New Range Rover Sport expected to emerge in two years

The second generation of the Range Rover Sport SUV debuted at the NYIAS 2013 and received a slight facelift in 2017 (see the gallery and the video). The company now says an update is coming in 2022.

The third generation will make a switch to the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA), which should help it weigh less while being just as rigid and more maneuverable than the predecessor. It will ship with a number of hybrid powertrains (both mild and PHEV) based on inline-six gasoline engines. The design concept remains a mystery, but it is logical to assume that the new Range Rover Sport would still be instantly recognizable for what it is.

The first vehicle based on the new MLA platform – the Jaguar XJ – is already running its road tests, and is slated to hit the showrooms later this year. The fifth generation of the regular Range Rover will arrive later, and the company promises to launch a mysterious mid-size SUV after that – perhaps with a ‘Road Rover’ badge slapped on, according to rumors.

Approximately four years later, the Land Rover Discovery should also transition to the MLA, gaining a purely electric version in the process. The new Sport will likely remain the best-selling MLA vehicle on offer, though, because it is currently almost twice as popular as the regular Range Rover.

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered up with BMW to electrify its entire range over the next several years. The companies are working together on developing new powertrains, electronic systems and batteries. A possibility also remains that JLR may start releasing cars with traditional BMW engines under the hood sometime.