Land Rover has massively expanded the line-up of its Range Rover-branded models
One of the most important models has been the Sport. First launched in 2005, it helped to show a new direction for Range Rover, but at the same time this model was just as capable off-road as Land Rovers have always been renowned for. With a new Range Rover Sport hitting showrooms shortly, we’ve taken a look at the evolution of the model over the years.
2004 - Range Stormer Concept
For more than 30 years the Range Rover had dominated the luxury SUV scene, but in 2004 came the first intent that the firm wanted to expand its model line-up.
The Range Stormer Concept was just that car, with this sleeker three-door SUV previewing what would become the Range Rover Sport.
With a supercharged V8 engine under the bonnet, it signalled Land Rover’s entry into the performance SUV segment which was dominated by models like the BMW X5 at the time.
2005 – Range Rover Sport
Just a year later the production version arrived in the form of the Range Rover Sport, and though reverting to a five-door bodystyle, it retained the sleek look of the Stormer concept.
It was also available with the concept’s 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, and though an adapted version of the new Discovery (at the time) – rather than the Range Rover – it was still great to drive.
A 2009 update saw the addition of cleaner diesel engines, as well a powerful 5.0-litre V8 petrol unit. The interior got a more upmarket finish too, while exterior changes included new LED lighting and a restyled grille.
2013 – The second outing
Fast forward to 2013 and the second-generation Range Rover was showcased, with actor Daniel Craig even revealing the new SUV. Land Rover called the model its ‘fastest, most agile and technology packed’ at the time of its launch, and it brought some significant design updates.
Much more efficient than its predecessor, clever use of lighter materials made the model up to 420kg lighter than the car before. A seven-seater version was also available. An even sportier SVR model followed in 2015, with its 542bhp V8 engine producing some exhilarating performance.
The Sport was then updated in 2018, with one of the main changes being the addition of a P400e plug-in hybrid model that allowed for around 30 miles of electric driving ability, while the latest version of Land Rover’s ‘Touch Pro Duo’ helped to give it a far more modern interior.
2022 – The sportiest Sport yet
Land Rover’s latest Range Rover Sport was only recently unveiled and represents another significant step for this sporty SUV. With a bold new design incorporating a more modern, minimalist look, it’s, without doubt, the most striking version of this model yet.
It should be fantastic to drive too, as it’s built around a new, stiffer platform while featuring all-wheel steering as standard. Most engines feature some kind of electrical assistance, but a 523bhp 4.4-litre V8 sits at the top of the line-up for the time being. A fully-electric model is even on the way, though it’s not set to arrive until 2024.
