2023 Range Rover Sport Diesel Review

The Range Rover has been the epitome of luxury in the world of SUVs. Defined by its elegance and grandeur, the SUV has helped Land Rover achieve that high-end status that the brand currently enjoys. But that exclusivity comes at quite a substantial premium, which only a select few can afford. Having said that, for those looking for a more attainable option, the company does offer a smaller, yet wilder sibling. Yes, I am talking about the flagship SUV's more youthful and sportier younger brother - the Range Rover Sport.

The SUV is currently in its third generation, and Land Rover India offers it in both petrol and diesel engine options. Now, Shams has already done a comprehensive review of the petrol-powered Range Rover Sport P400. So, if you have not read it already, do that first. Because in this review we’ll be majorly focusing on how sporty this diesel version is.

Engine and Performance

The Range Rover Sport gets a 3.0-litre diesel engine that makes 345 bhp & 700 Nm

Now, what powers this 2023 Range Rover Sport diesel SUV is a 3.0-litre turbocharged oil burner, which also comes paired with a mild hybrid system. Like the petrol version, the diesel SUV also comes with a straight-six motor from the Ingenium family, and this one makes about 345 bhp. Yes, that’s about 50 bhp less compared to what the petrol version makes, however, the power deficit is compensated by the monstrous 700 Nm of torque that is generated by the diesel engine. So yes, the engine has enough grunt to pull this mammoth of an SUV, that too, without breaking a sweat.

The 6-cylinder turbocharged motor is paired with a mild-hybrid system

The power delivery is quick and linear, whereas the torque kicks in as early as 1500 rpm so you barely feel any lag in the lower revs. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and that too does its job quite well. The shifts are smooth, precise, and quick! In fact, you will be surprised how quickly this SUV can attain triple-digit speeds. Now, I thought I’ll never use these words to describe a 3.2-tonne SUV, but here you have it - the Range Rover Sport diesel is agile and extremely fun to drive.

Also Read: Third-Gen Range Rover Sport Review

Ride and Handling

The Range Rover Sport diesel is extremely agile and fun-to-drive

The Range Rover Sport feels surefooted and extremely planted even while you are doing triple-digit speeds. Yes, the suspension is a bit on the stiffer side, but that’s what helps achieve that superior handling. Having said that, the ride quality is quite plush, and you barely feel the impact of the undulations on the road.

The SUV also drops the anchor with exceptional precession offering good bite and progression

The steering too has a nice heft to it, and I also love the feedback it offers. The cabin too is well insulated, in fact, even in peak traffic conditions you’ll be surprised how peaceful the cabin feels. The SUV also drops the anchor with exceptional precession offering good bite and progression.

Off-Road Capabilities

Along with a capable all-wheel drive, the SUV also gets Terrain Response 2 system, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control

While I was itching to test the extreme capabilities of this bad boy, Land Rover India had forbidden us from taking the Range Rover Sport off-road. However, what I can tell you is that along with a capable all-wheel drive, the SUV also comes with the company’s Terrain Response 2 system, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, and Dynamic Air Suspension.

The Range Rover Sport comes with dynamic air suspension that changes the ground clearance as required

The latter allows you to increase the ground clearance of the SUV from 216 mm to 281 mm in off-road mode. In fact, when on standby the ground clearance comes down to 166 mm. Additionally, the Range Rover Sport also have a water wading capacity of 900 millimetres so driving during Mumbai monsoon will be a piece of cake.

Design and Styling

The Range Rover Sport here is the Dynamic HSE variant with Land Rover's ‘Less is More’ design

Visually, the SUV’s ‘Less is More’ design continues to impress us. Everything on the exterior sits flush with the body of the SUV, including the flush-fitted door handles. In fact, compared to the petrol version, the only visual difference here is the rear bumper which comes with a black diffuser and hidden exhaust pipes.

Everything on the exterior sits flush with the body of the SUV, and you get 22-inch alloys

Now, the model with me was the Dynamic HSE trim, and all variants from this, and above, come with Digital LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps and image projection as standard. However, the model with us also had some optional features like the contrast black roof and the 22-inch Satin Black alloy wheels. Customers also have to option to upgrade to a set of larger 23-inch alloy wheels. But you do get electrically operable, heater ORVMs, and LED taillights among others as standard.

Interior and Cabin Features

Along with a range of connectivity suits, the SUV also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The space inside the Range Rover Sport is also massive and it comes with superior fit and finish. The minimalist dashboard is highlighted by the command centre of the cabin - a highly intuitive 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system. Along with a range of connectivity suits, the system also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Land Rover also offers a head-up display, optional 4-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof

You also get a wireless phone charger, multiple storage areas, a cooking compartment (optional) and a multi-function steering wheel, which is adjustable to reach and height.

The list of creature comforts also includes 20-way power-adjustable front seats (optional 22-way adjustability) with heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions. Land Rover also offers a head-up display, optional 4-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and power-folding rear seats.

The SUV gets power-folding rear seats with optional 4-zone climate control

Price and Verdict

Land Rover offers four diesel variants of the Range Rover Sport, which are priced from Rs. 1.64 crore to Rs. 1.84 crore (ex-showroom, India). While models like the Audi Q8 and the Porsche Cayenne can be considered its nearest rivals, neither of them comes with and diesel engine, however, both are considerably cheaper. On the other hand, the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d is also a suitable contender, but that too is about Rs. 39 lakh cheaper than the Dynamic HSE variant of the Range Rover Sport diesel SUV that we drove.

In a nutshell, then, the Range Rover Sport diesel offers a monstrous amount of torque and immense pulling power. Things that you expect from a big SUV like this. However, at the same time, it is surprisingly agile and fun to drive, and those are traits that you do not expect from a big SUV like this.

It's a one of the best options if you are willing to spend over Rs. 2 crore for a self-driving personal luxury SUV

So yes, the Range Rover Sport is certainly overpriced when compared to all its rivals. But if you are willing to spend over Rs. 2 crore for a self-driving personal luxury SUV, it’s one of the rare diesel SUVs in the class that you can buy today, and we think you should definitely consider this.

Photos: Pawan Dagia