Sit in the lap of luxury: Range Rover launches 170mph Velar

The Range Rover Velar has been given a massive power boost.

The SVAutobiography version of the Velar is fitted with a supercharged 5.0 litre V8 that develops 542bhp. Combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the extra oomph enables the Velar SVR to sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 170mph.

It’s been developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operations unit, which produces high-powered versions of the company’s products.

An array of chassis, drivetrain, suspension and other bits have been upgraded to help the Velar cope with its extra power while maintaining its luxurious feel. In spite of its extra performance, Land Rover maintains the Velar SVAutobiography “offers traditional Range Rover refinement.”

Its engineers have fettled with the allwheel-drive system, giving it an uprated transfer box able to cope with the grunt from under the bonnet. It took a massive 63,900 hours for the company to tune the handling, ride and responsiveness and make sure everything is perfectly calibrated for the more aggressive nature of the speedy SUV.

Available to order now priced from £86,120, the flagship Velar features enlarged air intakes, a new grille and reprofiled rear bumper, and lightweight 21 or 22-inch wheels. Bespoke badging and colour choices, including a oneoff metallic blue, all with a contrasting black roof, complete the look.

Inside, you get quilted leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel and unique dials for the infotainment system, heater controls and gear selector. Heated and cooled front seats that offer a 20-way electrically adjustable massage function are also available as an optional extra.

The SVAutobiography is a limited edition run from Land Rover. It will be available for just one year so expect used values to be higher than average for the brand thanks to the model’s exclusivity.

The Range Rover Velar is one of the world’s best-looking and most comfortable luxury SUVs.