Test drive – Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two : The British Gentleman Loses His Temper

Jean-Pierre Ndu
juin 25, 2026

The SV is the most radical interpretation of the Range Rover Sport. The initials refer to Special Vehicle Operations, the division responsible for the British brand’s most exclusive and performance-focused creations. Beyond the impressive figures and the numerous bespoke details, one question interested us most, can a SUV this powerful genuinely be enjoyed every day on Belgian roads, between urban cobblestones, busy motorways and unpredictable weather?

A presence even the rain cannot wash away

At almost 4.95 metres long, more than two metres wide and sitting on enormous 23-inch wheels, the Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two naturally commands attention. Yet its design never feels as though it is trying too hard. The lines remain clean, the surfaces are relatively restrained and the slim lighting signatures prevent the car from looking excessively aggressive. That balance between elegance and tension is precisely what makes it so appealing.

Our midnight blue paint played an essential role in its personality. Beneath Belgium’s grey skies, it appeared almost mineral, while the raindrops brought out subtle blue highlights across the bodywork. The black trim, large air intakes, carbon details and four exhaust outlets added just enough visual drama. At the rear, the dark panel incorporating the Range Rover lettering makes the vehicle appear even wider and more planted.

In Antwerp, its dimensions occasionally made us think twice before entering a narrow street or an underground car park. Fortunately, the rear-wheel steering and extensive camera system genuinely simplify manoeuvres. They do not turn the SV into a compact SUV, but they make its size far less intimidating than expected.

A private lounge with a sporting side

Inside, the Range Rover Sport SV combines the same two personalities. On one hand, it offers the calm and refined atmosphere expected from a large luxury SUV. On the other, the integrated-headrest seats, dedicated trim and subtle SV references immediately introduce a sportier mood.

The driving position is high without feeling excessive, visibility is excellent and most controls are easy to understand. The central touchscreen is neatly integrated, although certain functions still require a few too many steps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto quickly provide a more familiar environment. Storage space is generous and rear passengers benefit from genuine long-distance comfort.

One of the most unusual features is the Body and Soul Seat system, which transmits selected audio frequencies through the seats. During our first kilometres, we naturally tested it with a playlist energetic enough to turn the cabin into a small rolling concert hall. On longer journeys, we eventually reduced the intensity, but the system remains entertaining and adds another layer to the car’s exclusive character.

On the motorway between Brussels and Antwerp, the cabin returned to being a peaceful cocoon. Despite the large tyres and rain hitting the windscreen, conversation remained easy and the V8 knew how to stay discreet. That is one of the SV’s greatest strengths, it can feel like a silent lounge and then completely change personality at the touch of a button.

Several powertrains, but only one flagship

The Range Rover Sport is available with several different powertrains, including plug-in hybrid versions and various electrified combustion engines. These alternatives suit more rational daily use while preserving the model’s role as a refined and capable long-distance SUV.

The SV Edition Two belongs to a different world. Its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, supported by mild-hybrid technology and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces 635 hp and 750 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive system transfers that output to the road and allows this large SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds.

Those figures are almost difficult to process, but they only tell part of the story. In everyday traffic, the engine does not constantly remind you of its performance. In Comfort mode, it remains smooth, the gearbox changes ratios without drama and the SV feels surprisingly easy to drive.

Rain-soaked Belgian roads

On Belgium’s often uneven roads, the suspension maintains an impressive level of comfort despite the 23-inch wheels. Damaged surfaces and motorway joints are more noticeable than they would be in a less extreme version, but the chassis always feels controlled and composed.

In Antwerp, the rear-wheel steering quickly earned our trust. During a U-turn in a street that turned out to be narrower than expected, we prepared ourselves for several awkward manoeuvres under the watchful eyes of nearby pedestrians. Instead, the Range Rover rotated with almost surprising ease.

Once outside the city, pressing the SV button completely changes the experience. The steering becomes heavier, the suspension firms up, the gearbox holds each ratio for longer and the V8 stops pretending to be discreet. The acceleration is immense, continuous and almost surreal from such a high driving position. On a motorway slip road, one firm press of the accelerator is followed by an immediate glance at the speedometer, because the pace builds far more quickly than the sensation of speed suggests.

On a wet and winding road, the chassis proves equally impressive. Body roll remains well contained, traction feels almost endless and the rear-wheel steering helps the SUV tighten its line through corners. The weight is still noticeable under braking and on turn-in, it never disappears entirely. Even so, the SV encourages you to link corners together rather than simply travel through them.

What stands out most is how easily it calms down again. Only minutes after enjoying the V8 soundtrack, one can return to Comfort mode, select a quieter playlist and recover the relaxed character of a traditional Range Rover.

Excess, made surprisingly easy to live with

The Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two is not a rational vehicle, and it makes no attempt to become one. It is wide in the city, imposing in car parks and far more capable than public roads will ever allow you to explore fully.

Yet that controlled excess is exactly what makes it so appealing. It offers the comfort, space and serenity of a large luxury SUV, while its engine can turn every acceleration into a small event. In Antwerp and across Belgium’s rain-soaked roads, it continued to attract attention without ever losing the understated elegance associated with Range Rover.