Range Rover’s all-new SUV is hailed as the most sedan-like 4x4 on the road
All-new SUV comes with a sweeping profile and is billed as the brand’s most sedan-like 4x4 when driving on-road.
Where exactly does the Velar fit? The Velar is the fourth model in the Range Rover family and has been designed to slot in between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport.
In order to keep up with the burgeoning premium SUV market, the Velar comes with a sweeping profile and glass roof to match sporty 4x4s like the BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Also targeted is the slightly smaller Porsche Macan.
Contributing to this sporty effect are the large alloy wheels — in particular the range of 22-inch designs — that optimise the vehicle’s silhouette, while further enhancing the Velar’s presence.
The Velar, a nameplate last used by Range Rover in 1969 for some secret prototypes, is built on the IQ platform shared with the F-Pace from sister brand Jaguar and is said to be the most focused Range Rover when driving on the sealed tarmac. The interior looks classy and simple …
Although the Velar shares many familiar design cues with other Range Rovers, its interior ushers in a new theme for the brand and has been inspired by the Jaguar’s i-Pace all-electric concept car.
Dominating the fascia are two 10-inch touchscreens to operate the Velar’s various functions. The seating layout in the Velar looks like a 2+2, but a fifth occupant can sit in the middle of the rear bench.
Range Rover says the 2,874mm wheelbase helps deliver optimal space for all occupants, with versatile seating layouts and a 632-litre luggage compartment. Are there any new engines?
The Velar has six engines to choose from, all with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive transmissions: a 180hp/240hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo, a 250hp/300hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo, a 300hp 3.0-litre diesel V6 and a 380hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6. The most potent V6 can do 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds.
Although on-road driving is the main focus for the Velar, there are chassis electronics to make it just as adept as other Range Rovers in the mud. The all-wheel drive has an optional active locking rear differential to ensure all-terrain capability and driver engagement on-road.
Expect the Velar to go on sale in Thailand towards the end of the year after its world debut in Geneva this month, with prices starting around 6 million baht.