A Taste of the Good Life: Solar-Charged Range Rover Sport P460e in Austria’s Southern Wine Region
- Alain Kuhn Von Kuhnenfeld
- Oct 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 12
The best family cars, much like the finest wines, are about so much more than what's on the surface. They're about the journey, the character, and the ability to enhance every experience. This past 2 weeks, we had the distinct pleasure of testing the all-new Range Rover Sport P460e in a landscape that perfectly mirrors its blend of rugged elegance: the picturesque Southern Styrian wine region of Austria.
This journey wasn't just a test of the vehicle's mechanics, but a deep dive into its soul. With a price tag of €129,662 including €14,024 in options, our test vehicle in the understated yet captivating Giola Green with a black contrast roof was a rolling statement of refined taste. As we navigated the narrow, winding roads of the Südsteirische Weinstraße in Austria, the Range Rover Sport felt both completely at home and entirely exceptional, a perfect companion for a region known for its high-quality Sauvignon Blanc and breathtaking views.
Let's talk about the drive. The heart of the P460e is a masterful 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo engine paired with a powerful electric motor, delivering a combined 460 horsepower. It's a lot of power, and on the long, smooth stretches of Austrian autobahn, the acceleration is effortless and exhilarating. It's the kind of power that lets you pass a slow-moving truck on a steep incline without a second thought, and the car's presence commands the road.
However, a vehicle this large and heavy, weighing 2,750 kg, is a heavyweight that has to contend with the laws of physics. The steering, while precise at higher speeds, feels detached in the center, and the level of power assistance can feel inconsistent. When you begin to turn the wheel, you're looking for that connected feel, but it's not quite there. In the tight, switchback turns of the wine route, you are constantly reminded of the mass you're controlling. Similarly, under heavy braking, the weight pushes forward, requiring a firm foot. It's not a nimble sports car, and to expect it would be unfair, but for a vehicle with "Sport" in its name, these are notable characteristics. The regenerative braking, a key feature in a PHEV, is also a letdown. It's not very strong and can't be adjusted, which is a missed opportunity for maximizing efficiency and driver feel.
But where this car shines is in its dual personality. We managed an incredible 122 km of all-electric range on a best-case scenario run, surpassing the 117 km WLTP rating. This allowed us to silently cruise through quaint villages like Gamlitz and Leutschach, with only the gentle rustle of the wind. Even at highway speeds of 130 km/h, the electric-only range held up surprisingly well, providing 93 km of emission-free driving. This is where the PHEV technology truly pays off for a family. For daily commutes, school runs, and grocery trips, you can operate entirely on electric power. Over our extensive 2,000 km journey, our average fuel economy was a mind-boggling 1.9 L/100 km, showing just how much electric driving we were able to do. The average electric consumption was around 31.8 kWh/100 km, with a best-case of 26.1 kWh/100 km.
Solar-Charged Freedom: A considerable part of this success was our ability to charge the vehicle at home. We used our 12.4 kW photovoltaic system during the day and with a 21 kW battery to charge the Range Rover overnight. We set it at a steady 3.6 kWh, which is a perfectly acceptable overnight rate, but it's reassuring to know the vehicle can handle up to 7.2 kWh on AC power. This puts it ahead of some of its competitors that are still limited to 3.6 kWh, making it a much more viable option for those with higher-capacity home chargers. The bonus of being able to take a 50 kW DC fast charge is a game-changer, allowing for a quick boost on longer road trips.
While a car's performance is important, a family review must focus on practicality. And here, the Range Rover Sport is a class leader. Unlike many PHEVs, the battery is located under the rear seats, meaning there is no sacrifice in trunk space. This is a massive advantage, especially for families with luggage, strollers, and all the gear that comes with young children. We were able to fit everything we needed for a multi-day trip with ease, and the option for a full-size spare tire under the trunk floor is a level of forward-thinking practicality that's almost nonexistent in this segment. The rear seats are spacious, offering more than enough legroom and headroom for two adults. The ISOFIX points were easy to access for car seat installation, and the doors open very wide, making it easy to get car seats in the 2nd row or other large items. While very convenient, the "soft-close" feature wasn't an option on our vehicle. However, it seems the car was designed to have this feature, as we always had to close the door harder. Don't forget to opt for it, it's a priceless feature if you want to keep your kids sleeping at a quick pitstop.
The interior is a sanctuary of quiet and luxury. Land Rover's attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the new materials like Ultrafabrics to the meticulously designed interior that feels both modern and comfortable. The Meridian Signature Sound System is a masterpiece, with speakers hidden behind the fabric of the rear doors, creating an almost magical, immersive audio experience. The active noise-cancelling technology works wonders to silence the outside world, turning the cabin into a serene oasis, which is a godsend when you're trying to get a toddler to nap.
Our time in the Southern Styrian wine region was made all the more special by this vehicle. The rolling, green hills, dotted with Klapotetz (the traditional wooden windmills), and the vibrant vineyards are a sight to behold. The scenery, with its steep slopes and stunning views of the valley, was breathtaking. We stopped at a few of the traditional "Buschenschänken," or wine taverns, like Schneeberger and Stoff, to enjoy some of the local delicacies. The Range Rover's ability to handle the mix of paved and unpaved roads with its advanced chassis technology was impressive.
In conclusion, the Range Rover Sport P460e is a vehicle of contrasts. It's a luxury vehicle that's genuinely practical for families and a gas-powered car that can drive for over a hundred kilometres on electric power alone. While it has its quirks, particularly with the steering and braking, it more than makes up for them with its stunning design, incredible technology, and commitment to both luxury and versatility. This experience has also shown that Range Rover has put a lot of effort into initial quality. It wasn't uncommon in the past to see software issues or other types of problems when testing their vehicles. We didn't experience any rattling noises, which we have experienced with some of the premium and luxury direct competitors.
Disclaimer: Range Rover has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with JRL Austria. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
