Land Rover Updates The Range Rover Velar
The changes have, thankfully, only improved the breed.
Let’s not argue; the Range Rover Velar has always been a fantastic-looking SUV. It is, perhaps, the best-looking of them all. But as is the case with most vehicles, it had to take to receive a midlife refresh. Thankfully, the design tweaks are so subtle that they only improve the overall looks of the Velar. The SUV also gains a range of upgraded powertrains and a few changes inside the cabin.
On the outside, the refreshed Range Rover Velar features “jewel-like” DRLs, flanking a mildly revised grille. The lower sections of the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked as well, but not enough to ruin the look of the brute. Also in the mix are the new Pixel LED headlights with Dynamic Bend Lighting tech, all hidden behind the sleek and sexy front eyes. At the back, the LED taillamps have been revised for a sharper look.
Inside the cabin, the Range Rover Velar gains the new single floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen display, integrated into the centre console. Backed by the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, the central display can handle 80 per cent of tasks within two taps. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while wireless mobile charging is available on a new stowage area in the centre console. And finally, the Range Rover Velar can receive OTA software updates and stream media, courtesy of the twin eSIM tech and cloud-based architecture.
For the upholstery, buyers can choose the leather-free option. That takes shape using wool with polyurethane textile inserts. However, those who want leather in their Velar have options in Cloud, Raven Blue and Deep Garnet. Complementing them are design highlights, including Moodlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console and air vents. Other trim finishes available are Technical Light Anodised or Dark Anodised Aluminium, and tactile Shadow Grey Ash Wood.
Land Rover has devised four trim levels for the new Range Rover Velar – S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and Autobiography. For propulsion, three petrol engines, two diesel and one plug-in hybrid that are part of the portfolio. All come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, mild-hybrid tech (except for the PHEV variant) and all-wheel drive. Petrol powerplants offer oomph ranging from 250hp/365Nm to 400hp/550Nm. The diesel engines, on the other hand, produce between 204hp/430Nm and 300hp/650Nm.
The most powerful of the lot is the P400e variant – the PHEV. It makes use of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce a total system output of 404hp/640Nm. The electric motor is backed by a larger 19.2kWh battery (up from 13.6kWh), which can last for an electric-only drive of up to 64km (up from 53km). And while the battery will take 2.5 hours to charge from zero to 100 per cent using a 7kW AC charger, it can also take a 50kW DC feed to replenish itself (0-80 per cent) in about 30 minutes.
The new Land Rover Range Rover Velar has gone on sale in Europe. On-the-road prices in the UK start at just north of GBP 54,000.
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