Land Rover Range Rover Velar

This Range Rover model has redefined style and function, and we'll explain it in simple terms for readers, whether you're a tech fan, a car lover, or just someone curious about what makes this vehicle special.

Looks:

The Range Rover Velar is a showstopper. Its design is eye-catching, and it's not just a pretty face; it's also a well-thought-out vehicle. The Velar fits between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It's spacious, stylish, and bound to make people look twice.

The design is modern and sleek, and it's largely made of lightweight aluminum, making it both elegant and efficient.

The clean lines and signature Range Rover elements, like the oversized mirrors and squared-off profile, add to its appeal. Even the door handles are smart, as they only pop out when the car is unlocked, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Interiors:

Step inside, and you'll be impressed by the Velar's interior. The dashboard is a tech lover's dream, with screens, touch panels, and no traditional buttons. Even the hazard light button is discreetly placed between the central AC vents.

The centerpiece is the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two 10-inch screens that cascade between the front seats. The top screen, although a bit challenging to see in direct sunlight, can be adjusted to improve visibility. It handles various functions, including media options, navigation, and the impressive 17-speaker, 825W Meridian sound system.

The lower screen manages climate control and terrain response, and if you have ventilated or massage seats, you can control those functions from here as well. You can also operate the navigation system, configure ambient lighting, and check the rear camera or optional 360-degree camera.

There's even a real-time display of off-road conditions, including the wheel and axle positions. However, using these screens while driving can be distracting, and they tend to accumulate fingerprints, which can be a hassle to clean.

The instrument panel is a 12.3-inch digital display that offers various functions, including navigation, tire pressure monitoring, and vehicle settings. While it's controlled through the steering-mounted buttons, it can be a bit finicky at times. The quality of materials, including the leather upholstery, soft-touch dashboard, and wood-like door pad finish, adds a premium touch.

Screen two is, arguably, the prettier of the two and is primarily to manage the climate control and terrain response. If you get the Velar with ventilated or massage seats, those functions are managed from here as well, and you access your phone call functions from here too.

However, a few elements like the lighting stalk and the long list of optional extras can be less than ideal. Many desirable features, such as ventilated seats, a heads-up display, rear climate control zones, sunroof options, a 360-degree camera, or configurable ambient lighting, come at an additional cost. Even in the top-spec HSE variant, some features remain optional, and this can significantly increase the price.

Features:

The Range Rover Velar offers a host of high-tech features, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. The 17-speaker Meridian sound system ensures a fantastic audio experience. The infotainment system allows you to customize themes and explore various media options.

You can also manage the vehicle's navigation, ambient lighting, and even monitor off-road conditions. However, the complexity of the touch-based controls may take some time to get used to, and their fingerprint-prone nature can be a nuisance. Unfortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not yet available.

Drive Experience:

The Velar's performance and handling are impressive. It's a comfortable and agile SUV that's surprisingly nimble for its size. Its adaptive dampers and versatile Terrain Response drive modes enhance the driving experience.

While the initial throttle response may feel a bit sluggish, it quickly gains momentum, and its weight doesn't hold it back. The Velar is surprisingly aerodynamic, resulting in a swift and composed drive, and it can reach highway speeds without you even realizing it.

Things have improved in the quality department as well. The choice of leather upholstery, the thick soft-touch padding on the dashboard, the wood look door pad finisher and the light grain of the plastics all give you the impression that the Brits are getting more mature.

For a vehicle of its size, it handles well, especially in Dynamic mode, where the suspension keeps it stable during spirited driving. The steering, although somewhat vague, offers quick and precise control, and the transmission responds promptly to paddle-shift inputs.

However, during sudden throttle inputs for overtaking, there can be a brief delay in power delivery. While the adaptive dampers effectively reduce body roll, some lateral movement is still noticeable when exiting corners. Although it's not a pure performance SUV, the Velar can provide an enjoyable driving experience.

In urban traffic, the Velar's smooth and progressive throttle response ensures you won't overdo it, and gear changes are seamless even in Dynamic mode. In Eco mode, it's well-suited for daily city driving. What's truly commendable is its performance as a cruiser. Cruising at 100 km/h in 8th gear, the engine remains nearly silent, despite some wind and tire noise. However, the vehicle's fuel efficiency, although decent, doesn't make the 63-liter tank last exceptionally long, considering it's a larger petrol SUV.

The Velar's ride quality is similar to the F-Pace, managing uneven road surfaces effectively, and providing a planted feel. However, it retains a slight firmness, which allows you to hear sharp bumps but not necessarily feel them. Even at higher speeds, the ride remains composed and free of lumpiness. Compared to the Macan, the Porsche might have an edge on the track, but for everyday driving, the Velar performs exceptionally well.

Verdict:

The Range Rover Velar is not the most practical SUV in its category, but it's not meant to be. It's designed to evoke emotion and make a statement. If you want a vehicle that turns heads and offers a premium experience, the Velar is an excellent choice.

However, its price can increase significantly with optional extras, and if you're looking for a more practical SUV, you might want to consider alternatives from German or Swedish brands or even the Range Rover Sport for more space and features. The Velar is all about fulfilling the heart's desires, rather than catering to pure logic. It's a stylish and enjoyable indulgence for those who want to stand out and make an impression.