(Used) Land Rover Range Rover Sport (Review)

Photo provided by M93

The Range Rover Sport isn’t your typical Land Rover. Of course there is the legendary off-road capability and the unmistaken Land Rover looks. What makes the Range Rover Sport so different is the fact that it adds a splash of sport to your typical Range Rover, but is this a good thing?

Performance: There are two engines to choose from, a 5-liter V8 producing 375hp and a supercharged version of the 5-liter V8 producing 510hp. Picking between the two depends on the depths of your wallet. The non-supercharged V8 does a well enough job of propelling the Range Rover Sport around with no difficulty, while the supercharged form offers effortless acceleration.

Ride & Handling: The Range Rover Sport isn’t a sports machine and the hefty curb weight will suggest that. However, driving the Range Rover Sport on twisty narrow roads, you’ll instantly forget that this is a large heavy sport utility vehicle. Handling is good while ride comfort is also very posh and comfortable.

Refinement: There’s virtually no wind and road noise to complain of with the Range Rover Sport. The eight-cylinder engines emit a lovely snarl that sounds contagious when pushed hard on an open highway. The supercharged version sounds almost like a jet plane which is a welcome add to the overall driving experience.

Practicality & Space: If you want a sport utility vehicle that makes you feel like king of the road. The Range Rover Sport will do just that and will do it very well. The driver’s seat feels more like a throne, with oodles of support and adjustments to allow drivers of all sizes to get comfortable with ease. The instrumental panel is fuss free and is very easy to navigate. Rear passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom. The boot is also very spacious and roomy.

Equipment: The Range Rover Sport comes well equipped no matter what trim you choose. However, the higher the trim levels you climb the more expensive your Range Rover Sport gets. The HSE trim comes with Xenon headlamps, navigation system, 20-inch alloy wheels and full leather interior. Supercharged version offers high performance brakes, sporty exterior trim and of course the silky smooth supercharged engine.

Buying & Running cost: Buying a Range Rover Sport isn’t a cheap proposition. The base trim starts at $60,000 which will be good enough for most buyers; the mid-range adds $5,000 more with a luxury package. Top of the range adds the supercharged engine and few extras for a higher price tag of $76,000. You’ll need deep pockets for running costs, as the eight-cylinders both are gas guzzlers. The supercharged version guzzles gas as fast as it accelerates.

Reliability: The Range Rover Sport interior has many soft touch materials that feel high quality. They look and feel long lasting. However, the biggest question that still remains is reliability. Land Rover’s reliability record is very spotty, long term reliability of the mechanicals and electronics is still rather iffy.

The Range Rover Sport really is a great sport utility vehicle to own. The interior is very well crafted, the seats are very comfortable and the overall driving experience is very rewarding. The supercharged version offers effortless acceleration, all while offering light weight moves in a heavy weight package. However, the downside is you’ll pay a pretty penny to buy one and you’ll need deep pockets for running costs. There is still some concern for reliability and of course the ‘high baller’ image that the Range Rover Sport carries.

Devon's Pick: HSE trim offers a strong eight-cylinder engine and enough equipment to satisfy most buyers. Plus it's the cheapest of the Range Rover Sport range. 

Likes: Strong engines, luxurious interior with comfortable front seats. Handles well for weight and size; king of the road feeling when driving.

Dislikes: High running costs, iffy reliability record, not the vehicle for those who want to be discrete with their wealth.

Devon M

(Look-back review) Devon goes lux in a Land Rover

The Land Rover LR4 is one of those vehicles that can fit up to seven passengers and still offer plenty of luxury that you’d expect from a Land Rover. It can be used as a workhorse and has legendary off-road capability. So does this mean that this Land Rover is a real jack of all trade?

Performance:  The only engine on hand with the LR4 is a 5-liter eight-cylinder producing 375hp. Acceleration is smooth and brisk on the highway and even around town it doesn’t feel overpowered. This is highly due to the fact that the LR4 weighs 5,600lbs. It won’t feel like a sports car but it at the same time it will never feel underpowered once up to speed.

Ride & Handling: The LR4 won’t defy the laws of physics as well as a BMW X5 would, but it does a good enough job of staying composed and taut feeling through bends. Highway driving is where the LR4 shines. The air suspension does an amazing job of ironing out bumps and road imperfections providing a smooth supple ride all will enjoy. The Land Rover isn’t aerodynamic but it does filter out wind noise quite well. There is however some wind noise that can be heard from the chunky side mirrors. This can be drained out by the radio.

Behind the wheel:  The LR4 has a very good view of the road ahead.  The driver’s seat has tons of adjustments and there are plenty of storage compartments too. The controls and dials on the dashboard are easy to navigate but a tad fiddly to operate. The LR4 can seat up to seven, however it can’t do the seven passengers and their luggage trick as well as a Mercedes GL. There’s plenty of room when you fold down the third row seat. The tailgate opens in split that can serve as a seat or viewing platform.

Equipment: All LR4s come well equipped including air-con, four electric windows, Bluetooth and keyless entry. You’ll have to pay extra for Xenon headlamps and satellite navigation system. Our pick would be the mid-range HSE which comes well equipped and is still offered at a decent price. Top of the range adds more features but is harder to justify the higher price tag.

Buying & owning: The LR4 isn’t a cheap car to buy or run. Your fuel bills will be high due to the thirsty eight-cylinder engine. We think that a diesel engine option would really help cut some of the sting out of the running costs, as well as make the LR4 even more desirable. Resale value should be pretty strong when it comes to selling too.

Quality & Safety: The materials used in the cabin show that much detail were given. It feels classy and solid but the biggest question still remains is the reliability record. Our tester car suffered its fair share of electrical issues. The Satellite navigation system completely shut off and took nearly five minutes to restart and car failed to start after a brief stop fuel stop. Stability control and hill decent control all come standard to help aid in on-road and off-road. Thieves won’t bother with the LR4 as it comes standard with an alarm, immobilizer and deadlocks.

The LR4 is a classy well rounded sport utility vehicle that seats up to seven. There’s plenty of comfort in on-road and off-road capabilities with a luxurious cabin that can lives up the Land Rover standards. However with all this comfort and refinement reliability has been a bit of an issue. Our tester car suffered a few glitches on the test drive. If you can ignore these bits the LR4 is a rewarding vehicle to own and a fantastic car to have if you need seven seats or just want the Land Rover badge. However, there are better alternates out there that are much better in terms of quality and running costs.

Likes: Luxurious ride on road and off-road with commanding view of the road ahead. Can seat up to seven yet doesn’t feel its size when you’re on the road.

Dislikes: Running costs will be high. Electrical issues questions long term reliability. No diesel engine option.

Devon's Quick Summary.

Performance: Eight-cylinder pulls well but is very thirsty.
Ride & handling: Isn't as sharp as an X5 but does a good job.
Behind the wheel: Excellent visibility with superb driving position.
Equipment: Well equipped but lacking a few items that should be standard.
Buying & owning: Isn't cheap to buy nor cheap to run.
Quality & Safety: Reliability is very questionable.

 Devon M 

(Used) Devon leaps into luxury with a Mercedes E-Class

The BMW 5-series and Audi A6 are both great sedans. Both are fun the drive and offer distinct personalities. But what if you don't want a conventional 5-series or an A6? You can always choose the Mercedes E-class.

Performance: The E-class comes with three gasoline engines and one diesel. The E350 comes with a 3.5liter six-cylinder with 268hp. Mid-range E350 BlueTech has 3-liter turbo-diesel with 210hp. Near the top is the E550 with 5.5-liter V8 with 382hp. Top of the range E63 AMG has a hefty 6.3-liter V8 with 518hp. Pick of the bunch is the turbo-diesel. It offers plenty of torque for city and motorway speeds. While offering better fuel economy than the base six-cylinder. The V8s are loads of fun to drive, but command a premium price.

Ride & Handling: The standard sport suspension on our tester car made the ride feel firmer than usual. Although it helped a lot in terms of handling, and even made the E-class feel well balanced on curves.  We'd stick to the standard suspension. There's an air-suspension system available, but it comes at a cost.

Refinement: At highway speeds, the E-class feels at peace. There's little wind and road noise. This is a very refined machine. The turbo-diesel produces very little rattle at idle and low speeds. When revved hard, it produces a nice snarl that's not intrusive or tiresome on long journeys.

Behind the wheel: The front seats feel comfortable with plenty of adjustments for one to get comfortable. Some will find the seat doesn't go low enough. The steering adjust for reach and height, making the ideal driving position very obtainable. Many of the fucntions are controlled with a central dial, but the on-screen menus can be distracting. The foot-operated parking brake and single stalk for the indicators and wipers can be a bit annoying as well.

Space & Practicality: There's plenty of room for four adults. Adding a fifth adult will be pushing it. The transmission tunnel is bulky and makes comfort for the middleman hard to obtain. The boot is big with a square floor, but the folding rear seats are an option.

Equipment: As with most luxury cars, the standard equipment list is extensive. There's plenty of options that will custom tailor to your desire. However, the price will jump up quickly if you're not careful with the options.

Buying & Owning: The E-class is a bit pricey compared to rivals. But with strong resale value, your investsments will be protected. The E-class offers competitive fuel economy and the eco-friendly diesel engine gets a tax credit from the government.

Quality & Reliability: The cabin of the E-class is sheer luxury. Something you'd expect from the company. Everything feels well put together, and the quality is what you'd expect from Mercedes. In terms of reliability, Mercedes has improved over the years. However, all the technology equipped on most E-class models may cause worry of electrical problems.

Safety & Security: The E-class comes with loads of safety features for your money. After all, if you're paying for luxury one would expect nothing less. A driver drowsiness detector and pop up bonnet to protect pedestrians in collisions are both standard. Lane-change and blind-spot warning systems are optional, as well as a night-vision camera. There's an engine immobilizer and alarm system. However, Merceds rejects deadlocks on safety grounds.

Likes: Turbo-diesel impressive performance and fuel economy, excellent fit and finish, prestige image of owning one.

Dislikes: Not as engaging to drive as you'd think, sport suspension has a firm ride, expensive compared to rivals, on-screen menus are distracting.

It's classy, stylish and offers a prestige image for those who seek traditional German Luxury. It's all luxury and conservative feel makes its rivals feel more engaging to drive. If you want a saloon that's roomy, comfortable and offers a good blend of style and luxury. Look no further than the E-class Saloon. However, if you desire more driver entertainment we suggest looking at the 5-series.

Devon M

Devon has a hoot with the Chevy SS

The Pontiac G8 brought hotrod V8 muscle with a bargain basement price. It was a real gem and offered the most bang for your buck. Sadly Pontiac was discontinued and the G8 was never continued on until now. The Chevy SS which GM hopes will continue the success that the G8 was much raved about. But is it just a lost cause?

On the road: The massive 6.2-liter LS3 eight-cylinder produces 415hp. Although this is the only engine choice available for the SS it’s actually quite entertaining to drive. Press hard and the SS emits a lovely V8 rumble that’s contagious. It screams for revs and loves the highway where it is a total hoot to drive. The SS has a limited slip differential which helps make the SS surprisingly easy to drive on twisty narrow roads. Brembo brakes are fitted standard in case you ever get too aggressive with the go-fast acceleration.

Behind the wheel: The front seats are very comfortable with plenty of support. The dashboard design is rather plain looking but is very user friendly to navigate through. Passenger space is very generous and the boot is absolutely enormous. The SS comes loaded with standard kit. HID headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch touch screen display come standard as well as leather appointed seats, Bluetooth and 10-way power adjustable driver seat and passenger seat.

Buying & owning: The SS won’t be cheap to run because of the massive eight-cylinder engine which will guzzle gas if you drive it the way it was intended to be driven, like a hooligan. But at least it is fun to drive and its price of admission is actually relatively low. The interior won’t feel world class but the materials used feel sturdy and long lasting. Plus reliability of its Vauxhall counterpart has been good so we see no reason why the SS shouldn’t be good too. Eight airbags comes standard as well as stability control and forward collision alert. Blind spot warning detection is standard as well as lane departure warning. Deadlocks and theft deterrent with alarm system are fitted as standard to keep theft at bay.

Overall: The Chevy SS is a real hooligan on the highway. The lovely rumble from the V8 is contagious and there’s plenty of grip too. If you want that muscle V8 sedan for a relatively low price look no further.

Likes: Total hoot to drive and the V8 emits the most contagious rumble. Not only is it fast but it has bucket loads of grip.

Dislikes: Running cost and limited availability are the only two we can really think of.