Land Rover was already working on the facelifted Range Rover Sport model when Ford sold it to Tata Industries, but it continued its work and introduced the updated version in 2009.
It was the first product launched by Land Rover after Ford sold them. Even though in 2009 the world financial crisis was not over yet in Europe, the carmaker had high-hopes for the refreshed version, which offered a great deal of comfort and an enhanced look. Moreover, its new powerplants were greatly improved.
The new version featured a new front fascia with circular LED for the daytime driving lights. A horizontal slat crossed its silver mesh-grille. The carmaker added two fog lights in the plastic wrapped-around bumper and a shield at the lower side, and a new set of taillights with a clear lens over the re-arranged lamps inside at the back. Like its predecessor, the car was based on the same platform as the Land Rover Discovery but with a sportier and luxurious look.
Despite its massive appearance, the interior was not that spacious, and the elbow and hip room were limited for three passengers in the back. It was comfortable for four adults. Between the front seats, the carmaker added a standard tall center console with a large storage compartment. Depending on the trim level, it offered either a simple CD stereo or an infotainment unit with a navigation system.
Under the hood, an important addition was the new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, which provided almost the same performances as the 3.6-liter V-8 oil-burner. For the gasoline units, the carmaker introduced the upgraded 5.0-liter V-8 with or without a supercharger.