There are moments when subtlety just won’t do. To leave a mark — especially in an era of relentless innovation and noise — sometimes the only option is to go all in. All-out, all gas. That’s exactly what happened at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, where the new Range Rover Sport SV turned up with something to prove. With a lap time of 2:20.405, it claimed the title of fastest SUV and fastest four-door production vehicle to lap the track, with an almost casual dominance that made it clear: that this machine was built to set the pace.
The track was still warm under the glow of floodlights when the unmistakable sound of the twin-turbo V8 broke through. Behind the wheel, Emirati racing driver Saeed Al Mheiri coaxed everything from the 635PS powerhouse, demonstrating exactly what happens when engineering meets execution. It was a showcase of control, speed, and clarity of purpose.
Every detail of this production-spec model spoke to performance without compromise. At its heart, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 delivering 750Nm of torque (that translates to 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds). But beyond the power figures, the 6D Dynamics suspension system played a major role. An innovation that ditches traditional anti-roll bars for a hydraulic interlinked setup, it kept the SUV balanced under pressure — even during hard launches, sharp direction changes, and tight cornering.
Then came the braking. Brembo Carbon Ceramic discs, measuring 440mm up front — the largest ever fitted to a production SUV—provided the kind of stopping power usually reserved for thoroughbred performance cars.
Visually, the Range Rover Sport SV delivered with intent. The carbon fibre bonnet, quad tailpipes, and sculpted lines weren’t just for show. Each detail added to the car’s stance and aerodynamic performance. Inside, SV Performance seats provided structure and support, while the new Body and Soul system layered in a sensory edge — vibrations synced to music added a surprising dimension to the experience.
The lap at Yas Marina was a moment that underscored what can be achieved when design and engineering are dialled in to perform under pressure. From start to finish, the Range Rover Sport SV ran like it had nothing to prove — but ended up proving everything.