2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV Review: A Masterclass in Sustainable Luxury Performance
In the ever-evolving landscape of premium automotive engineering, where the pursuit of power often collides with the imperative for sustainability, few vehicles manage to strike a harmonious balance. Yet, as we navigate the promising innovations of 2025, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV emerges as a definitive statement. This isn’t just another luxury SUV; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of electric efficiency, exhilarating performance, and the quintessential Range Rover pedigree, redefined for a new era of discerning drivers.
My recent extended tenure with the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV, specifically the P460e variant, offered a profound insight into what truly sets this vehicle apart. Just over 100 miles into my initial journey, the trip computer displayed an astonishing average of 209.6 mpg. This seemingly miraculous figure isn’t an illusion; it’s a testament to the intelligent integration of its plug-in hybrid system, augmented by two full charges that each bestowed at least 50 miles of pure electric range. A significant portion of those initial miles—around 100, to be precise—were traversed on
electricity alone. This, unequivocally, is how a sophisticated plug-in hybrid should operate, providing genuine utility and guilt-free propulsion, all encased within the Range Rover Sport’s undeniably masculine aesthetics and legendary off-road capabilities.
Redefining PHEV Utility: Powering the Future, Today
One of the long-standing criticisms leveled against many plug-in hybrids has been their often-anemic electric powertrains, which frequently necessitate the immediate engagement of the combustion engine under even moderate throttle inputs or at highway speeds. Furthermore, the limited battery capacities of many competitors often render their electric-only ranges more theoretical than practical for daily use. The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV meticulously addresses and largely mitigates these traditional shortcomings, presenting a solution that feels genuinely transformative.
My experience with the P460e powertrain, while representing the lesser of the two PHEV options available, was nothing short of impressive. Its 105-kilowatt (140-horsepower) electric motor, strategically positioned between the engine and transmission, may not sound like a Herculean output for an SUV weighing a substantial 5,860 pounds. However, the immediate torque delivery characteristic of electric motors proved more than sufficient to effortlessly keep pace with bustling city traffic and gracefully ascend to freeway cruising speeds without a hint of strain or the need to awaken the internal combustion engine. The vehicle’s default operation in EV mode is a deliberate design choice, ensuring that the engine remains dormant unless the battery charge is depleted, or the driver deliberately floors the throttle past a predetermined detent. Throughout my initial 101 miles, the engine only stirred when I consciously selected Hybrid mode, underscoring the system’s commitment to maximizing electric driving. For those moments when preserving electric range for later urban travel is paramount, the intelligent Save mode allows drivers to maintain the current battery charge level.
At the heart of this exceptional electric performance lies a generously sized 31.8-kilowatt-hour battery. This substantial energy reservoir translates to an EPA-rated 53 miles of electric range, a figure that, in my real-world testing, often surpassed expectations, with the onboard computer indicating 54 and even 58 miles after a full charge. For the vast majority of daily commutes and local errands, this extended range means the Range Rover Sport PHEV can operate as a pure electric vehicle for a significant portion of its life, dramatically reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This level of practical EV range distinguishes it sharply within the luxury plug-in hybrid SUV segment, truly offering a credible dual identity.
Unleashing Combined Power: The Heart of the Beast
While the electric mode handles daily duties with remarkable composure, the full might of the Range Rover Sport PHEV is unleashed when the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine joins forces with the electric motor in Hybrid mode. This formidable pairing produces a combined 454 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, offering a level of high-performance hybrid capability that belies its eco-conscious leanings. The engine itself, a refined inline-six, comes to life with a deep, resonant thrum that conveys a sense of sophistication, far removed from the more agricultural sounds sometimes associated with V6 units. Power delivery is instant and seamless, a direct benefit of the electric motor’s immediate torque, which also expertly fills any gaps during shifts of the impeccably smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is an SUV capable of rocketing from 0-60 mph in a swift 5.3 seconds, a truly impressive feat for a vehicle of its stature and weight.
For those demanding even greater reserves of power, the step-up P550e plug-in hybrid powertrain is available. This variant elevates the output to a staggering 542 horsepower, thanks to a more potent 218-hp electric motor, shaving the 0-60 mph time to an even more blistering 4.7 seconds. This option caters to an exclusive clientele seeking the pinnacle of dynamic driving experience within a plug-in hybrid framework, showcasing Land Rover’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of advanced powertrain technology.
Naturally, engaging the gasoline engine, particularly with such compelling performance on tap, does introduce a degree of inefficiency. The P460e is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 22 highway, and 21 combined when operating solely on gasoline. After my extensive electric driving, a subsequent 110-mile stint in Hybrid mode saw the fuel economy settle at 36.2 mpg. While a noticeable drop from the triple-digit EV figures, it remains commendably efficient for a powerful, heavy SUV, especially one capable of such rapid acceleration. This figure, of course, can be significantly improved with consistent charging habits, underscoring the driver’s role in maximizing the PHEV’s inherent efficiencies.
A Ride Like No Other: Comfort Meets Capability
The integration of a plug-in hybrid system, while offering immense benefits, inevitably comes with a weight penalty. The Range Rover Sport PHEV carries an additional 800 pounds compared to its non-hybrid counterparts. This added mass does impact the vehicle’s dynamic characteristics. This isn’t the lithe, corner-carving luxury crossover of previous generations. There’s a noticeable degree of body lean in aggressive turns, a tendency towards understeer at the limits, and only a modest amount of road feel communicated through the weighty steering. For the purists seeking razor-sharp handling, this might initially seem a drawback.
However, to focus solely on this aspect would be to miss the Range Rover Sport’s true dynamic genius. What it concedes in outright agility, it more than compensates for with an unparalleled ride comfort that few, if any, SUVs on the market can genuinely rival. My tester, equipped with optional 285/45R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires working in concert with the standard air suspension and adaptive dampers, effectively vaporized road imperfections. Bumps, undulations, and even significant potholes were absorbed with such remarkable composure that they were almost entirely obscured from the cabin. This isn’t merely an excellent ride for an SUV; it is a ride quality that would be lauded in a flagship luxury sedan like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This extraordinary capability to isolate occupants from the harsh realities of the road surface elevates the Range Rover Sport PHEV into an exclusive echelon of premium comfort vehicles.
For buyers who nonetheless prioritize a more engaged and controlled handling experience, Land Rover offers a compelling solution: the optional $7,185 Stormer Handling Package. This comprehensive upgrade introduces active anti-roll bars, powered by a sophisticated 48-volt electrical system, which dramatically reduce body lean during cornering. Additionally, rear-axle steering, capable of turning the rear wheels up to 7.3 degrees opposite the fronts, significantly tightens the turning circle at low speeds, making urban maneuvers remarkably agile, while simultaneously enhancing stability during high-speed cornering. This package transforms the Range Rover Sport PHEV from an exceptionally comfortable cruiser into a more responsive and dynamically assured performer, offering a true dynamic luxury SUV experience.
Beyond the Pavement: The Uncompromising Off-Road Legacy
While the Range Rover Sport PHEV excels in urban environments and on the open highway, its heart remains firmly rooted in Land Rover’s storied tradition of uncompromising off-road capability. The standard air suspension is, once again, a cornerstone of this prowess. It provides a respectable 8.5 inches of ground clearance in its standard setting, a figure that rises to an impressive 10.8 inches in Off-Road mode, allowing the vehicle to confidently clear formidable obstacles on the trail. For improved ingress and egress, or for loading heavy cargo into the spacious rear, the suspension can also be lowered by two inches, showcasing its practical versatility.
Complementing this adjustable clearance are a host of dedicated off-road features. Standard all-wheel drive, paired with a robust locking center differential, ensures maximum traction across diverse terrains. For the truly adventurous, an available two-speed transfer case provides the necessary torque multiplication for extreme low-speed crawling. Hill descent control manages steep descents with precision, while a low-speed cruise control system, adjustable from a deliberate 1.8 mph up to 19 mph, allows drivers to focus entirely on steering input when navigating challenging trails. At the core of its intelligence lies the Terrain Response 2 system, which automatically senses the driving surface and adjusts various vehicle systems – including powertrain, suspension, and traction control – for optimal performance. Drivers can also manually select from specifically tailored modes such as Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, Wade (offering impressive wading depth), and Grass Gravel Snow, each finely tuned for superior grip and control.
Short front and rear overhangs are crucial design elements that further enhance the vehicle’s off-road geometry, minimizing the risk of scraping during steep ascents and descents. It’s worth noting, however, that while the standard Pirelli all-season tires perform admirably on pavement and light trails, serious off-road enthusiasts tackling deep mud or loose sand would undoubtedly benefit from a dedicated set of all-terrain tires to unlock the Range Rover Sport’s full adventure-ready SUV potential. This combination of off-road plug-in hybrid capability truly broadens its appeal.
The Sanctum Within: Interior Sophistication and Modern Tech
Stepping into the cockpit of the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV is to enter a sanctuary of modern luxury, where the sophisticated ambiance perfectly complements the vehicle’s exceptional ride quality. The Dynamic SE trim level comes replete with an array of standard luxury features designed to pamper occupants. This includes sumptuous Windsor leather upholstery, offering a tactile and visual treat, paired with 20-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of external conditions. A heated steering wheel adds another touch of refinement, particularly welcome on chilly mornings. My review vehicle further elevated this experience with the optional 19-speaker, 800-watt Meridian audio system ($1,200), delivering a rich, immersive soundstage, and heated and ventilated outboard rear seats ($300), extending the comfort to back-seat passengers. The cabin’s aesthetic is thoughtfully curated, balancing the premium leather with elegant charcoal gray fabric accents on the door panels, sleek piano black trim on the center console, and subtle touches of metallic trim, creating an environment that feels both contemporary and inviting.
Technologically, the Range Rover Sport PHEV is at the forefront of automotive infotainment trends 2025. A crisp 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster provides a customizable and intuitive display of vital driving information. Central to the cabin is a commanding 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, acting as the primary interface for a myriad of functions. This system seamlessly integrates wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for effortless smartphone connectivity, and Amazon Alexa compatibility for voice-activated commands. The decision to absorb almost all controls, including climate settings, into the touchscreen, while creating an undeniably clean and minimalist dashboard layout, does present a learning curve. I often found myself diving into menus for functions that, in a more traditional setup, would be a simple button press away. This design choice, while aesthetically pleasing, might raise eyebrows given Land Rover’s historical reputation for occasional electronic gremlins, making the user experience luxury vehicle a balance of innovation and practicality.
Investment in Excellence: Pricing and Value
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV (P460e) carries a starting MSRP of $96,725, which includes a $1,625 destination fee. This positions it as a significant investment, standing $4,300 above the base inline-six variant, a premium justified by the advanced plug-in hybrid technology and enhanced efficiency. My comprehensively equipped tester, with its array of desirable options, arrived at a sticker price of $106,405. For prospective buyers, I would highly recommend considering the Stormer Handling Package. While it adds to the cost, the tangible improvements in dynamic control and agility significantly enhance the driving experience, especially for those who appreciate a more engaging feel.
For those with a more substantial budget and an unquenchable thirst for power, the Autobiography trim, featuring the more potent P550e powertrain, comes in at $121,260. This represents a considerable jump but offers a commensurate increase in performance and exclusivity. While the allure of the top-tier SV Edition Two model at $182,550 is undeniable, delivering ultimate performance and bespoke luxury, it caters to an exceptionally niche market, and for many, justifying that considerable leap in price might prove challenging.
Ultimately, either Range Rover Sport PHEV choice—the P460e Dynamic SE or the P550e Autobiography—represents a profoundly compelling proposition in the premium SUV market. This is, without a doubt, a plug-in hybrid executed with precision and foresight, addressing the critical needs of contemporary luxury car buyers. The vehicle wrapped around this exceptional powertrain is a masterclass in design, boasting an aesthetic that is both robust and elegant, offering an unrivaled ride quality, and retaining the segment-defining on- and off-road capability that has long been synonymous with the Range Rover name. It stands as a beacon for what sustainable luxury motoring can and should be in 2025 and beyond.
