Only two years after its introduction, it seems the Range Rover Sport SVR is getting some updates. Presumably being readied for the 2017 model year, the supercharged SUV->ke145 was spotted by our photographers coated in camouflage.

Despite the coverings, its clear Range Rover->ke4087 designers didn’t go overboard with design updates. In fact, every visible body panel appears to be unchanged. There is, however, plenty of opportunity for updated air intakes that reside ahead of the front tires. And while there’s no discernable exterior change to note, we fully expect Range Rover->ke469 to update the Sport SVR’s powertrain.

Currently the Sport SVR packs the 550-horsepower version of Jaguar->ke39 Land Rover’->ke46s 5.0-liter V-8. The 2017 refresh should bring the extra 17 horsepower found in the Jaguar F-Type SVR, boosting power to 567 horses.

Interior accoutrements will likely get a modest update as well. Expect new trim and leather offerings, as well as the latest version of JLR’s infotainment software. We’re not expecting anything major here, so the current interior should mostly carry over unchanged.

There’s still plenty to talk about, so continue reading for more.

Continue reading for more information

Spy Shots

April 13, 2016 - First testing session

Exterior

As mentioned before, the exterior doesn’t appear to have drastic changes – or at least from what we can see. The front grille and lower fascia appear identical to the current Range Rover Sport SVR, so perhaps the only changes will occur with the large air vents at either end of the bumper. Then again, this could be a current-model bumper being used to more cleverly hide the all-new face, however unlikely that is.

The story continues out back where the rear end looks identical to the current Sport SVR. Perhaps Range Rover will throw on some updated trim pieces or offer the SUV in new colors, but otherwise, we’re not expecting a slew of changes for 2017.

Interior

The interior will likely continue on as-is. If anything changes, expect to see an updated version of JLR’s infotainment software, or at most, a larger touch screen. The interior’s overall design isn’t expected to change. That’s just fine though, as the Range Rover Sport SVR debuted for the 2015 model year and still looks fresh.

Drivetrain

The one area where we fully expect updates in under the hood. The current Sport SVR is powered by JLR’s supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8 that makes 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. That’s certainly not terrible, but Jaguar’s latest tune boosts the V-8 horsepower to 567 and torque to 516 pound-feet. That extra boost in power should knock a tenth or two off the Sport SVR’s 0-to-60 mph time, likely finishing the sprint in four seconds flat.

The full-time 4WD system will likely carry over, as well as the ZF eight-speed automatic.

Prices

As with any updated vehicle, automakers love to increase prices. Expect that to hold true for the 2017 version of the Range Rover Sport SVR. Perhaps we’ll be looking at a $1,000 to $1,500 increase in price, barring any significant updates.

If that’s the case, the 2017 Range Rover Sport SVR should carry a base price of $112,000.

Competition

BMW X5 M

It’s hard to find a suitable competitor for the Range Rover Sport SVR. Sure the X5 M offers respectable high-performance driving characteristics, but it’s nearly useless off road. Not so for the Range Rover. However, the X5 M does put up a strong fight. Power comes from twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic pushes power to all four wheels, which help the BMW complete the sprint to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Okay, so the BMW is a bit faster in a straight line. Pricing for the X5 M starts at roughly $100,000 and grows drastically with options.

Read our full review on the BMW X5 M here.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

The other German competitor is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Thanks to its twin-turbocharged, 4.8-liter V-8, it serves up 570 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Similarly, an eight-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels. The sprint to 60 mph takes four seconds flat. While those numbers are relatively comparable to the other two, pricing is where things go awry. The Cayenne Turbo S carries a base price of $158,000 – a Corvette C7’s price more expensive than the BMW X5 M. Ouch

Read our full review here.

Conclusion

The updated Range Rover Sport SVR will likely offer more performance for the on-road set without losing any of its legendary off-roading abilities. It’s that strange combination of sports car and hard-core SUV that makes the Range Rover Sport SVR a unique vehicle.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this model as it undergoes final testing before Land Rover debuts the updated version sometime later this year.