The second-generation Land Rover Range Rover Sport (L494) marks a major technological break from its predecessor (L320) thanks to the adoption of an aluminum monocoque structure, allowing it to shed up to 420 kg. Positioned as the brand's dynamic and luxurious SUV, it offers exceptional off-road capabilities coupled with top-flight road handling. In 2018, the model received a facelift that introduced the P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, combining a 4-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an electric motor. While this version appealed for tax and ecological reasons, it concentrates numerous technical challenges. Overall, despite its dynamic qualities and prestige, the L494 suffers from a very poor reliability record, confirmed by independent organizations (TÜV, ADAC, What Car?), with c
The Range Rover Sport L494 is a vehicle of paradoxes: exceptional to drive, luxurious, and versatile, it is unfortunately weighed down by catastrophic reliability. The data from ADAC (5.8 breakdowns/1000), TÜV (22.5% defect rate at 3 years, one of the worst in the segment), and What Car? (36% annual breakdown rate) are conclusive. Regarding the P400e hybrid version: Although attractive on paper, it combines the flaws of Land Rover electronics with the complexity of a poorly mastered hybrid powertrain (recalls for battery fire risk, DC/DC converter). Buying advice: If you absolutely must buy this model, favor a late-run model (2021-2022) with an inline 6-cylinder engine (Petrol or Diesel MHEV), avoid the early P400e models, and never buy this vehicle without a manufacturer warranty or a comprehensive extended warranty (such as Land Rover Approved) covering the air suspension and electronics.