The Velar has established itself as a really credible contender in the mid part of the Range Rover model line-up. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the improved version.

Ten Second Review

The Velar is arguably the most sporting Range Rover yet made - and very much the Solihull brand's interpretation of what a really premium mid-sized luxury SUV should be. If you're looking at something like an upper-spec Mercedes GLC Coupe or BMW X4 but want a car in this class with a bit more substance - something better, something. Different, you're exactly the kind of person this Range Rover Velar is aimed at. And in this revised form, it's an even more complete package.

Background

The very first luxury SUV was a Range Rover, a pioneering 4x4 first launched back in 1970. Prior to that car's original introduction, a fleet of 26 pre-production models were used by development engineers and these ran under the 'Velar' name, Land Rover keen to hide the revolutionary vehicle's real identity, the word derived from the Latin 'velaris', meaning to veil or cover. Almost half a century later in 2017, the Velar name returned to the Range Rover line-up, used to badged the brand's fourth model, a mid-sized contender that aimed to plug the previous gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Solihull brand knows that premium German rivals have set a high standard in this market segment, so spared no effort in building in advanced technology, compelling design and absolute attention to detail. But time moves on - and fortunately, the Velar has moved on with it. With this revised model, let's see just how far

Driving Experience

The Velar is built on the same IQ platform that underpins the extraordinarily successful Jaguar F-PACE. On top of that sits a light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body and this, together with double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension, should provide the perfect basis for the agile handling, excellent ride comfort and impressive refinement this car needs in its quest to take on tough segment rivals like Porsche's Macan and BMW's X6. As before, smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD with so-called 'Intelligent Driveline Dynamics' are both mandatory across the range. Refinement's been improved by the introduction of a new Active Road Noise Cancellation system. Under the bonnet, there's been quite a bit of change with this revised model. Familiar from the original model is the base P250 petrol unit (249hp), while at the foot of the diesel range now lies the D200 (204hp). Beyond that, the straight-six cylinder options feature the brand's latest mild hybrid 48V technology, the choice being between the P400 petrol (400hp) and the D300 diesel (300hp). This Velar is also now offered with the brand's plug-in hybrid powertrain, the new P400e variant offering a 300hp four cylinder petrol engine mated to a 105kW electric motor powered by a 17.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The resultant package puts out 404hp and 640Nm of torque, making 62mph possible from rest in just 5.1s. Plus there's a 33 mile driving range when fully charged. It's clear from the Velar's market positioning that it'll be used off road even less than other Range Rover models, but it still offers class-leading ground clearance of up to 251mm (213mm with coil springs), class-leading wading depth of up to 650mm (600mm with coil springs) and Land Rover's unmatched suite of traction technologies including optional 'Terrain Response 2' and 'All Terrain Progress Control' systems.

Design and Build

There aren't any significant visual changes for this revised model. There didn't really need to be. The Velar remains instantly recognisable as a Range Rover, the floating roof and clamshell bonnet providing clear references to its lineage and visually reinforcing the class-leading all-terrain capability for which all the brand's models are renowned. The large wheels - up to 22-inches in diameter - help to define the smart silhouette, while the short front overhang and super-slim full-LED headlights play their part in minimising visual weight. Hi-tech Matrix-Laser LED headlights are optional. A long 2,874mm wheelbase enhances the car's visual length and this contributes to the creation of a much more spacious cabin than can be offered by this model's cheaper, smaller Evoque stablemate. There's a much bigger 632-litre boot too and the versatility of a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench. Inside, there has been a crucial change, the adoption of Land Rover/Jaguar's latest 'Pivi' infotainment technology for the two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens that dominate the centre stack. This set-up features crisper graphics and the potential for 'over-the-air' updates. An embedded data connection means customers will have access to the latest maps, apps and vehicle software modules. Otherwise, apart from a re-styled steering wheel, things are much as before. Mirroring the taut, uncluttered exterior design, the Velar's precision-crafted interior matches the high standards set by premium German SUV rivals. You sit in what the brand calls a 'Sports-Command' position on front seats that balance performance-oriented design and support with opulent comfort, and offer up to 20-way adjustment and heating, cooling and massage functions. As before, the rotary transmission controller rises silently from the centre console on start-up. In front of the driver, most models get a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display.

Market and Model

As before, the Velar is aimed at the upper end of the mid-sized luxury SUV market. In other words, it targets the £55,000-£60,000 price bracket where upper-spec versions of cars like BMW's X4 and Mercedes' GLC Coupe attempt to do battle with desirable sporting contenders like Porsche's Macan and BMW's X6. Velar prices start at around £53,500 and range up to just under £78,000. Trim-wise, the model range includes 'S', 'Dynamic SE', 'Dynamic HSE' and 'Autobiography' variants. A key showroom selling point will be the 'Pivi' centre-dash infotainment system, offered in standard and 'Pivi Pro' forms. Its 'Micro SIM 4G' connectivity enables a host of features, functions and location-based services that should make every journey easier, more enjoyable and more relaxing. For example, there's an online search system that helps you find difficult destinations, and the system can also tell you if you have enough fuel to complete the journey you're on. There's also a new Cabin Air Filtration system. And a second-generation version of the brand's wearable Activity Key, which can totally replace the traditional key fob when necessary. The water-resistant and shock-proof wrist device now incorporates an LCD watch and allows customers to start, stop, lock and unlock the vehicle, with no need to take a traditional key fob out with them.

Cost of Ownership

The brand's latest MHEV mild hybrid tech gets efficiency readings back on track for most powerful Velars, but it doesn't feature at the bottom of the range. Let's get to the WLTP figures. The base D200 diesel variant manages 43.9mpg on the combined cycle and 169g/km of CO2. For the base P250 petrol model, the readings are 29.2mpg and 218g/km. As for the six cylinder MHEV mild hybrid variants, well the D300 diesel manages 36.8mpg and 201g/km, while the P400 petrol returns 27.7mpg and 230g/km. The MHEV system uses a Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear loadspace. It is able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine when accelerating away, while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system. If you want to go further, you'll want the Plug-in hybrid P400e petrol PHEV, which manages 121.1mpg on the combined cycle and 52g/km of CO2. This PHEV version's 17.1Wh lithium-ion battery, located under the boot floor, can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes using a fast DC charge point, or 1 hour 40 minutes using a standard 7kW wallbox. With zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode, it offers an all-electric range of 33 miles. Helping these figures across the range is this Velar's 'Lightweight Aluminium Architecture'-inspired body. And the efficient eight-speed ZF automatic transmission which features what the brand calls 'an integral pendulum damper'. This device dramatically reduces the booming and vibration typically experienced when running in high gears at low engine speeds, and therefore contributes to Velar's relatively efficient fuel consumption.

Summary

Until Land Rover launched the Velar, few would have thought there was a need for this SUV in the Solihull company's range. Yet now, it's hard to imagine the line-up without it. Sure it's expensive, but the fact that this car has much more in common with a Range Rover Sport than an Evoque makes that easier to accept. In fact, we'd go further and say that the Velar has quite a few of the hallmarks of the top fully-fledged Range Rover model - in feel, in style and in refinement. In some ways, it's a version of that car redefined for the 21st century with efficiency, manageable size and road dynamics in mind. Those well-heeled buyers who think of the Velar in that way might not mind what they pay for one. This model's original designer Gerry McGovern reckoned at launch that this car brought 'a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand' and if you agree that to be true, you'll probably also think, as we do, that this car does the same thing as part of its chosen take on the premium SUV segment. Especially in this usefully revised form. If in the past, you've usually driven a premium German executive saloon but always liked the idea of a Range Rover, then this is your car. And if that's the case, a whole new ownership dimension awaits.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Rear wash/wipe

Heated washer jets

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Heated rear window with timer

Acoustic laminated windscreen

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti trap

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Electronic brake force distribution

Cornering brake control

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Electronic parking brake

Roll stability control

Low traction launch

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Emergency braking

380mm front brakes and 325mm rear brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Coil suspension system

Adaptive dynamics

All terrain progress control

Communication

Voice control system

Land Rover InControl apps

InControl remote

Android Auto

Apple CarPlay

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

Wireless device charging

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Blind spot assist

Wade Sensing

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Front and rear parking aid

Rear traffic monitor

Speed proportional electronic power assisted steering (EPAS)

3D surround camera includes forward traffic detection and vehicle guidance

Driver Information

Trip computer

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

Service indicator

Driver condition monitor

Pivi pro with connected navigation

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Power fold, auto-dimming, heated door mirrors with memory and approach lights

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls

DAB radio

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Boot protection plate

Metal load space scuff plates

Flush deployable exterior door handles

Velar badge

Tailgate/boot lid spoiler

Metal front tread plates

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Follow me home headlights

Rear fog lights

Auto high beam assist

LED headlights with signature DRL

Rear animated directional indicators

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear air vents

Interior Features

Loadspace cover

Heated steering wheel

Twin front cupholders

Ebony morzine headlining

Bright metal pedals

Electrically adjustable steering column

Overhead stowage for sunglasses

Twin sliding front centre armrest

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Overhead lighting console

Packs

Power socket pack 2 - Velar

Online pack with data plan - Velar

Safety

Driver airbag

Side airbags

Passenger airbag

Door side intrusion beams

Curtain airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Rear airbags

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Customer configurable autolock

Power operated child locks

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Seats

Isofix system on outer rear seats

14 way electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear centre headrest

Passive front headrests

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Keyless entry

Perimetric alarm

Intrusion sensor

Global lock and unlock switch on driver door

Lock only switch on front passenger door

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

Single speed transfer box

8 speed automatic transmission

Open differential with torque vectoring by braking

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Home charging cable

Public charging cable

7kw on board charger

AC/DC charging

Wheels

All season tyres

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 480

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 150

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 19.3

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 63

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 63

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 62

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 21.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 22.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 39.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 38.5

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 39.1

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 15.4

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 41

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 41

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 43

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: AJ200

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 157.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 157.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 150

General

Coin Series: Dynamic SE

Coin Description: P400e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 43E

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 404

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.1

Top Speed: 130

Engine Power - BHP: 404

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 297

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 472

Engine Torque - NM: 640

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 65.3

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE STYLE 1089

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4797

Width: 1930

Wheelbase: 2874

Width (including mirrors): 2147

Height: 1683

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2205

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2740

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 69

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 535

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 568

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 79

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1374

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.95

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Brakes

Black brake calipers

Chassis/Suspension

Terrain Response 2 with dynamic program

Configurable dynamics

Communication

Wi-Fi Enabled with data plan

Driver Convenience

Powered gesture tailgate/boot lid

Embellishment Trims

Shadow Grey Ash veneer

Entertainment

Meridian 3D surround sound system with 750W and 16 speakers including subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Metallic paint

Sliding panoramic roof with powered sunblind

Narvik black contrast roof and door mirror caps

Black roof rails

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Interior Features

Additional perforated grained leather upholstery

Loadspace partition net

Perforated Textile seat upholstery

Non-leather steering wheel in materiality

Leather steering wheel with moonlight bezel

Packs

Comfort Pack - Velar

Black exterior style pack - Velar

Cold Climate pack - Velar

Technology pack with head up display - Velar

Driver Assist pack - Velar SE/Dynamic SE

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Varesine blue

Metallic - Giola green

Metallic - Arroios grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Batumi gold

Premium metallic - Charente grey

Premium metallic - Ostuni pearl white

Premium metallic - Zadar grey

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Seats

Rear seat remote release levers

Heated and cooled front seats

Security

Secure tracker pro

Trim - Cloth

Perforated Textile Seat upholstery [Dynamic SE] - Cloud

Trim - Leather

Perforated grained leather [Dynamic SE] - Cloud

Perforated grained leather [Dynamic SE] - Cloud/Ebony

Perforated grained leather [Dynamic SE] - Ebony

Perforated grained leather [Dynamic SE] - Raven Blue/Ebony

Wheels - Alloy

20" style 7014 alloy wheels

20" alloy wheels - style 1089 10 spoke in gloss black

21" satin dark grey alloy wheels - Style 5109

21" 5 split spoke gloss black alloy wheels - Style 5109

21" satin dark grey contrast with diamond turned alloy wheels - Style 5109

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair system