Title: The 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV: A Masterclass in Modern Luxury, Performance, and Sustainability
The automotive landscape in 2025 is a fascinating tapestry of innovation, performance, and an undeniable push towards sustainability. Yet, few vehicles manage to weave these threads together with the effortless grace and commanding presence of the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV. This isn’t merely an updated model; it’s a statement—a highly capable luxury SUV that doesn’t just adapt to the future, it helps define it. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel, navigating everything from bustling cityscapes to serene desert highways, it’s clear that Land Rover has delivered a plug-in hybrid that truly stands apart.
From the very first mile, the P460e powertrain of the Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV distinguishes itself. Unlike many plug-in hybrids that often feel like a compromise, with their electric motors struggling to move substantial mass or their engines cutting in ungracefully, this Range Rover Sport redefines the expectation. My journey began with over 100 miles traversed, yielding an astounding average of 209.6 miles per gallon according to the trip computer. This remarkable
contributing well over 50 miles of pure electric range each, a significant portion of those initial miles were completed silently, emission-free, and powered solely by the battery. This is the essence of what a modern plug-in hybrid should be: genuinely useful electric propulsion, seamlessly integrated into a vehicle of genuine substance.
Many PHEVs fall short on several fronts: anemic electric motors, batteries too small for meaningful range, or an engine that intrudes far too readily into the electric experience. The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV decisively addresses these common criticisms. The P460e powertrain, while not the most potent in the lineup, features a robust 105-kilowatt (140-horsepower) electric motor intelligently positioned between the engine and transmission. While 140 horsepower might sound modest for a 5,860-pound luxury SUV, it’s more than sufficient. The vehicle defaults to EV mode, and the electric motor alone capably manages daily traffic, merging onto highways, and maintaining comfortable cruising speeds without once calling upon the internal combustion engine. The engine only engages under two conditions: when the substantial battery charge is depleted, or when the driver intentionally floors the accelerator past a distinct detent, signaling a demand for maximum power. This “EV-first” philosophy is a game-changer, fostering a driving experience that genuinely prioritizes electric motoring for the vast majority of urban and suburban commutes.
The real hero enabling this impressive electric usability is the Range Rover Sport PHEV’s substantial 31.8-kilowatt-hour battery. This generous capacity translates into an EPA-rated 53 miles of electric range, a figure I consistently found to be conservative, with the onboard computer frequently indicating 54 to 58 miles on a full charge. For context, the average daily commute in the United States hovers around 30 miles. This means that for a significant percentage of drivers, the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV can operate as a pure electric vehicle for nearly all their daily driving needs, requiring only regular overnight charging. Imagine the fuel savings, the reduced emissions, and the sheer convenience of rarely visiting a gas station during the week, all while enjoying the refined comfort and capability of a premium SUV. For those with access to charging infrastructure at home or work, this capability alone makes a compelling argument for choosing this particular plug-in hybrid luxury vehicle.
However, the Range Rover Sport PHEV isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about exhilarating performance when called upon. When the need for speed or extended range arises, switching to Hybrid mode unleashes the full potential of the powertrain. Here, the electric motor works in concert with a powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The combined output is a formidable 454 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The engine itself is a masterclass in refinement, starting with a deep, sophisticated thrum that belies its six-cylinder configuration, sounding more like a finely tuned V8. Power delivery is instantaneous, thanks to the electric motor’s immediate torque, which also masterfully fills any gaps during shifts of the smooth and highly responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. This synergistic blend propels the heavy SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.3 seconds—an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size and luxury. For those with an insatiable appetite for power, the step-up P550e plug-in hybrid powertrain is available, boosting output to a staggering 542 horsepower and cutting the 0-60 mph time to just 4.7 seconds, courtesy of an even larger 218-hp electric motor. This demonstrates Land Rover’s commitment to offering diverse luxury performance options within the PHEV spectrum.
While the electric and hybrid modes offer exceptional efficiency and power respectively, it’s important to acknowledge the gasoline-only fuel economy. When the battery is depleted, the 3.0-liter inline-six is rated at 21 mpg city, 22 highway, and 21 combined. After my extended electric driving, a subsequent 110 miles in Hybrid mode, primarily utilizing the gas engine, saw the fuel economy settle around 36.2 mpg. While this is a significant drop from the triple-digit figures achieved with regular charging, it remains highly competitive for a powerful, heavy luxury SUV. The overall fuel efficiency of the Range Rover Sport PHEV is dramatically influenced by charging habits, underscoring the “plug-in” aspect of its design.
The sophisticated plug-in hybrid system, while brilliant for efficiency and power, does introduce a dynamic trade-off. The additional weight of the battery and electric motor adds approximately 800 pounds to the Range Rover Sport’s curb weight. This means that, without specific handling enhancements, this generation isn’t the nimble, sports-car-like crossover that some earlier Sport models aspired to be. You’ll notice more body lean in aggressive turns, a degree of understeer at the limit, and a somewhat modest road feel transmitted through the weighty steering. However, to focus solely on this would be to miss the forest for the trees. Because what the Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV might concede in ultimate cornering prowess, it absolutely dominates in ride quality.
The standard air suspension, coupled with adaptive dampers and the optional 285/45R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires on my tester, creates an unparalleled ride experience. Imperfections in the road, from minor cracks to significant potholes, are absorbed with a plushness that borders on miraculous. This isn’t just an excellent ride for an SUV; it’s a ride quality that would be lauded in a flagship luxury sedan like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The cabin remains serene, isolated from the harsh realities of uneven pavement, making long journeys remarkably relaxing and daily commutes supremely comfortable. For many luxury SUV buyers, this sublime ride comfort is a far more valuable asset than razor-sharp handling on a track.
Yet, for those who crave a more dynamic driving experience, Land Rover offers a compelling solution: the $7,185 Stormer Handling Package. This essential upgrade for driving enthusiasts includes active anti-roll bars powered by the 48-volt electrical system, which dramatically reduce body lean in corners, keeping the SUV remarkably flat. Additionally, it adds rear-axle steering, capable of turning the rear wheels up to 7.3 degrees opposite the fronts at low speeds (for improved maneuverability and a tighter turning circle) and in the same direction at high speeds (for enhanced stability during rapid lane changes and cornering). This package transforms the Range Rover Sport PHEV into a surprisingly agile machine, mitigating much of the weight penalty and offering a genuinely engaging driving experience without sacrificing its core comfort. For those investing in a premium SUV, this package represents an excellent value proposition, unlocking the full dynamic potential of the vehicle.
Beyond the tarmac, the 2025 Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV maintains its legendary Land Rover pedigree for off-road capability. The versatile air suspension, for example, offers a standard ground clearance of 8.5 inches, but in Off-Road mode, it can elevate the vehicle to a formidable 10.8 inches, allowing it to clear substantial obstacles on challenging trails. Conversely, it can lower the vehicle by two inches for easier ingress and egress or for loading cargo. Standard features like all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, an available two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and a sophisticated low-speed cruise control (operable from 1.8 to 19 mph) ensure that this luxury SUV is ready for nearly any adventure. The Terrain Response 2 system is a masterstroke of engineering, automatically adjusting vehicle systems for various surfaces, and offering specifically tailored modes for Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, Wade, and Grass Gravel Snow. Short front and rear overhangs further enhance its approach and departure angles. While the all-season tires are a compromise for extreme mud or sand, a quick swap to dedicated off-road rubber would unleash its full potential for rugged exploration, cementing its status as one of the most capable premium SUVs on the market.
Stepping inside the cockpit of the Range Rover Sport PHEV is an exercise in modern luxury and minimalist design. The ambiance perfectly complements its exceptional ride quality. The Dynamic SE trim spoils occupants with standard 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) that delivers crisp, immersive sound, and heated and ventilated outboard rear seats ($300), ensuring passenger comfort is paramount. The interior design strikes a sophisticated balance, with the supple leather beautifully accented by attractive charcoal gray fabric on the door panels, tasteful piano black trim on the center console, and subtle metallic touches. It’s an environment that feels both contemporary and inviting.
However, the cabin’s modernity also highlights a prevailing trend in automotive design: a heavy reliance on technology, particularly the touchscreen. The Range Rover Sport features a crisp 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a visually impressive 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and integrated Amazon Alexa connectivity are all present, offering seamless integration with your digital life. While the large touchscreen creates a commendably clean and uncluttered dashboard aesthetic, it regrettably absorbs almost all of the vehicle’s controls, including fundamental climate settings. This means that functions that should be accessible via a quick, tactile button push often require navigating through menus on the screen. While the interface is generally intuitive, this can be distracting while driving, posing a minor safety concern. Furthermore, given Land Rover’s historical reputation for occasional electronic gremlins, some users may approach this level of digital integration with a degree of caution. Nevertheless, the technology itself is robust and provides a comprehensive suite of features expected in a premium SUV in 2025.
The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV commands a starting price of $96,725, which includes a $1,625 destination fee. This represents a $4,300 premium over the base inline-six model, a reasonable upcharge considering the significant efficiency and electric-driving benefits. My comprehensively equipped tester, with its array of options, came in at $106,405. For anyone considering this vehicle, I would wholeheartedly recommend investing in the aforementioned Stormer Handling Package; it transforms the driving dynamics and genuinely enhances the overall ownership experience. For those with an even greater budget and a thirst for ultimate power and luxury, the Autobiography trim with its more potent P550e powertrain at $121,260 presents an enticing proposition. While the top-tier SV Edition Two model, priced at $182,550, is an extraordinary machine, its niche appeal and significant cost make it a less justifiable leap for most discerning buyers.
In conclusion, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV is more than just a luxury SUV; it’s a testament to thoughtful engineering and a vision for the future of premium mobility. It successfully marries truly effective plug-in hybrid technology with the Range Rover Sport’s inherent strengths: masculine good looks, a truly phenomenal ride quality, and unparalleled off-road capability. This is a plug-in hybrid done the right way, delivering genuine electric utility without compromising on the luxury, performance, or adventure-ready spirit that defines the Range Rover brand. For buyers in 2025 seeking a versatile, efficient, and supremely capable luxury performance SUV that embraces sustainability without sacrificing an ounce of prestige, the Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE PHEV stands as a truly compelling and highly recommended choice.
