Range Rover Velar: A Mid-Life Update for a Luxurious SUV
The Range Rover Velar, a mid-sized luxury SUV, has recently undergone a mid-life update. While some may argue that the changes feel unnecessary, the updated Velar still retains its luxurious appeal and stands out in its segment.
Introduced to UK showrooms in 2017, the Velar was designed to be a high-style alternative to competitors such as the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. Land Rover’s luxury SUV arm, Range Rover, aimed to create a standout design that would appeal to customers looking for both style and traditional Range Rover values of space, capability, and luxury.
The latest update to the Velar includes subtle exterior enhancements, slight improvements to powertrain options, and a more extensive revamp of the interior and infotainment technology. These updates aim to further enhance the Velar’s designer SUV credentials and maintain its position as a stylish choice in the mid-sized SUV market.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the Range Rover Velar remains a “car-based” SUV. It shares its predominantly aluminum platform with Jaguar models such as the XE, XF, and F-Pace. This architecture provides a solid foundation for the Velar’s performance and handling.
Standard features of the Velar include four-wheel drive and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, ensuring optimal performance in various driving conditions. The base models come equipped with four-cylinder engines, coil suspension, and a relatively low ride height compared to other Range Rover models. However, higher-end variants offer six-cylinder turbocharged engines, adaptive air suspension, and a petrol-electric PHEV version for tax efficiency.
In terms of engine options, the UK-market Velar range consists of two petrol and two diesel models, along with a four-cylinder petrol-electric PHEV. The P250 variant features Land Rover’s turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine, while the D200 model utilizes a 2.0-liter diesel motor. The D300 and P400 models boast the latest-generation turbocharged straight-six Ingenium engines, and the P400e combines an electric motor with a four-cylinder petrol engine.
The Velar trim levels start with the Velar S and progress to Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, and Autobiography. The higher trim levels offer more luxurious cabin materials and additional equipment, providing a truly premium driving experience.
Overall, the mid-life update for the Range Rover Velar may seem like a minor tweak, but it maintains the car’s luxurious appeal and enhances its designer SUV credentials. The Velar continues to be a stylish alternative to its competitors in the mid-sized luxury SUV segment.
Whether you’re drawn to its standout design, impressive performance, or luxurious interior, the Range Rover Velar offers a unique combination of style and substance. With its mid-life update, this first-generation model proves that it still has what it takes to compete in the ever-evolving luxury SUV market.