
Land Rover's S gear is the sports mode of the car, which provides sufficient torque for quick starts and stops. Here is more information about car gears: S gear: Sports mode. The transmission can shift freely, but the shift timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer time, allowing the car to move at low gear and high RPM for an extended period. D gear: Drive gear, the gear used when the car is moving. Gear shifts can be controlled by the throttle. N gear: Neutral gear, used during brief stops. L gear: Low gear, which limits the gear to enhance torque and engine braking. When going downhill or on long slopes, shifting to this gear restricts the car to low gear, allowing the engine to assist in braking. This prevents the driver from having to press the brake for extended periods, which could overheat the brake pads and cause danger.

Land Rover's S gear is actually the sport mode. When you shift the gear lever from D to this position, the entire car becomes completely different. The transmission delays gear shifts, the engine revs higher, and the throttle response becomes extremely sensitive—it's like giving the car a shot of adrenaline. Last time I used this mode on a mountain road, the burst of acceleration during overtaking was particularly thrilling; a quick press of the accelerator delivered instant power. However, using this gear in heavy traffic is too fuel-consuming, and the constant engine roar can get tiring. Switching back to normal mode is simple—just push the lever back to D, and the car immediately becomes much more docile.

I paid special attention to the S gear when I first drove the Range Rover Sport. When you shift to S mode, there's a prompt on the dashboard, and the engine and transmission feel like their sporty genes have been activated. The throttle pedal becomes particularly responsive, the RPM needle jumps more actively, and you can feel a noticeable push-back sensation with every hard press of the accelerator. It's most suitable for high-speed overtaking or when you want some driving excitement, but there's really no need to use this mode in city traffic—fuel consumption can be 20-30% higher than usual. Remember to press the brake when shifting gears, and you'll feel a distinct resistance when pushing the gear lever, which feels quite natural once you get used to it.

Shifting to S mode in a activates the sport mode. The transmission shift program changes immediately, maintaining the engine speed in a higher range, approximately between 2000 to 4000 RPM, ensuring instant power response. The steering system also becomes more responsive. However, prolonged use of S mode should be approached with caution as the engine temperature rises slightly faster, especially during uphill climbs in summer. For daily commuting, it's recommended to use the regular D mode, which saves fuel and protects the drivetrain.

The S gear next to the gearshift isn't just for show. When I drove the Discovery 5, I specifically compared it—shifting into S mode makes the engine downshift much faster, so overtaking becomes effortless. The steering wheel's power assist also becomes slightly heavier, giving you more confidence during high-speed cornering. Just be aware that fuel efficiency takes a hit in Sport mode—the engine revs like it's had a Red Bull, naturally burning more fuel. Additionally, the transmission delays upshifts in S mode, and you'll feel a downshift blip when decelerating, which might take some getting used to for beginners.

The S gear in stands for Sport mode. After switching to it, the dashboard usually displays a red indicator light, and the entire vehicle becomes more spirited. The engine maintains high RPMs on standby, gear shifts become crisper and more decisive, and downshifts are particularly aggressive. I love using this mode when driving the Range Rover through corners, as the car's dynamic response is noticeably quicker. However, it's important to note that prolonged use of Sport mode may increase the burden on the braking system due to more intense speed variations. For urban commuting, switching back to D gear is more economical and comfortable.


