review: range rover sport autobiography unites sport, utility & luxury

range rover sport autobiography review

As the world’s most popular car category, it is easy to forget our day-to-day SUV really stand for Sports Utility Vehicle. This class is built to go anywhere and do anything, quickly and effortlessly – or even go above and beyond, as stamped by Land Rover. In a nod to its origins, the Range Rover Sport Autobiography emphatically and unashamedly puts the sportiness back into SUV, as discovered by designboom on a road trip to North Wales.

proved in North Wales, the Range Rover Autobiography joyously and luxuriously rebalances sportiness and utility

all images © designboom unless stated

puts sport back into sports utility vehicle

Acclaimed as the most dynamic model yet, the Range Rover Sport Autobiography adds even more power to its renowned luxury performance. An Ingenium 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol PHEV hybrid boosts its exhilarating statistics: its 8-speed automatic transmission, 510HP, and 700Nm of torque accelerates the car from 0-60mph in 5.3-seconds and up to a maximum of 150 mph (242 km/h). Its power is effortless, gliding past others on motorways and powering along uphill climbs in Snowdonia with just a tap on the throttle. The Autobiography badge is truly a mark of distinction.

the Ingenium 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol PHEV hybrid delivers 510HP and 700Nm of torque

Several different driving modes allow the driver to tailor performance to conditions or mood, switching from eco or comfort on long highways to dynamic on country passes when needed. The key for the smooth performance, though, is the handling pack that combines All-Wheel Steering and Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring. Dynamic Air Suspension introduces switchable volume air springs – a Range Rover first – with twin-valve active dampers for ultimate agility, control and composure at all speeds and all environments.

its technology ensures ultimate agility, control and composure at all speeds and environments

luxury design, inside and out

Its dynamic luxury is not just felt in its performance. Like every model from Range Rover, all aspects have been carefully designed by Gerry McGovern and his creative team. A muscular stance and taut surfaces personifies the power and agility of the machine within, but beyond its instantly recognizeable profile and proportions – in Giola Green color on our drive – its modern details establish a more defined, athletic character. Sportiness is reflected in stealth-like front grille, digital LED lighting, and double-aperture lower bumper. The most notable feature is the sculpted, uninterrupted tailgate, accentuated with LED graphics. A shoulder line connects the two ends, so smooth in finish that even the door handles are hidden flush with the body.

the car’s dynamic luxury is felt in its design as well as performance

The same dynamic luxury continues in the interior of the car. Sculpted seats are equipped with massage and heating features, both nice perks in windy, wet North Wales. The cockpit is widened by the full-width console, only disrupted in the center by a curved touchscreen that slopes towards the passengers. Sustainable, lightweight fabrics in Light Cloud and Ebony options line the console and doors, creating a two-tone contrast with the natural black veneer dashboard and screens.

its cockpit’s full-width console is disrupted by a curved central touchscreen that slopes towards the passengers

image courtesy of land rover

Moving towards the back seats, the cabin opens up with a near-full-length skylight, flooding the interior with natural light and giving all passengers a deep connection to the outdoors. The powerful Meridian Sound System pushes the signature sound around the cabin, said to be the most powerful system ever fitted to a Range Rover Sport. 29 speakers, a subwoofer and 1,430W of amplifier power creates a curated cocoon of entertainment for passengers that is only disrupted by the exhaust in the dynamic driving mode. Further rearwards, the loadspace in the boot hits the utility criteria at the plentiful 647-liter number.

Proved in North Wales, the Range Rover Sport Autobiography joyously and luxuriously rebalances sportiness and utility. From its spacious loadspace to its refined exterior design and interior comforts, the SUV never forgets its exhilarating driving experience first of all.

the cabin opens up with a near-full-length skylight that floods the interior with natural light and outdoor views