I to was in the same situation before buying my X5 4.8.
I found the range RRsport had its good things but it did not like the feel and price in comparison. found the X5 sportier inside, outside and the drive. I like the the looks of the RRsport and it would make me feel good by just being seen in it but, hey I had to be satisfied at all angles.
I also do more regular driving than off roading which Im sure the RRsport beats the X5.
Im very happy so far (14 months) with my X5, just have little minor issues that were resolved.:p:

Agree w/ the comments above..

I drove a RRS/SC this weekend.. Looks great from the outside, but felt like a slightly more luxurious H1 inside.. Huge console, dated and cheap materials (chrome-like trim), fit/finish was poor, and had virtually no 'updated' electronics - iPod integration, RTT w/ nav, HUD.

Also, the slowest 400hp vehicle I've driven.

Cool SUV in 2006, not so competitive any longer.

Yep. I recently drove a RR sport. I was very disappointed with the interior. Looked like something from the 80's. Horrible.

I just wanted to say I also have a Rover and I hate it on so many levels, lol.
The X5 has my heart, however I do want to add insult to injury and mention how I got stuck in the snow with my Rover and NOT with my X5! It's offraod capabilities are no better than a X5 with proper tires and ground clearance, maybe worse!

Are you saying that the X5 has better off-road capabilities than a Range Rover? What year Range Rover was it...1970?

A Range Rover of any vintage would run circles around a X5 off road...

^^ true, and an X5 (4.4+) of any vintage would run circles around any RR on-road, which comprises 99% of most 'driving'. :)

German pure-breed > English mut

I had my 2007 Range Rover stolen a few weeks ago. This was a proper one, not the Sports.
The main reason for not getting another one has to be the handling. The TDV8 is a nice engine, but the 35d is more powerful and, very important for tax reasons, A LOT cleaner.

I will miss the space and the off road capabilities of the Rangie, but I feel I have bought a better car for less money.