The 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV: A Masterclass in Sustainable Luxury Performance
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury SUVs, where innovation and sustainability are no longer optional but expected, the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV emerges as a truly compelling contender. Having spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of countless premium vehicles over the last decade, I can confidently say that Land Rover has delivered something special here – a plug-in hybrid that doesn’t just pay lip service to efficiency but integrates it seamlessly into a package of muscular good looks, unparalleled comfort, and genuine off-road capability. This isn’t just another luxury vehicle; it’s a thoughtful redefinition of what a high-performance SUV can be in the modern era.
Let’s cut right to the chase: plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, have often been a mixed bag. Many suffer from an identity crisis, offering too little electric range to be truly useful or relying on an internal combustion engine that kicks in at the slightest provocation, negating the EV benefits. The 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV, particularly the P460e variant I recently put through its paces, largely sidesteps these pitfalls. It’s an exemplary execution of the PHEV concept, proving that you can indeed have your cake and eat it too – enjoying a silent, emissions-free commute during the week and unleashing robust hybrid power for weekend adventures.
My journey began with a full charge, the trip computer optimistically displaying an electric range of 54-58 miles, a figure I observed consistently during subsequent charges. This is a crucial detail, as it’s a range that genuinely covers the vast majority of daily commutes for American drivers. For those who can charge at home or work, the experience is transformative. Over my initial 100 miles, with the battery topped up twice, a significant portion was driven purely on electric power. The result? A staggering average of 209.6 mpg. This isn’t a theoretical figure; it’s a testament to how effectively this luxury plug-in hybrid SUV can operate as an electric vehicle for everyday use.
The P460e’s electric motor, a 105-kilowatt (140-horsepower) unit nestled between the engine and transmission, provides ample motivation for the vehicle’s considerable 5,860-pound curb weight. While it won’t pin you to your seat with brute force in EV mode, it offers more than enough punch to keep pace with city traffic and confidently merge onto freeways. Crucially, the system defaults to EV mode, and the gasoline engine remains dormant unless the battery is depleted or you deliberately push the accelerator past a defined detent – a clever haptic feedback cue that tells you you’re about to summon fossil fuel power. This design choice speaks volumes about Land Rover’s commitment to prioritizing electric driving, a feature that significantly enhances the vehicle’s appeal for those seeking a sustainable luxury driving experience. There’s also a ‘Save’ mode, which is incredibly useful for preserving battery charge for later use, perhaps for navigating emissions-restricted urban zones or simply ensuring you have electric power available when you return home.
Of course, the true spirit of a Range Rover Sport often involves more than just quiet electric cruising. When you do engage the Hybrid mode, the P460e truly comes alive. The electric motor partners with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, culminating in a potent 454 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The engine ignites with a deep, refined thrum that belies its six-cylinder configuration, feeling much more premium than many V6s on the market. The immediate torque delivery from the electric motor provides an instantaneous surge, masking any turbo lag and ensuring seamless acceleration. Paired with a smooth and highly responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain launches the heavy SUV from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.3 seconds. For those seeking even more thrill, the step-up P550e plug-in hybrid powertrain, available in higher trims, boosts output to 542 horsepower and slashes the 0-60 mph time to an even more impressive 4.7 seconds, thanks to a larger 218-hp motor. This level of premium SUV performance is precisely what discerning drivers expect from the Range Rover Sport lineage.
Once the electric range is exhausted, and the gasoline engine takes over full-time, the P460e still manages respectable fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and power, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 22 highway, and 21 combined. While the initial triple-digit MPG figures are exhilarating, real-world driving in Hybrid mode without recharging will naturally see those numbers drop. After my stint of pure EV driving, another 110 miles in Hybrid mode brought the overall fuel economy down to 36.2 mpg – still remarkably efficient for a powerful and heavy SUV. The key, as with any PHEV, is consistent charging to maximize its efficiency potential. For those looking to optimize their vehicle financing options and running costs, understanding this charging dynamic is essential.
Now, let’s talk dynamics. Adding approximately 800 pounds of battery and electric motor components does impact the Range Rover Sport’s handling. This isn’t the nimble, track-focused luxury crossover of some previous generations. There’s a noticeable degree of body lean in aggressive turns, a touch of understeer, and only modest road feel through the weightier steering. If your primary concern is razor-sharp handling, this might give you pause. However, it’s crucial to contextualize this: the Range Rover Sport PHEV is engineered for a different kind of dynamic excellence, one centered around unparalleled ride comfort.
And in that regard, it absolutely excels. My test model, equipped with optional 285/45R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires, worked in concert with the standard air suspension and adaptive dampers to create an isolation chamber from the harsh realities of the road. Bumps and imperfections are not merely softened; they’re virtually erased. This isn’t just an excellent ride for an SUV; it’s a ride quality that rivals some of the most prestigious luxury sedans on the market, like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The sophisticated vehicle engineering involved in achieving this level of comfort is truly commendable, making every journey, long or short, an exercise in serene refinement.
For those who do prioritize sharper handling, Land Rover offers a solution in the form of the $7,185 Stormer Handling Package. This comprehensive upgrade introduces active anti-roll bars, powered by a 48-volt electrical system, and rear-axle steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 7.3 degrees in opposition to the fronts. The active anti-roll bars would undoubtedly provide superior body roll control, while the rear-axle steering would not only tighten the turning circle – a boon in urban environments – but also enhance high-speed stability during cornering. It’s a package I’d highly recommend for any buyer who frequently finds themselves on winding roads or values a more engaging driving experience.
Beyond the paved road, the Range Rover Sport maintains its legendary off-road capability. The air suspension isn’t just for comfort; it’s a fundamental enabler of its adventurous spirit. Standard ground clearance of 8.5 inches can be boosted to an impressive 10.8 inches in Off-Road mode, providing ample clearance for tackling challenging obstacles. Conversely, it can lower the vehicle by two inches, making ingress, egress, or loading cargo significantly easier. Standard all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, hill descent control, and a low-speed cruise control system (operable from 1.8 to 19 mph) underscore its rugged credentials.
The Terrain Response 2 system, a hallmark of Land Rover’s advanced driver assistance systems, automatically optimizes vehicle settings for various surfaces and offers tailored modes like Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, Wade, and Grass Gravel Snow. Short front and rear overhangs further contribute to its agility off-pavement. While the all-season tires are a compromise for extreme mud and sand, they are perfectly suited for the vast majority of light to moderate off-road excursions that most owners will undertake. This blend of luxury comfort with serious off-road prowess truly distinguishes the Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV as a versatile and sophisticated vehicle.
Stepping inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of modern luxury and automotive interior design. The SEL Dynamic’s standard features include sumptuous Windsor leather upholstery, 20-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. My tester further elevated the experience with an optional 19-speaker, 800-watt Meridian audio system ($1,200) – an absolute must for audiophiles – and heated and ventilated outboard rear seats ($300). The tactile quality of the materials is excellent, with attractive charcoal gray fabric accents on the door panels, piano black trim on the center console, and tastefully integrated metallic elements, creating an ambiance of understated elegance.
Technology is front and center, featuring a sharp 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a prominent 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity ensure seamless integration of your digital life. However, this is where my expert critique introduces a slight caveat: the touchscreen absorbs almost all vehicle controls, including climate settings. While this creates an undeniably clean and minimalist dashboard aesthetic, it often requires delving into menus for functions that should be accessible with a simple button push. In a brand that has, at times, faced a reputation for electronic gremlins, over-reliance on a single touchscreen for critical functions feels like a minor misstep, albeit one many modern luxury vehicles are making. It’s a design choice that prioritizes form over ultimate function in some instances.
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV starts at a premium, with the P460e beginning at $96,725, including a $1,625 destination fee. This represents a $4,300 premium over the base inline-six model, a justifiable increase given the added efficiency and electric driving capability. My comprehensively equipped tester pushed the price to $106,405. Given my experience, I would absolutely recommend adding the Stormer Handling Package to unlock the full dynamic potential of this weighty machine. For those with an even greater appetite for performance and luxury, moving up to the Autobiography trim with its more powerful P550e powertrain at $121,260 presents a compelling proposition. While the top-tier SV Edition Two model at $182,550 offers extreme performance, it enters a rarefied segment that appeals to a very specific niche.
In conclusion, the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV is a triumph of sophisticated vehicle engineering and a benchmark for luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs. It’s a vehicle that excels on multiple fronts: providing genuinely useful electric range, offering potent and refined hybrid performance, delivering an exceptionally comfortable ride, and retaining the brand’s formidable off-road capability. While its handling can be improved with an optional package and its tech interface demands some adaptation, these are minor criticisms against a backdrop of overwhelming strengths. For discerning buyers in 2025 seeking a premium SUV that perfectly blends luxury, performance, and a clear commitment to sustainable driving, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is not just a good choice; it’s arguably one of the best on the market.
