In Review; Range Rover Sport SDV6 7 Seat

With the Range Rover Sport having recently gone through a model year change (this is now termed a “MY 18” vehicle), we thought it was timely to show off one of the current model year 17 vehicles.

The transition to a MY18 variant has been done to introduce a new plug-in hybrid, the Range Rover P400e, which is a lithium battery based option with up to 31 miles of electric range. The special edition SVR has also undergone some changes, including additional bhp.

The range as a whole has seen external facelifts and the new twin-touchscreen which is showcased in the new Range Rover Velar (read review.)

The move by Land Rover Range Rover to a plug-in hybrid (which offers 64g/km) is not a surprising one. For many company car users, the increasing amount of tax on cars has meant that they are either exiting the company car scheme or they are having to look at more “eco” type vehicles which manage their tax better.

In the luxury car market, efficient company car taxation is not something which is generally high on the agenda but with the significant increase in tax over the next few years, many senior individuals which have to deeply consider their next vehicle. Range Rover are actually planning to launch a fully-electric option in the future, as part of their fleet improvements.

Moving to a plug-in hybrid offers company car users the ability to procure a vehicle with lower CO2 per km. As company car tax is based on the P11d value (the list price plus VAT, delivery and any options added to the vehicle) and CO2, the luxury SUV tends to be punitive on both fronts. By moving to petrol engines which are combined with lithium batteries which can be used in conjunction with the petrol engine or solely on their own for limited mileage, there is a way in which the CO2 figures can be reduced.

While this may lower the company car tax exposure, a plug-in is generally a more expensive and so the company must be prepared to pay a higher monthly rental in comparison to petrol / diesel only vehicles. Conflicts between drivers and fleet managers are likely to arise!

In terms of the car shown here, the Range Rover Sport Diesel Estate 3.0 SDV6 [306] HSE Dynamic 5dr Auto [7 seat], this is based on the following configuration:

· Premium metallic – Carpathian grey
· Oxford Perforated Leather – Ebony
· Colourway – Ebony/Ebony
· Morzine Cirrus Headlining
· Sport textured aluminium trim

As you would imagine, this car is standard with a litany of extras – red brembo brake calipers, front/rear carpets, 16-way adjustable driver and passenger seats, lane departure warning, climate control, lumbar support, xenon headlamps, heated front and rear seats, mood lighting, rear view camera, rain-sensing wipers, hill descent control, roll stability control, adaptive dynamics, all terrain progress, InControl secure, traffic sign recognition, HDD premium navigation, Bluetooth, rear parking controls, gesture tailgate, keyless entry, luggage compartment lighting pack, sports pedals, oxford leather, leather steering wheel and 21” alloy wheels. In terms of additional factory options – the contrast roof and an electric panoramic roof is always a great choice to add for a perfect vehicle.

On the technical-side, company car drivers can note the £69,950.00 P11d and CO2 at 185g/km. The 2993CC 8 speed auto engine delivers 306ps, 40.4 combined MPG and 0-62 times of 6.8 seconds. Service intervals are set 12 months or every 16,000 miles whichever lands sooner.

So would the Rang Rover Sport be your luxury leasing option? Or would you have the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE or Jaguar F-Pace?

Let us know your thoughts on which car you think is the best choice!!

Find the very best leasing deals on the fabulous Range Rover Sport for both business and personal use RIGHT HERE on CarLease UK…