Review
Range Rover Velar
The Velar is the fourth Range Rover and also a brand new model within the range. It wants to give a new meaning to the concept of an SUV and uses, among other things, futuristic design elements and an exclusive interior. We were introduced to this newcomer through a test drive with the 300 hp 3.0D.
Code name
The Velar is a reference to the code name used for the original pre-production models of the Range Rovers of the 1960s. The Velar is one of a kind and designed to complement the range between the Range Rover Evoque on the one hand and the Range Rover Sport on the other. The new Velar is all about glamour, modernity and elegance.
An avant-garde design icon
If you look at the appearance of the new Velar, it is unmistakably a real Range Rover. However, the proportions also have a look that you cannot immediately find in the other models. We certainly like the look of the new Velar. An avant-garde design icon. One of the principles used in the design process was “reductionism”. This has been applied both in the interior and exterior. The aim has been to create as little visual distraction as possible in the interior. To create an oasis of peace in the interior for the driver and passengers. There is nothing visually disturbing, nothing that demands attention. Only when useful does it attract attention. Disturbing noises are also reduced to a minimum. Wind noise and road noise are reduced to a minimum through the use of acoustic laminated glass for the windscreen and front door windows and an aerodynamic underbody. This is also reflected in the exterior, for example through the fold-out and fully integrated door handles.
Touch Pro Duo
The Velar has the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system as standard. This ensures, among other things, entertainment and connectivity. The system uses two 10-inch HD touchscreens, which are also linked to each other. For example, occupants can transfer content from one screen to another using their fingers. You can also optionally opt for a digital instrument panel in the form of a 12.3-inch HD interactive driver display. The high resolution guarantees an extremely sharp image and the refined image processor ensures smoothly moving and razor-sharp images. You can choose from a number of visual themes and you can even display navigation on this display.
engines
In terms of engines, there is a wide choice between 3 diesel engines: a 2.0 with 180 hp or with 240 hp. We did a test drive with the 300 hp 3.0 liter V6 twin turbo diesel. It has an insane torque of over 700 Nm and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The top speed is 241 km/h. Although the Velar has its weight, this car with the 3.0 V6 feels extremely smooth and quick. You wouldn’t think you were driving a car of this size. With the petrol engines you can choose between a 2.0 with 250 hp or 300 hp or a 3.0 V6 with 380 hp.
Both the diesel and petrol engines are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Shifting always goes smoothly and the shift program is also adapted to the driver’s driving style.
Conclusion
The Range Rover Velar is a car that, despite its large dimensions, still appears very elegant and stylish. The lines are just right and for us this is now the most beautiful car in the Range Rover range. The interior finish is sublime and we can certainly agree with the concept of “reductionism”. We really have nothing to complain about in our lavishly equipped test car, a 3.0D R-Dynamic HSE. The price tag is correspondingly high, but for an audience that is really looking for the best of the best, the Range Rover Velar will certainly not disappoint.
Additional images of interior and exterior:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
