Weighing in at 4,727 lb (2,144 kg) but capable of doling out 443 ft.lb. of torque way down low thanks to its brilliant 3.0 liter turbo-charged diesel V6, Range Rover's 2016 Sport scores big points in all the right areas. We tried out its legs on British Columbia's famously scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Winding its way along the Pacific coastline, British Columbia's undulating Sea-to-Sky highway is not only one of the world's most scenic jaunts but also considered among the top driver's roads. What better place to run out Range Rover's 2016 Turbo-diesel Sport.
Sporting the brand's signature interior amenities, the 2016 Range Rover Sport delivers bank vault silence, while the solid yet spirited ride delivers a smooth experience on both the highway and within Vancouver's mildly chaotic inner hub.
Motivating the big Englishman up the mountainous roadway is the responsibility of a 3.0 liter V6 with a turbo-charged diesel. With plenty of muscle way down low in the powerband, the maximum 443 ft.lb. of torque is available at 2000 rpm and while there are more powerful 4WDs out there, the 254 horses (189 kW) feels ample out on the slopes. For those considering the gassy V6 variant, the figures are 332 ft.lb and 340 hp.
Being paired with a slick 8-speed autobox means the diesel powerplant is most always in its torquey sweet zone. In 7th gear, and at 120 km/h (75 mph), the engine pulls the Range Rover with ease, hardly ever needing to break 2500 rpm.
The fluid manual shifter delivered more control over engine braking on some of the Sea-to-Sky's hairier off-camber, dropping curves, while steering inputs proved excellent, as did the power response and overall road feel for a vehicle of this size and weight. Still, that 4,727 lb (2,144 kg) worth of luxury SUV definitely needs to be respected and acknowledged in big, fast corners.
The big Range Rover's diesel underpinnings are barely noticeable, they'd likely remain ignorant to the fact as sound deadening, signature diesel knock and exhaust outputs have all been cleverly masked.
Aside from the great gobs of torque, the diesel option also provides a significant boost in mileage. In the city, Land Rover reports a 29 percent (22 vs. 17 mpg) improvement over the V6 running the gasoline. On the highway, this figure drops slightly but still shows a 26 percent increase (29 vs. 23 mpg) over its petrol sibling. When combined, a 32 percent increase in economy is realized (25 vs. 19 mpg).
On the track, the diesel makes 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.1 seconds – a tick slower than the gas model, but respectable given the vehicle's weight. Top speed is set at 130 mph (209 km/h).
Based on the number of Range Rovers spotted in Vancouver, where average home prices broach the million dollar mark, I'd say it might even be the unofficial vehicle of this rain-soaked city.
Priced from US$64,950 up to $111,350 the 2016 Range Rover Sport's sticker shouldn't come to a shock as anyone familiar with the brand.
Product page: Land Rover