2019 Range Rover Sport adds plug-in hybrid to lineup

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 10, 2018) Land Rover recently announced 2019 Model Year updates to the Range Rover Sport model line-up. These include a new Wade Sensing feature, new Advanced Driver Assistance System functionality and the introduction of an all-new Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain option.

The Range Rover Sport P400e is the first Jaguar Land Rover product to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It can be driven up to 31 miles in all-electric mode when the battery pack is fully charged. This drive option mates a 296 hp inline four with a 104 kW (141 hp) electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission, and 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Total output is 398 hp with 472 lb.-ft. of torque. A 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds is claimed, as is a top speed of 137 mph. A “Save” function allows the driver to retain the EV for use in city centers or other areas where combustion engine use is not allowed.

The 7kW charging port is located behind the Land Rover badge on the grille, while the prism-shaped battery pack is located beneath the trunk floor. A full charge can be achieved in under three hours using a dedicated 220V/32A charger. There’s also a home charging unit located onboard that allows you to connect to domestic power supplies when necessary. Timed charging can be set through the infotainment system to take advantage of off-peak rates. Illuminated strips on either side of the charging socket show the charging status.

Other engine options include a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel producing 254 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque in SE and HSE trim, or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with 340 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque for those same models. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is offered on the Dynamic and Autobiography models. It produces a stout 518 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque, and is capable of traveling from 0-60 mph in just under 5.3 seconds. Like the P400e, these engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Each model comes standard with Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Braking, and cruise control with speed limiter. Ordering the Drive Pack adds Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Speed Limiter, Driver Condition Monitor, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Moving up to the Drive Pro Pack adds High-Speed Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

The Park Pack option features 360-degree Parking Aid, Rear Traffic Monitor, and Clear Exit Monitor. This last items flashes a light on the rear doors if they are opened while a potential hazard is approaching from behind. Upgrading to the Park Pro Pack adds Park Assist to automate parallel and perpendicular parking. Ordering the Driver Assist Pack combines the Drive Pro Pack and Park Pro Pack, while adding Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist.

The P400e has instantaneous low-speed torque, a benefit on low-grip surfaces, and the low-range transmission can be operated in pure EV mode. Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system, which is standard on all models, distributes torque from the motor to all four wheels for greater control at low speeds when off road. In addition to Grass Gravel Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Eco modes there are Comfort and Dynamic settings that alter the suspension settings.

Range Rover Sport models also get a unique Low Traction Launch System that exploits available traction on low-grip surfaces. It selects a special throttle map designed to provide a more usable torque curve when accelerating from a stop on slippery surfaces.

Wade Sensing provides real-time wading depth information that compares the maximum wading depth of the vehicle to its current location. Measurements are taken via sensors on the door mirrors, and delivered to a dedicated display on the instrument panel’s touchscreen. It is activated through a soft button on the 4x4i menu, give an indication of the vehicle’s position/angle, and estimate when it is headed into deeper water or coming out of the water. All models, including the P400e have a maximum wading depth of 33.5 in., though the company recommends the hybrid’s four-cylinder gasoline engine be running while wading to prevent water from entering the exhaust system.

Highlights:

• A suite of alloy wheel options are available on the Range Rover Sport, with the 21 and 22-inch designs offering a choice of silver, diamond-turned or black wheel finish.

• The Supercharged Dynamic model’s available Black Exterior Pack adds gloss black exterior accents, including the grille mesh and surround.

• HSE Dynamic, Supercharged Dynamic and Autobiography models offer a Carbon Fiber Exterior Pack with gloss black and carbon fiber additions to the main grille, fender vent and hood vent surrounds, door mirror covers and tailgate trim.

• Premium LED automatic headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights  are standard on all models and available with optional Auto High Beam Assist.

• Grained leather upholstery is available with 14-way adjustable front seats. Perforated Windsor leather comes with 16-way memory front seats and the option of winged headrests is optional. Semi-Aniline Leather is standard on 380hp HSE Dynamic and Autobiography models.

• There are up to 10 color options for lighting the footwells, sections of the doors and other parts of the interior.

• The center console features cup holders that can be repositioned to reveal a deep 3.2-liter storage area with a dedicated USB charging port.

• At 7.8 liters, the armrest compartment 2.0 liters larger and features a double-level hinged inner tray designed to keep wallets and mobile phones out of sight. Customers also can specify an optional cooler compartment capable of holding four 16.9 oz bottles and chilling them to 41 degrees F.

• Nanone, an optional cabin air ionization system, uses nano-sized charged water particles to ionize particles in the air so they are attracted to surfaces.

• A gesture control system allows the driver or front passenger to control the power sunshade via forward or rearward swipes in front of the rear-view mirror. It also can be closed automatically when the vehicle is locked, and returned to its previous position when the driver’s door is opened. Conventional buttons also can be used to operate the sunroof.

The Virtual Driver