So I Just Drove The 2025 Range Rover PHEV For a Week And Am So Pleased By Its Effortless Acceleration Despite Its Size And Weight

Spending a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was an experience that left a lasting impression on me, as I had already reviewed the 2023 model and was very impressed by it. As an automotive journalist with a deep appreciation for engineering and driving dynamics, I approached this luxury SUV with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Could a large, heavy SUV that emphasizes sustainability still deliver the thrilling performance and refinement expected of a Range Rover? From the moment I pressed the accelerator, any doubts were swiftly dispelled.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV isn’t just another luxury SUV; it redefines expectations, offering a seamless blend of power, efficiency, and opulence. Whether gliding through city streets on pure electric power or engaging the gasoline engine for a dynamic highway sprint, this SUV proves that electrification doesn’t have to come at the cost of excitement. Let’s dive into the details that make this vehicle a standout choice in the luxury hybrid SUV segment.

What's New in 2025 Range Rover PHEV?

The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV sees some exciting updates, making it even more appealing to those looking for a balance of luxury, efficiency, and performance. The biggest change is the introduction of the P460e Dynamic SE trim, which I actually test-drove for this review, a slightly detuned version of last year's P550e. This new entry-level plug-in hybrid model delivers 454 horsepower, compared to the 543-horsepower P550e Autobiography - offering a more accessible price point while still delivering the same high-end refinement and comfort that the Range Rover Sport lineup is known for. It retains an impressive electric driving range and the same level of craftsmanship, making it a strong choice for those who want the Range Rover experience without stepping up to the pricier, more powerful Autobiography trim.

For those who want a more aggressive, stealthy aesthetic, Land Rover has introduced the Stealth Appearance Package for 2025. This package transforms the Range Rover Sport PHEV’s presence by darkening the exterior brightwork, adding striking 23-inch black-painted wheels, and incorporating black wood veneer trim inside the cabin. The package is exclusively available in Carpathian Grey, a bold and stylish shade that enhances the SUV’s road presence.

With these updates, the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV continues to evolve, offering a broader range of options for drivers who want luxury, hybrid efficiency, and off-road capability—all wrapped in an ultra-premium package.

Powertrain and Performance: A Hybrid That Doesn’t Compromise on Power

At the heart of the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV lies a sophisticated and well-integrated powertrain that masterfully balances performance with efficiency. The P460e variant, which I had the pleasure of testing, pairs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with an advanced electric motor. This combination produces an impressive 454 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque: figures that rival many traditional high-performance gasoline-powered SUVs.

Acceleration is remarkably swift for a vehicle of this size and weight. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in just about 5 seconds, a figure that puts it in the same league as some performance-oriented sedans. This is largely thanks to the instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motor, which enhances throttle response and provides a surge of power without any noticeable lag.

Beyond straight-line speed, the Range Rover Sport PHEV demonstrates commendable handling for an SUV of its proportions. The adaptive air suspension plays a crucial role in maintaining composure through corners, minimizing body roll while ensuring a plush ride. Additionally, when equipped with the optional Stormer Handling Package, rear-wheel steering improves agility, making tight turns and parking maneuvers effortless.

An added advantage of this plug-in hybrid system is its all-electric driving range. With an estimated 53 miles of electric-only range, many daily commutes can be completed without consuming a drop of gasoline. This capability makes it an appealing choice for urban drivers looking to reduce fuel consumption while still having the flexibility for long road trips.

Exterior Design: Sophisticated Yet Aggressive

The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV boasts a design that strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and aggression. With its sleek lines, sculpted body panels, and commanding stance, this SUV demands attention without being ostentatious.

A standout feature of this model is the available Stealth Appearance Package, which adds an extra layer of visual appeal. This package includes darkened exterior trim elements, gloss black 23-inch wheels, and an exclusive Carpathian Grey paint option. The result is a more aggressive, sportier aesthetic that complements the vehicle’s performance capabilities.

Despite its sporty nature, the Range Rover Sport maintains its signature design ethos—elegance infused with capability. The iconic floating roof, flush door handles, and slim LED headlights contribute to its modern yet timeless appeal.

Interior: A High-Tech, Luxurious Sanctuary

Stepping inside the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV reveals an interior that exudes modern luxury. The minimalist dashboard design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with high-quality materials covering every surface. Standard semi-aniline leather upholstery gives the cabin an upscale feel, while sustainable alternatives such as Ultrafabrics provide an eco-friendly yet equally plush option.

The front seats are a highlight, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions to ensure supreme comfort during long journeys. Rear passengers are not forgotten either, as they enjoy ample legroom and heated seats, making the back seats nearly as comfortable as those in the front.

Technology plays a significant role in enhancing the cabin experience. The 13.1-inch curved touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Land Rover’s intuitive Pivi Pro interface, serves as the digital command center.

In case you want to dim or change the brightness of the Range Rover's cluster gauge, look at this video that I made while test-driving this PHEV SUV and posted on the Torque News Youtube channel.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. An optional 29-speaker Meridian sound system provides an immersive audio experience that rivals high-end home theater setups.

Second row seating is also very comfortable. But I would recommend sitting yourself and checking personally.

Additionally, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features adds to the sense of security and ease of driving. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system make navigating urban environments and highways alike a stress-free experience.

Cargo and Practicality: Luxury Meets Everyday Usability

Despite its emphasis on performance and luxury, the Range Rover Sport PHEV doesn’t sacrifice practicality. The cargo area offers a generous 31.9 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats upright, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. Folding down the rear seats expands this capacity significantly, accommodating larger loads with ease.

Convenient features like an electronic tailgate and air suspension adjustability further enhance usability. The ability to lower the vehicle’s ride height at the push of a button makes loading and unloading items more convenient—a thoughtful touch for an SUV of this caliber.

On-Road and Off-Road Driving Experience

The true test of any Range Rover is its ability to deliver a composed, luxurious ride on the road while retaining genuine off-road capability. The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV excels in both areas.

On paved roads, the adaptive air suspension ensures a silky-smooth ride, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections and isolating passengers from external disturbances. The transition between electric and gasoline power is virtually imperceptible, making for a refined driving experience.

Off-road, the Range Rover Sport PHEV showcases its legendary capability. The Terrain Response 2 system adapts to different surfaces, optimizing traction on mud, snow, sand, or rocky terrain. With its advanced all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance, this SUV remains a formidable option for those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path.

Cost of Ownership of Range Rover and Pricing

Luxury and performance often come with a hefty price tag, and the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV is no exception. The base price starts at $96,725, with higher trims and optional packages pushing the cost well beyond $120,000.

While the initial cost is steep, potential savings come in the form of fuel efficiency. The ability to drive on electric power for short distances significantly reduces gasoline consumption, and potential tax incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles may further offset ownership costs.

Maintenance remains a consideration, as Land Rover’s reputation for reliability has been mixed. However, improvements in engineering and warranty coverage help mitigate long-term concerns.

Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV Worth It?

The 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV successfully blends power, luxury, and sustainability into a single package. It delivers the performance expected of a Range Rover while offering the efficiency benefits of electrification. Its refined interior, cutting-edge technology, and commanding road presence make it a compelling option in the luxury SUV market.

For those who prioritize prestige, versatility, and environmental consciousness without compromising on performance, this plug-in hybrid SUV is an excellent choice. While its price tag may be daunting, the unparalleled blend of luxury, power, and efficiency justifies the investment.

Would I recommend the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV? Absolutely! The only minus, which I mentioned in the title is the price. But there are many great vehicles that come with high pricing, and this kind of experience comes with expensive pricing. If you’re looking for a vehicle that seamlessly marries sustainability with high-end motoring, this is one of the best in its class.

What do you think about the 2025 Range Rover Sport PHEV’s blend of luxury, hybrid efficiency, and off-road capability—does it strike the perfect balance for you? And with competitors like the BMW X5 xDrive50e and Mercedes-Benz GLE450e in the mix, would you choose the Range Rover Sport PHEV over them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear your take!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.