Range Rover Sport RS and Evoque RS Spied Testing at Nürburgring
Land Rover’s high-performance RS versions of the Range Rover Sport and Evoque have been filmed undergoing testing at the Nürburgring, revealing details about their engines and likely performance.
Land Rover’s development of high-performance RS variants for the Range Rover Sport and Evoque has moved into public view, with both models caught on video testing at the Nürburgring. The footage shows the camouflaged SUVs tackling the German circuit at speed, suggesting that their launch is approaching.
The Range Rover Sport RS is expected to feature a 5.0-litre V8 engine, with sources indicating an output of up to 543hp (405kW). This would position it as the most powerful version of the Sport to date, and Land Rover is believed to be targeting a 0–100km/h time under five seconds. The Evoque RS, meanwhile, is tipped to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering around 300hp (224kW).
RS Performance Focus
The RS badge marks a new performance tier for Land Rover’s SUV range. The Sport RS’s supercharged V8 would put it in direct competition with high-performance SUVs from rivals such as BMW’s X5 M and Mercedes-AMG’s GLE 63. The Evoque RS, with its uprated four-cylinder, aims to offer a more compact but still potent alternative in the premium crossover segment.
Both prototypes were heavily camouflaged, but details visible in the video include larger air intakes, more aggressive bumpers and bigger wheels, all pointing to RS-specific bodywork and chassis tuning. The Nürburgring testing suggests Land Rover is placing a strong emphasis on handling and outright performance, areas where previous Range Rover models have been less focused.
Market Position and Competition
The arrival of RS versions is set to expand Land Rover’s performance SUV line-up. The Sport RS’s power output would put it near the top of its class, while the Evoque RS would compete with the likes of the Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan. Both models are expected to command a premium over existing performance trims, reflecting their upgraded powertrains and chassis.
- Range Rover Sport RS: Targets BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.
- Range Rover Evoque RS: Rivals Audi SQ5, Porsche Macan.
The RS programme is part of a broader push by Land Rover to compete more directly in the high-performance SUV market. The Nürburgring testing phase is a clear indicator of the company’s intent to deliver vehicles capable of challenging established German rivals on both performance and handling.
For more on the Evoque’s evolution, see Startech Reveals Range Rover Evoque Upgrade at Dubai Show. For a look at the Range Rover Sport’s previous performance exploits, see Ben Collins pilots Range Rover Sport down Inferno ski slope for world record.
