Is this the 2022 Range Rover Sport?

In February 2019, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Sport HST - a petrol mild-hybrid version that's powered by JLR's new 3.0-litre Ingenium straight-six motor. This was pretty much the last big update for the model. Now though, our Italian partner Quattroruote has caught a heavily camouflaged prototype (with the signature Range Rover silhouette) during the winter testing season. Although it's really tricky to determine whether the test mule is of the flagship Range Rover or its sportier sibling, the Range Rover Sport, the prominent rear spoiler does hint at the latter.

Since the test car is under heavy camouflage right now, it's not clear whether this one represents a facelift or a new-generation model. However, had the car been a facelift, this amount of camo would not have been needed to conceal it. Secondly, the second-gen model has been around since 2013 and has already received a facelift in 2017. So, based on these deductions, we think this test mule represents the third-gen model of the Range Rover Sport.

In terms of changes though, expect mechanical updates to take precedence over visual overhauling. If not an Achilles heel, the Range Rover Sport's bulk & weight have been its weak points (keeping in mind that its' a performance-oriented version of the Range Rover). To deal with this, the third-gen Range Rover Sport is expected to be underpinned by JLR's new MLA platform (which will make its debut on the XJ electric sedan) as it uses more aluminium to save weight.

As for the powertrain, it's safe to assume the current mild-hybrid setup of the HST version will continue on to the next-gen model. Although, it'll be interesting to see if the newly-formed alliance between JLR and BMW to develop next-gen Electric Drive Units (EDUs) plays a part in the new Range Rover Sport's development.

Read more:

Range Rover Sport 2.0 Petrol, Track Test