RANGE ROVER VELAR

The new in-between Range Rover

The new Range Rover Velar is here and, like its siblings, its path to iconic status is written in the stars. Designed to fit between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar offers levels of luxury, refinement, and all-terrain capability that looks certain to catapult this beautiful and capable vehicle to the top of the mid-size SUV pyramid.

The concept of a luxury SUV was born in 1970 when Land Rover launched the original Range Rover. Preceding the official launch and official naming of the original Range Rover, when development engineers needed to hide the true identity of the 26 pre-production Range Rovers in the late 1960s, they chose the name Velar – derived from the Latin velare, meaning to veil or cover.

Fifty years after those first prototypes were conceived and created, that spirit of innovation continues with the unveiling of the Range Rover Velar.

AVANT-GARDE

With its floating roof and clamshell bonnet providing explicit references to its lineage, the Velar is instantly recognisable as a Range Rover. And yet, it freely expresses its individuality as it strikes a delicate balance between robust and refined, along with perfectly optimised volume and proportions that are accentuated with the prominent horizontal line that runs above the high waistline. The Velar fills out its 2,874 mm wheelbase with a sturdy, even brutish stance. Large wheels – up to 22” in diameter – add a sense of poise and purpose as it fills the wheel arches that further enhances the stunning silhouette.

HIGH-TECH

Advanced technology is pivotal to enabling the Velar’s contemporary design. As such, the LED headlights are the most slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover, while the deployable door handles emphasise Velar’s reductive, sculptured form. These door handles that sit flush with the body contribute to the low drag coefficient of only 0.32, making this is the most aerodynamically efficient Land Rover ever produced.

Another innovative technology designed to make life easier is Land Rover’s Activity Key – a waterproof, shockproof wristband with integrated transponder – which allows customers to enjoy sports and outdoor pursuits such as running, cycling or kayaking without having to carry the standard key fob.

CONNECTED SANCTUARY

The interior projects a sense of elegant simplicity, sophistication, and refinement; with switches being kept to an absolute minimum to help create a calm sanctuary. The new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system forms the centrepiece of the Velar’s interior, and features two 10” highdefinition touchscreens behind hidden-until-lit surfaces. These slim, intuitive displays work in harmony with the cabin architecture while adding an overall sense of modernity congruent with the vehicle’s exterior design.

In front of the driver are twin-analogue dials with a 5” TFT display between them, or, as standard from the SE specification and above, a 12.3” Interactive Driver Display. This high-definition virtual instrument cluster delivers a rich, hightechnology experience and allows the driver to prioritise essential information.

This information can also be displayed on the latest-generation full-colour headup display.

The Touch Pro Duo also enables 4G connectivity that allows a host of features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. The InControl Apps enable owners to access compatible apps from iOS and Android devices using the system’s upper touchscreen.