Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged 5.0L

Highlights

• Genuine off-road rated
• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This specific high-performance SUV represents a unique opportunity for buyers seeking the pinnacle of the British brand's engineering with the reliability and peace of mind of a GCC-spec vehicle. While many examples of this era suffer from unclear history, this unit comes with the assurance of being built for local conditions, featuring cooling and filtration systems designed to handle the 50-degree summer heat of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For a vehicle with this level of performance, its current mileage is a testament to its durability and long-distance highway comfort, reflecting typical use for a high-end commuter traversing between Emirates. The exterior color is the most desirable shade in the region, ensuring better heat reflection and significantly stronger resale value when compared to darker alternatives. This model stands out by offering genuine luxury that does not compromise on mechanical capability, perfectly suiting a buyer who demands presence in the city and performance on the open road. The single most important factor for a GCC buyer here is the availability of parts and the widespread knowledge of this powertrain among specialists from Dubai to Kuwait, making long-term maintenance straightforward.

This Car vs Other 2016 Range Rover Sports

When looking at 2016 models in the UAE and wider GCC, mileage typically ranges between 20,000 and 25,000 km per year, placing this vehicle right in the expected sweet spot for a well-utilised luxury SUV. While lower mileage examples exist, they often come from non-GCC markets or have spent excessive time idling in city traffic, whereas this GCC-spec example has clearly been used for its intended purpose: effortless highway cruising. The white exterior is a massive advantage in the local market, as it is the most requested color for pre-owned buyers, aiding both thermal management and potential future resale speed. This particular car benefits from a mechanical package that is well-understood by every major service center in the region, offering a level of predictability that many newer, more complex variants lack. Compared to others from the same year, this unit presents as a solid, regionally-optimized choice that has already navigated the steepest part of its depreciation curve.

SUPERCHARGED vs Lower Trims

Choosing the Supercharged trim over the standard V6 variant changes the entire character of this SUV into a legitimate performance machine with 510 horsepower at your disposal. Beyond the significant power bump, this trim adds high-performance Brembo brakes and a more sophisticated suspension setup that manages body roll better during fast maneuvers on the E11 or E311 highways. Owners also get access to higher-quality interior materials and a more robust cooling system, which is crucial for maintaining engine performance during the intense GCC summer months. While lower trims focus on efficiency, this specification provides the torque required for confident overtaking at highway speeds even when fully loaded with family and gear. The inclusion of a premium Meridian audio system and enhanced climate control zones provides a luxury experience that base models simply cannot match.

Range Rover Sport vs Segment Rivals

In the competitive landscape of the GCC, this model is frequently cross-shopped with the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. It leads the segment by offering a 105-litre fuel tank, which is significantly larger than many rivals, providing much-needed range for long cross-border hauls or trips to remote desert locations. Unlike its German competitors, it retains a proper low-range transfer case and adjustable air suspension with high ground clearance, making it a genuine off-roader rather than just a high-riding road car. The cabin cooling capacity is historically superior in British-engineered SUVs designed for global climates, ensuring the interior reaches a comfortable temperature much faster than many European alternatives. For families, the boxy design translates to more usable vertical boot space which is ideal for luggage or outdoor equipment compared to the sloping rooflines of sportier rivals.

Running Costs & Resale

Real-world fuel consumption for the 5.0L Supercharged engine averages around 15L/100km in mixed GCC driving, though this can improve significantly on steady 120km/h highway stretches across the Emirates. This vehicle requires 98-octane Super petrol to maintain its high-performance characteristics and engine longevity. Service intervals are typically scheduled every 13,000 km or 12 months, and because this is a GCC-spec vehicle, it is supported by an extensive network of authorized service centers and specialized independent garages across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The depreciation for this specific trim has largely stabilized, typically losing about 12% annually now that it has matured, which is a better retention rate than the initial 20% seen in its first three years. Parts are readily available throughout the region, ensuring that maintenance does not lead to long periods of downtime.

Performance & Capability

The heart of this vehicle is the 510 hp supercharged V8, which propels this SUV from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.3 seconds, a figure that remains impressive on modern Dubai roads. The power delivery is instantaneous, providing immediate throttle response for highway overtaking or navigating through busy city traffic in Riyadh. Beyond the speed, its capability is defined by the Terrain Response 2 system, which allows the driver to select modes for sand, mud, or gravel, essentially automating the 4x4 settings for GCC weekend adventures. With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, it easily handles boat trailers for weekend trips to the coast. The adjustable air suspension can increase ground clearance to roughly 278mm, allowing it to clear obstacles that would stop most other luxury crossovers in their tracks.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior is a five-seat sanctuary designed for long-distance comfort, featuring premium leather and high-quality finishes that remain resilient against the harsh GCC sun. The air conditioning system is exceptionally powerful, featuring independent zones and rear-seat vents that ensure all passengers stay cool even during midday summer heat. The cabin is heavily insulated, providing a quiet environment that filters out the wind and road noise synonymous with high-speed highway driving. Tech highlights include a responsive infotainment system and a Meridian sound system that delivers concert-like audio quality across the cabin. Every touchpoint, from the steering wheel to the armrests, is designed with ergonomics in mind, making 400-kilometer cross-emirate journeys feel surprisingly brief and fatigue-free.

Safety

Safety is paramount in this high-performance SUV, which comes standard with a 5-Star NCAP rating and a comprehensive suite of active systems. It features advanced stability control that is particularly effective on the sand-dusted roads often found after a GCC windstorm, helping to maintain traction where it's needed most. Standard blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings are essential for the fast-paced, multi-lane environments of major GCC highways. The vehicle is also equipped with heavy-duty disc brakes and emergency brake assist, ensuring massive stopping power to match its engine output. For those carrying children, the ISOFIX points are easily accessible, and the multiple airbag curtains provide full-length protection for all five occupants.

The bottom line

For the buyer who wants the prestige and performance of a Supercharged Rover without the aggressive depreciation of a newer model, this GCC-spec example is the ideal choice. It offers the perfect balance of luxury, genuine off-road capability, and a proven powertrain that is well-supported throughout the region.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.