When the Range Rover Sport first debuted, it’s fair to say it didn’t immediately win everyone over. Some felt the design was a little off, the interior didn’t quite match the premium price, and even in Supercharged guise, the “Sport” moniker seemed a bit of a stretch in terms of outright performance. However, Land Rover seemed to be paying attention to the feedback. For 2010, the Range Rover Sport received a significant overhaul. The question is, did this refresh transform the Sport from a merely expensive SUV into something truly desirable, even for those traditionally drawn to other brands? We spent a week behind the wheel, courtesy of Tata, to find out if the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged lives up to the hype.
In today’s crowded SUV market, buyers are spoiled for choice. But when it comes to vehicles that combine genuine off-road prowess with luxury, the conversation quickly narrows to a select few, with Jeep and Land Rover often leading the discussion. While Jeep certainly has its off-road credentials, Land Rover boasts a unique distinction: the Royal Warrant as “Manufacturers of Land Rover Vehicles By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen.” Though one might jest about who else would manufacture a Land Rover, this royal seal underscores the brand’s long-standing association with luxury and capability.
Royal warrants aside, the Range Rover has long been synonymous with luxury off-road travel. Despite some sales fluctuations and changes in ownership over the years, Tata Motors, the current stewards of the brand, have continued the work started by Ford in enhancing product quality. Back in 2004, Ford envisioned a Range Rover model that offered a blend of off-road capability with improved on-road performance, all at a slightly more accessible price point. The result was the Range Rover Sport, built on the Discovery 3 platform, styled to echo the Range Rover aesthetic, and equipped with Range Rover engines. While perhaps not a full-fledged “Sport” model in the traditional sense, nor quite a true Range Rover, it offered a taste of premium design at a more accessible price bracket.
Front view of the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged, showcasing its updated front fascia and overall design
The 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged doesn’t present a dramatically different exterior to the previous model. The sloping rear window, a point of contention for some, remains unchanged. However, stepping inside reveals where significant improvements have been made. The interior of the 2010 model elevates the vehicle to a level befitting its $82,000 (as tested) price tag. From the meticulously crafted wood trim to the beautifully stitched dashboard, the cabin now exudes a world-class ambiance. Despite these upgrades, the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged is fundamentally a facelift. The underlying dashboard design and some ergonomic quirks from the previous model persist.
One such carryover is the navigation screen. Its angle and placement make it susceptible to glare, rendering it difficult to read in bright sunlight. Another peculiarity is the horn activation; instead of pressing the center of the airbag cover, you must use the silver bars on either side of the steering wheel. For a vehicle of its considerable size, the interior storage is surprisingly limited, with few cubbies for stowing items. The placement of the iPod and USB connectors inside the center console lid is also less than ideal. Accessing the refrigerator within the center console – a feature admittedly worth having – inadvertently disconnects your device. For the price point, relocating these connectors to one of the two glove boxes, especially considering the upper glove box’s limited utility, seems like a missed opportunity.
Interior of the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged, highlighting the updated dashboard, leather upholstery, and wood trim
Further interaction with the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged reveals additional usability challenges. The navigation and infotainment system, controlling phone and vehicle functions, is far from intuitive. Bluetooth pairing is a convoluted process, and operating the rear-seat DVD entertainment system proves equally frustrating. Instead of a conveniently located DVD player, it’s hidden behind an unlabeled panel in the cargo area, barely large enough for the cartridge. Once a disc is loaded, each rear screen must be activated individually through the front navigation/control screen. Deciphering the included infrared remote control for video playback proved unsuccessful during our test. After a considerable 45 minutes wrestling with the DVD player, navigating the infotainment, and setting a destination, the driving experience finally commenced. And it’s here where the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged truly redeems itself. This substantial vehicle, clad in wood and leather, accelerates with surprising ferocity, channeling sports car performance in an SUV package.
Side profile of the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged accelerating on a paved road, emphasizing its sporty stance
Under the hood, the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged shares its engine with the Jaguar XFR. The all-new 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers a potent 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant power increase over the previous 2009 Supercharged model, which produced a comparatively modest 390 horsepower. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a 6-speed ZF transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, as expected in a Range Rover.
“Savage” is perhaps the most fitting descriptor for the power delivery of the Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Land Rover officially quotes a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. However, independent testing revealed consistently faster times. Using a G-Tech accelerometer, we recorded times no slower than 5.2 seconds. To verify these results, a second test was conducted with another 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged from a local dealer, yielding similar 5.2-second 0-60 mph times. These figures place this SUV in the performance territory of some serious sports cars. While BMW is known for understating performance figures, Land Rover’s surprisingly conservative numbers are a welcome revelation.
This new generation of the Jaguar AJ V8 engine incorporates variable valve timing and direct injection. These enhancements contribute to a claimed 15% improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. One minor critique related to the powertrain is the exhaust note. Despite the prodigious power, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged is remarkably quiet. Fitting the XFR’s exhaust system would have added a more visceral auditory dimension to the driving experience. The sheer power of the engine does, however, bring the laws of physics into play when it comes to handling. Land Rover has equipped the Sport Supercharged with substantial brakes and wide tires to mitigate this. However, attempting to corner this nearly three-ton SUV at high speeds will inevitably encounter grip limitations.
Comparisons to the BMW X5 M are inevitable in the realm of performance SUVs. While securing an X5 M for a direct comparison proved challenging, an extended test drive at a local BMW dealership provided valuable insights. Compared to the X5 M, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged doesn’t quite match its outright handling prowess or its assertive road presence. However, the Range Rover offers a unique sense of occasion and understated capability. The BMW X5 M, with its M badging, aggressive styling, and reduced off-road focus, is arguably less versatile. Despite its 510 horsepower, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged retains the adjustable height dynamic air suspension found in standard Sport models. This allows for a remarkable combination of abilities: fording depths up to 27.6 inches, tackling off-road trails, and delivering impressive acceleration on paved roads.
Range Rover Sport Supercharged demonstrating off-road capability on a rocky terrain, highlighting its air suspension and ground clearance
For owners who intend to venture off the beaten path, the Terrain Response system simplifies off-road driving. This system, soon to be adopted by Ford and emulated by Chrysler, allows drivers to select the terrain type, and the vehicle automatically optimizes settings such as differential locking, power distribution, and traction control intervention. The system even displays 4×4 information on the navigation screen, showing differential lock status, wheel articulation, suspension height, and selected range. However, despite its off-road capability, caution is advised, even in urban environments. Kerbing wheels, as experienced in a San Francisco parking garage, can occur surprisingly easily.
In conclusion, the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged emerges as a compelling “man-wagon”—rugged, capable, stylish, and remarkably fast. While most owners may not regularly engage its off-road capabilities, the knowledge of its inherent potential provides a reassuring sense of preparedness for any eventuality. If you’re considering a high-performance vehicle but require SUV versatility and all-weather capability, the 2010 Range Rover Sport Supercharged, despite some minor flaws, represents a compelling option and comes remarkably close to SUV perfection.
(The original article included a Q&A section from Facebook readers, which is omitted here as per instructions.)
