Range Rover Sport SVR priced under $220k

Range Rover is attacking Porsche - rather than Mercedes-Benz and BMW - with its first entry into the high-performance SUV segment.

The British brand has confirmed pricing and specification details for its upcoming Range Rover Sport SVR ahead of its showroom arrival in May.

The flagship model, the first from the newly created Special Vehicles Operation that has been tasked to spearhead both Land Rover and Jaguar's offensive against the likes of BMW's M division, Benz's AMG arm and Porsche, will cost $218,500 (plus on-road and dealer costs).

That is a hefty $36,500 premium over the current range-topping V8 Autobiography model and a sizeable cost more than the outgoing Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG that starts from $181,430 as well as the recently-updated BMW X5 M that is expected to maintain its sub-$200k pricetag when it lands around the same time as the Range Rover. It does, however, undercut the Porsche Cayenne Turbo that costs $221,600 (plus on-roads).

The Range Rover Sport SVR does have some impressive on-paper numbers to justify its premium though, with the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 re-tuned to develop 405kW and 680Nm - 30kW and 55Nm more than the Autobiography - and capable of sprinting to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The engine also features a two-stage active exhaust that Land Rover says generates a "racecar-like soundtrack" and the eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive transmission have been optimised to better harness its performance.

It also comes with a more aggressive design, highlighted by its oversized intakes in the re-styled front bumper, roof-mounted rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets in the new rear bumper. The SVR will also have extended wheel arches that are able to contain its larger 21-inch alloys - with an optional set of 22-inch rims on offer - and be identified by a series of blacked-out details such as the badges and side vents.

The cabin has also been tweaked for a more sporting environment with more supportive seats for both front and rear occupants that are trimmed in leather with quilted and ribbed centre sections as well as turned aluminium trim highlights around the cockpit.

Range Rover Sport SVR: pricing and specifications

Price: $218,500 (plus on-road costs)

On-sale: May 2015

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Power: 405kW

Torque: 680Nm

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, AWD

Consumption: 12.8L/100km