Range Rovers have always been fantastic off-road vehicles, with a strength and toughness to go where other four-wheel drives feared to tread. Over the past decade or so, though, Land Rover has made tremendous strides improving both the on-road performance of its vehicles and the luxury as well.
A good case in point is the 2015 Range Rover Sport V8 Supercharged with Dynamic Pack, a premium luxury/performance vehicle that is every bit as much at home on two-lane blacktop as it is in a remote stretch of tundra. One of six available trim levels in the Range Rover line, this one slots in at an MSRP of $82,745, which puts it smack in the middle of the line between the Range Rover Sport SE at $63,350 and the $110,745 Range Rover Sport SVR.
The second-generation version of this model, the Range Rover Sport uses a high-strength aluminum structure that saves more than 800 pounds in weight compared with the model it replaced. “The weight reduction transforms the vehicle’s dynamic performance, enabling it to blend agile handling with exceptional comfort and to offer a unique mix of sporting luxury and a dynamic, engaging driving experience,” says the folks at Land Rover, and we would have to concur.
At a curb weight of 5,093 pounds, It’s still not exactly a flyweight vehicle, but with a supercharged 510-horsepower V-8 under the hood, the 2015 Range Rover Sport blasts from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.0 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
Supercharged models with the optional Dynamic Pack, get exclusive trim options and performance features, including a gloss black grille and exterior details, body-colored lower bumpers and side sills, unique interior color themes and finishes, plus special 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels, and red Brembo brake calipers.
In addition, this is virtually a bespoke model when one considers the available options:
In short, the Range Rover Sport is very easy to personalize to your liking, always a good thing in a high-end vehicle.
As noted, Range Rovers were always fabulous off-road. Now they are a lot more fun to drive on the road as well.
“Supercharged V8 models are equipped with a dedicated Dynamic mode in the Terrain Response 2 system, providing a more sporting bias during enthusiastic on-road driving, with a firmer ride, tighter body control, reduced roll and more responsive steering and performance,” Land Rover says in its press materials. “Dynamic mode activates performance calibrations for a wide range of vehicle and chassis systems including the electric power steering, throttle and transmission responses, damping and lean control, and settings for the traction and stability systems.”
Boiled down to a nutshell, the bottom line is the Range Rover Sport now feels much more like a sports car, albeit a fairly large one, and less like a tank.
Boiled down to a nutshell, the bottom line is the Range Rover Sport now feels much more like a sports car, albeit a fairly large one, and less like a tank. The acceleration is similar to what you’d find in a good muscle car, and the handling and braking are taut and precise. Granted, it’s not going to replace a Porsche 911, but it’s light years ahead of the Range Rovers of a generation ago.
Special mention must be made, too, of the interior, which is flawlessly constructed and enormously comfortable. I particularly like the touch screen in the dashboard that controls the HVAC/radio/nav system. It is intuitive and easy to use, two big plusses in my book.
Two other factors bear noting: None of this on-road prowess comes at the expense of the Range Rover’s legendary off-road capabilities. And this vehicle still carries enormous street cred when you pull up to the valet.
Given all that, we enthusiastically recommend the 2015 Range Rover Sport V8 Supercharged with Dynamic Pack for anyone who wants to make their heart race on pavement, while never having to fear veering off the main drag.
