Sharing the same aluminum construction as the full-fat Range Rover, the Sport is positioned as their most dynamic model; but don’t expect it wrap and shrink around you like a sportscar. Land Rover says the Sport is 400 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, but tipping the scales at 2,539 kilograms, it’s no lightweight. Nonetheless, it’s an enjoyable drive thanks to its trick air suspension and sophisticated four-wheel drive system. And while this entire drive is limited to surfaces made of cement and asphalt, Land Rover’s off-road credentials are very much alive here with up to 278 mm of ground clearance and water wading depth of up to 850 mm.

When not being gingerly on the accelerator, the Sport PHEV returns a healthy blast of acceleration. The century mark arrives in 6.3 seconds, but it feels faster than that. The 2.0-liter engine together with the electric motor delivers a combined 404 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque, enough to dig you into the driver’s seat. It’s fun and somewhat scary at the same time. Driven more sensibly though, you can sense a bit of hesitation at lower speeds, especially when puttering around town. Ask for a sudden burst of acceleration, and it’ll pause before ungracefully hurling you forward.

Close to two meters in width, the Range Rover Sport isn’t a small car by any measure. However, it manages to remain true to its name because it’s effortless to drive. It belittles its size thanks to its stability and agility. Most important of all, it’s consistent, whether being pushed in a straight line or flogged along a twisty road. Adjustable air suspension is standard, and while it comes with various modes, you don’t have to fiddle with any of them to get a smooth, comfortable experience. Oh, and despite being fitted with 21-inch wheels, it’s extremely supple, absorbing all road surface imperfections.

From the driver’s seat, the Range Rover Sport makes you feel its size. Even at the seat’s lowest setting, there’s a considerable height advantage compared with most other traffic. With 16 ways of power adjustable for both the driver and front passenger, the seats are lounge-like in their comfort, and even come with their own armrests too. Plus, there’s generous space even for long-legged people upfront, while those at the back will be treated to equally good space.

The lack of smartphone connectivity aside, the rest of the cabin can’t be faulted. It’s every inch impressive, dressed in high-quality materials. Moreover, it comes with a laundry list of top-notch equipment including adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree camera with front and rear sensors, power tailgate, offline GPS navigation, panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, and the 19-speaker Meridian Surround Sound system.

In the end, no one should dive into the Range Rover Sport PHEV with their heart set on saving the earth. On paper, the electric range and fuel economy are impressive, but these test lab figures are far from what you’d expect in the real world. What’s undeniable though is that with its P 9.490 million price tag, this version of the Range Rover Sport is actually more affordable than even the diesel by about P 500,000. It’s great value. Plus, this monetary saving is enough to cover the cost of a wall charger (P 105,000). That means, for as long as you keep your trips short, you will never need to spend on a single drop of fuel. Range and fuel economy issues aside, the Ranger Rover PHEV is a versatile luxury SUV that’s not just lovely to look at, but lovely to drive as well.