All grown up

The Range Rover's younger sibling has grown in size, but seems to have been able to retain its sportiness 

- Afzal Rawuther

Land Rover has launched the new, third-generation Range Rover Sport in India. Bookings have been open for six months and deliveries have now started. Prices begin at Rs. 1.64 crore for the D350 Dynamic SE, going all the way up to Rs. 1.84 crore for the D350 First Edition (all prices, ex-showroom India). The Range Rover Sport, like some other models in the brand's lineup, will be CBU only.

While we expect to be driving it soon, we were invited for a static preview of the Range Rover's younger, sportier sibling. We were greeted by the P400 Dynamic HSE, but buyers have five options to choose from as of now. There's the D350 Dynamic SE, P400 Dynamic HSE, the D350 Dynamic HSE, D350 Autobiography and D350 First Edition. It has to be noted that the First Edition, like all First Editions of the brand, will be available only during the first year after launch in India.

There are two engine options, a 3.0-litre petrol straight-six with mild-hybrid tech and a diesel unit with mild-hybrid tech of the same size. The petrol motor is only available in the sole trim that we previewed. Both the engines come mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. As you'd expect from a Range Rover, all trims get 4WD and also come with air suspension as standard (its party trick is that you can raise or lower the suspension for off-roading and easy access, respectively). There is no dearth of off-road kit either and the new Range Rover Sport has 900mm of water wading capability, an updated All Terrain Progress Control system and up to 281mm of ground clearance.