Embracing Jerry McGovern’s preference for minimalistic design, The Madrid EDITION served as an ideal setting for the recent Range Rover global drive event, introducing its 2023 Sport model and plug-in hybrid debut a few weeks ago. Showcasing features like all-wheel steering, a hybrid powertrain, and adaptive off-road cruise control, the latest luxury SUV from the esteemed British automaker effortlessly navigated highways and challenging off-road terrains while turning heads in the style-conscious Spanish capital.
Innovative Luxury: A Glimpse of the New Range Rover Sport
We were chauffeured to the towns of Algete and Soto de Mozanque, the historic former hunting lodge of Spanish noble Count de las Torres and now owned by the Duke of Albuquerque, to witness the unveiling of the Range Rover Sport P530 First Edition. Adorned in a captivating Firenze Red exterior with black contrast roof, privacy glass, and 23-inch gloss black rims wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, this vehicle was a mesmerizing vision.
Having been one of the top-selling luxury SUVs since its inception in 2005, the third-generation Sport evidently draws inspiration from modernist architectural design. Its sleek silhouette, refined styling, hidden door handles, slender LED taillights, and squared exhaust tips contribute to its elegant and minimalist aesthetics, setting it apart effortlessly.
The interior exudes sophistication, featuring perforated Ultrafabrics in Light Cloud and Ebony. Jaguar Land Rover’s partnership with the animal-free leather brand Ultrafabrics provides an eco-conscious alternative, offering a sustainable, lightweight material with a premium look and feel akin to genuine leather. Equipped with the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system and a mix of physical buttons for climate control and volume adjustment, the cabin ensures a seamless fusion of technology and functionality.
From Algete to Central Madrid
Following a light breakfast and an insightful address by Global Brand Communications Director Richard Agnew, honoring the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II and acknowledging Jaguar Land Rover’s period of official mourning, we embarked on our journey back to Madrid with our assigned driving partners. As a returning participant, I navigated the seat adjustments and mirrors with more confidence this time, opting to disable the Clearview camera feature that had previously been a source of mixed feelings.
Traveling along the E-5 and A-1 routes towards central Madrid and our next destination, the National Prado Museum for an exclusive tour of the art restoration department, we experienced the power of the new Sport models. With a range of powertrains available, we were behind the wheel of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, delivering 523 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for rapid acceleration, achieving 0-to-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The dynamic air suspension, combined with all-wheel steering, provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, leaving a lasting impression on me.
‘Simplicity in Design’
The active noise-canceling system in the cabin ensured a serene environment, complemented by noise-reducing door fabrics, allowing for voice commands through services like Amazon Alexa without the need to reach for my smartphone, which was conveniently charging on the center console pad. While the navigation system was preset, my partner found it intuitive to navigate through the settings, ensuring a seamless driving experience. Despite a minor detour on a smaller roundabout, we managed to stay on track through the bustling city streets, unlike some fellow drivers from the group who faced challenges finding their way back to central Madrid that day.
While the traffic on the highways remained manageable, the pace quickened as we approached downtown Madrid, with abrupt lane changes and sporadic use of turn signals becoming more common. The Sport’s driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, and autonomous emergency braking, proved invaluable in navigating the bustling city traffic, ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Although situations like missed lane exits and encounters with assertive drivers tested our driving skills, the Sport’s advanced assistance systems offered reliable support throughout the challenging urban drive.
As we encountered intricacies like disappearing lane markings on larger roundabouts in central Madrid, presenting an unexpected driving challenge, we embraced the dynamic nature of the journey. Despite a few heart-stopping moments, including a memorable encounter with a spirited driver on the M-30 expressway, we reached our rendezvous point behind the Prado Museum unscathed, marking the successful completion of a thrilling day of driving through the vibrant city.
The Sport’s performance remained exceptional throughout, earning a moment of self-congratulation during the pre-dinner drinks at The EDITION bar, reflecting on the exhilarating drive experience through central Madrid during rush hour.
Electric Power: Autobiography P510e PHEV
The following day, a fleet of Range Rover PHEVs in Varesine Blue were meticulously parked outside The EDITION MADRID, heralding a new driving experience. As my partner joined me after breakfast, the cabin ambiance exuded luxury and refinement, boasting a Raven Blue and Ebony color palette in high-quality Ultrafabrics. However, the highlight of the day was the introduction of the Autobiography P510e plug-in hybrid model, featuring a 3-liter petrol straight six engine paired with a 32kWh battery pack, offering an impressive electric-only range of 70 miles.
Embarking on our journey, guided by the navigation system through the winding streets around the hotel, we transitioned to broader roads leading to the N-VI motorway en route to the municipality of Torrelodones northwest of Madrid. Navigating through mountainous terrain on the M-601 road, adorned with pine trees and picturesque views, we ascended to 6,102 feet, passing by scenic spots like Navacerrada and the Valle de la Barranca nature reserve in the Sierra Norte de Guadarrama. Engaging the default Parallel Hybrid mode, combining gas and electric power, the PHEV delivered robust performance and seamless acceleration on challenging hairpin turns and switchbacks, offering a thrilling driving experience.
Amidst the scenic drive, we indulged in the comfort of massaging seats and explored the Apple CarPlay connectivity, curating a playlist featuring various artists like Beyonce, Sam Smith, and Robyn. The headrest speakers and premium Meridian sound system left us impressed, enhancing the overall driving experience. With a power output of 502 horsepower, the PHEV exhibited impressive acceleration capabilities, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds while maintaining a maximum speed of 150 mph. Adhering to legal speed limits, we savored the performance without pushing the vehicle to its limits, culminating in a smooth and enjoyable drive towards our next destination: the off-road course at Finca Aldeallana.
Seamless Off-Road Adventure
Navigating off the main road onto a rugged track, we encountered a gentleman amidst the wilderness, embodying the pristine beauty of the surroundings.the shrubs gesturing for us to halt, indicating the moment has arrived to test the superior capabilities of the PHEV on Range Rover’s challenging off-road circuit. Indeed, with street tires. We are instructed to engage the Terrain Response System and transition to low mode. Luckily, a team of specialists is available to assist us through tight gateways, numerous incredibly steep slopes, and past a completely unfazed bovine. The rigorous dust-covered path serves as an ideal examination for off-road driving modes, including the innovative Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control system.
The 360-degree camera allowed me to observe every rock somewhat unsettlingly, although I found it difficult to tear my gaze away from the windshield. The camera enabled my vision to penetrate through the hood and expose the ground below – or in this case, a steep metal slope ‘crafted to exhibit the vehicle’s ability to conquer angles effortlessly’ – that we were ascending. My pulse quickened during various segments, particularly the foot-off-the-brake descent on the opposite side of said steep metal incline.
Post a delightful farm meal, Tom Harrison, the amiable Senior PR Officer from Range Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations unit, provided us with a tour of a stunning Range Rover SV long wheelbase (LWB) positioned in the courtyard. The renowned Champagne cooler – complete with a chilled Veuve Clicquot bottle and Waterford glassware – made an appearance, the Signature Suite Executive Class rear seats were reclined, and an airline-style table unfolded. The lustrous Icy White exterior finish looked incredibly tasteful against the Corinthian Bronze contrasting roof and Caraway leather interior, but with an initial cost of approximately $220,000 for such sophisticated rear seat luxuries, it’s a Range possibly more suitable for those requiring a chauffeur.
Return to Madrid
Some of the group opted to drive back to Madrid, while a few journalists, myself included, chose to be driven in the Range Rover SV P510e Electric Hybrid. Following the two-hour mountain pass route and the thrill of the off-road course, it was a delight to relax and observe the countryside unfold as we headed back towards the city via a more direct route.
Amid our SV overview, Tom mentioned that the PHEV’s hybrid system utilizes advanced e-Horizon navigation data to optimize energy consumption for travel in low-emission zones. Madrid presently features two Special Low Emission Protection Zones – the Central District and Plaza Elíptica – with intentions for the complete city to transition into a Low Emission Zone by 2025. He suggests keeping an eye out for when the P510e detects this and switches to pure EV mode. Regrettably, I fail to notice as, akin to the First Edition, the journey feels seamless, and in no time, we find ourselves outside the hotel, discussing spa treatments, dinner reservations, and sangria.
Those interested in exploring off-roading with Range Rover in the US should visit one of the Land Rover Experience Centers in Manchester, Vermont, Asheville, North Carolina, or Carmel, California, offering programs for novice off-roaders and Land Rover owners eager to get their wheels – and possibly Hunter boots – muddy.
The Range Rover Sport commences at $83,000, the Sport PHEV at $104,900, and the Sport First Edition at $121,500. It’s also worth mentioning that an all-electric variant is set for release in 2024. For further information, visit landroverusa.com.
Image Source: BoJack / Shutterstock
