This Range Rover Sport is diesel aristocracy (pictures)

Unless you look at the rear badge, you'll likely never realize this Range Rover Sport is a diesel, even if it drives right by you.

This is the Range Rover Sport with its air suspension in its standard setting. It can be lowered for ease of entry and exit or for high-speed aerodynamics, and it can be raised to clear off-road objects.

The Range Rover Sport's familial DNA is most apparent up front.

A tapered roofline and blacked-out rear pillars lend the Range Rover Sport a cantilevered greenhouse that emphasizes its athleticism.

Since I drove a US-spec model in Europe, navigation was carried out via smartphone, not the in-dash GPS.

A mix of old-school, easily legible analog gauges bookend a multifunction color display.

Land Rovers are famous for their upright, dining-chair-like seating, which lends all occupants a commanding view.

The HSE trim features perforated Oxford leather with heating and cooling for front-seat occupants.

Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps come standard, while adaptive headlights with auto high-beam assist is available.

Land Rover's famous green oval badge sits offset to the right on the matte-finish grille.

This HSE trim level is a step above the base SE model.

The taillamps bleed into the profile view in a manner that echoes the way the headlamps wrap around the nose of the vehicle.

A number of different wheel patterns are available, and these 20-inch alloys suit the vehicle very well.

This rear spoiler not only looks sporty, it helps keep the rear glass clean.

Land Rover was one of the first automakers to reintroduce front fender vents as a stylistic tool, and scores others have followed suit.

Better breathing through hood vents.

The center console houses not only the shift lever, but also all of the various drive settings, including things like engine stop/start functionality and Terrain Response 2.

This is Land Rover's InControl Touch system. Hopefully its next-generation ICT Pro setup with its additional capabilities will be available soon.

The HVAC controls are pleasingly simple and look great surrounded by real-wood trim.

Even the door panels feature nice detailing and authentic finishes.

Up to 62.2 cubic feet of stuff can fit inside the Sport's cargo hold, and it's possible to lower the air suspension to ease loading.

The Td6 3.0-liter turbo diesel is likely the best all-around engine available in the Range Rover Sport range.