Land Rover has updated the Range Rover Sport for 2017 model year with refinement and capability expected from a large SUV with the performance associated with a sports car. The dynamic large SUV status as the ultimate high performance SUV is underpinned by the potent 405kW Range Rover Sport SVR, which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The latest model is expected to arrive in in South Africa early next year. Engines on offer in the 2017 model include:
| Engine | Cylinders | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) |
| 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel | SIX | 190 | 600 |
| 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel | SIX | 221 | 700 |
| 4.4-litre SDV8 diesel | EIGHT | 250 | 740 |
| 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol | SIX | 250 | 450 |
| 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol | SIX | 280 | 450 |
| 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol | EIGHT | 375 | 625 |
| 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (SVR only) petrol | EIGHT | 405 | 680 |
With the 2017 model Land Rover will introduce a series of autonomous driving technologies to Range Rover Sport. The first-in-sector Advanced Tow Assist feature, takes the stress out of manoeuvring when towing large loads. The driver can set the direction of a trailer when reversing using the Terrain Response 2 rotary dial and the vehicle will make all the necessary steering adjustments automatically.
Additional autonomy technology is provided in the form of Blind Spot Assist, which uses sensors on the vehicle to detect other road users approaching in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver risks causing a collision during a lane change, the vehicle will autonomously counter-steer to maintain its position.
Peerless all-terrain capability remains a cornerstone of the Range Rover family and the 2017 model year Range Rover Sport includes a selection of new features to further enhance its off-road prowess. Low Traction Launch makes it easier for drivers to pull away on low-grip surfaces, while the updated 4x4i menu presents all the necessary vehicle information when tackling challenging terrain.
The enlarged touchscreen features a new 10-inch display for greater ease-of-use and clarity and features tablet-style pinch and zoom functions. This is powered by Land Rover’s market-leading InControl Touch Pro technology, available with an in-car wireless hotspot, app connectivity and remote smartphone features – making this the most connected Range Rover Sport to date.
“Range Rover Sport is the ultimate performance SUV and the latest model enhances its luxury status and desirability,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer. “The design developments sit seamlessly alongside innovative new technologies, making Range Rover Sport more composed and relevant than ever.”
One of the most significant features of 2017 Range Rover Sport is the introduction of InControl Touch Pro, with a larger central touchscreen display. As a result the infotainment system features smoother controls and a wider range of connectivity options and apps than ever before.
The larger screen measures 10 inches, a significant increase over the previous eight-inch design. The increased dimensions have allowed Land Rover’s interior design team to remove the hard keys previously required, resulting in a cleaner facia with no compromise to functionality. In addition, the TFT Virtual Instrument Panel allows drivers to choose full or partial satellite navigation information.
One of the key aspects of InControl Touch Pro is the ability to pinch and zoom when navigating maps, or swipe through menu screens as you would on a smartphone or tablet. Functions now require fewer actions, improving ease of use and minimising driver distraction.
The introduction of the latest infotainment system delivers bespoke apps for functions such as music playback, contacts and calendars that are mirrored on the central touchscreen when the driver’s smartphone is connected to the vehicle.
