range Rover Sport SV cope with Quebec roads? That remains to be seen. On this subject, let us point out that it is possible to choose 23-inch alloy rims, rather than carbon fiber ones, but they are still 23-inch rims…
For the Range Rover Sport SV’s audio system, Land Rover designers worked in conjunction with the Canadian company SUBPAC. In short, this audio system makes the seat back “vibrate” by following the rhythm of the bass notes of the musical track you are listening to. At first, this new perception can be confusing, but I took a little time to get used to it and it seemed conclusive. My co-pilot, however, hated the experience. Fortunately, this feature can be activated or deactivated for each of the seats.
Photo: Nick Dimbleby
When driving off-road
The Range Rover Sport SV is a Land Rover, which is why it must also be capable of traveling on trails. During this first contact, we had the opportunity to put it to the test on a series of specially designed obstacles, and this performance SUV impressed us with its off-road driving skills. For these crossing exercises, we got behind the wheel of examples equipped with alloy rims, steel brakes and Michelin Sport 4S tires, a set that was better suited to our route.
Here too, the 6D Dynamic suspension, lacking anti-roll bars, did a good job of ensuring greater travel thanks to the contribution of the cross-connected hydraulic shock absorbers. Now, how many buyers will drive the Range Rover Sport SV on loose surfaces? Probably even less than those who will ride on a circuit!
Photo: Nick Dimbleby
The 2024 Range Rover Sport SV Edition One was offered, by invitation only, to certain customers already known to the brand, and all examples produced were sold.
At the time of writing, the English manufacturer has not specified its intentions to ensure the sustainability of this steroid-doped version of the Range Rover Sport, but it is obvious that there will be a sequel in 2025 and that the SV will be offered to a wider audience soon. JLR will also make the announcement very soon…