626bhp SV Carbon Becomes New Range Rover Sport Flagship

JLR has revealed the SV Carbon – a new permanent halo model sitting atop the Range Rover Sport line-up. Due to make its global debut at Monterey Car Week on 13 August, the SV Carbon makes extensive use of carbon fibre for a meaningful 76kg reduction in weight.

As with the wider SV range, it’s powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 producing 626bhp and 750Nm (553lb-ft) in standard trim – or up to 800Nm (590lb-ft) when using Dynamic Launch Mode. Despite the reduced mass, Range Rover hasn’t revised the acceleration figures, with a claimed 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds, although the top speed limiter has been raised to 180mph.

Perhaps that’s because the 76kg figure is a little misleading. For all the name and flagship status, you’ll need to specify the £6,900 23-inch carbon fibre wheels and £7,000 carbon ceramic brakes to achieve it. And the figure itself is relative to “a similarly specced Range Rover Sport P530” rather than a fellow SV.

626bhp SV Carbon Becomes New Range Rover Sport Flagship

Some might scoff at the idea of cutting weight from a 2.56-tonne SUV – however, with those options ticked, it’s a reduction in dynamic mass that brings tangible gains in responsiveness, braking, and ride quality, without sacrificing refinement. As before, the SV Carbon features Range Rover’s 6D Dynamics suspension system, combining interlinked hydraulic dampers with air suspension and roll/pitch control for greater composure under hard driving.

There also won’t be any mistaking the SV Carbon thanks to a new Forged Carbon Exterior Pack, consisting of a carbon fibre bonnet – either fully painted or with an optional exposed gloss carbon section – engine cover, side skirts and exhaust tips. Inside, forged carbon continues across the dashboard and seatbacks. The seats come trimmed in a choice of Windsor leather or Ultrafabrics for a leather-free alternative. A full SV Bespoke personalisation service is also available for the first time.

Other SV-specific touches include illuminated treadplates, extended Moonlight Chrome interior accents, and the Body and Soul Seat (BASS) system, which integrates haptic feedback into the front seats for a more immersive listening experience.

The SV Carbon is available to order now from £165,045, making it the most expensive Range Rover Sport to date, eclipsing the recently launched SV Black. Add the carbon wheels and brakes, and that climbs to £188,055. Choose a special metallic paint such as Satin British Racing Green or the attractive Sunrise Copper launch hue, and you’ll be knocking on the door of £200,000 – meaning the SV Carbon’s price is more heavyweight than lightweight.