2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR | Why Buy?

Expensive and compromise-free.

Seyth Miersma

By: Seyth Miersma

Nov 16, 2017 at 9:00am ET

Comment

– Detroit, Michigan

The very idea that one can mix a sports car’s ability with a hard-core off-roader’s operational envelope, is silly. And while it’s easy to label the Range Rover Sport SVR “silly” for just that reason, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also point out just how wonderful this kind of frivolity can be.

Stuffing 550 horsepower, produced from a sonorous 5.0-liter V8, into this rakish, brutal, SUV profile is downright mean. But the SVR treatment has undeniable appeal, as I found on the first open stretch of road. Not only does a dip into the throttle rocket this big vehicle forward with a rapidity that belies its market segment, but it remains composed and entertaining even when the tarmac gets twisty.

And, of course, it’s still a Range Rover. Which means that, even though I didn’t do much off-roading in this sexy red hunk of metal, the option for getting muddy, but not getting stuck, is always on the table.

Most Why Buy? reviews – there’s a new one every week, if you haven’t noticed – focus on vehicles that real people can afford to put in the driveway. But you’ll forgive us the occasional six-figure indulgence, when the vehicle at issue is this much fun to talk about. Enjoy.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch Why Buy? every Thursday and lots more new car review content.