It’s very nearly 10 years now since the Range Rover Sport SVR was reviewed, those very early test cars actually rolling around on ‘64 plates for a March 2015 launch. Can it really be a decade already of SVRs rollicking about the UK? It was a notable period in fact, both uber Range Rover and the first Porsche Cayman GT4 launching at around the same time. Back then it looked like a fine two-car garage; if anything time has only strengthened that impression.
Both cars were exciting for similar reasons; in the same way that the Cayman had never had a GT variant in its 10 years, so the Range Rover Sport - on sale for the same amount of time - had never had a true performance derivative to take on the Cayenne Turbos, X5 Ms and ML AMGs of this world. A supercharged V8 had been a feature of the range for years, albeit without the dynamic intent of a proper flagship model.
The SVR changed all that in unforgettable fashion. Of course, the hellraising engine was the party piece, complete with 550hp and a sound to die for, but the chassis overhaul really was very clever indeed. This could still be like any other Range Rover Sport, complete with sumptuous refinement and proper off-road ability (with the right wheels and tyres on), yet the SVR could also boast real poise, focus and feedback as well. It was a properly gratifying driver’s car full stop (not just for an SUV) and one that could show up a fair few sports saloons for ability, engagement and excitement.
Which is why everyone was smitten with the SVR. Perhaps the image was a tad OTT for some, but the driving experience was glorious. It wasn’t quite as stiff or quite as capable as alternatives like the Porsche, but for fast road progress in Britain there really wasn’t any better. The SVR proved that JLR was more than capable of mixing it with the best when it came to hot SUVs, so it continued with cars like the wonderful F-Pace SVR and Velar SVAutobiography. Had this not been such a success, we’d probably not have the Defender Octa and Sport SV today.
Oh sure, it drank like a university hockey team and the screen was fiddly 10 years ago - both traits won’t be any easier to deal with now - but crucially the SVR was so much more than the blue paint, a big engine and a loud exhaust. So much so, in fact, that it’s hard not to wistfully look over this 2015 example and think about how long you could run one for. What a wonderful fortnight it could be.
It’s covered 50,000 miles with two owners, the MOT lasts until next January, and the worst thing that could be said about the condition is that some leather now looks a tad shiny. We’ve all seen a few iffy SVRs since 2015, complete with black wheels and bad wraps - so this one seems particularly nice. And it’s £30k, or less than a third of the new £93,450 price (which was often more than £100k with options). While never going to be a cheap car to run, it’s easy to imagine an SVR proving a totally charming one over time. And it’s hardly like the other V8 SUVs are budget-friendly alternatives. All that’s needed now is the GT4 to go alongside…
SPECIFICATION | RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR
Engine: 5,000cc supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,000-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 501@2,500-5,500rpm
MPG: 22.1 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 298g/km
Year registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 50,782
Price new: £93,450 (before options)
Yours for: £29,950
1 / 4
