Range Rover Velar Dynamic HSE 2.0 (2024) Review: Just Looks Ravishing
There is always something special about cars from the Jaguar Land Rover Group, perhaps the unique rugged looks of the Discovery or the regality of the Range Rover.
The Range Rover Velar tested here occupies a unique product placement within the brand’s line-up. If you think about it, priced from lowest to highest, there is the Evoque, Discovery Sport, Defender (depending on 90, 110 & 130 variants), Velar, Range Rover Sport and finally the Range Rover.
What is new in this ‘facelifted’ 2024 Range Rover Velar?
The Velar looks similar in shape and overall design since it was first launched in 2017. However, the facelifted version here is a much more handsome vehicle if you look carefully. The Velar now comes with sleeker LED head and taillights. The front grille also now resembles that of the larger Range Rover brethren. This particular media unit also comes specified with the full black edition trim pack which means that the Range Rover name badges, ‘hood vents’ and side trims are all black. It is the latest trend to be sporty, but it does make the Velar look much sportier.
7 years in, this car still looks gorgeous, especially from the rear quarter profile.
The Land Rover designers have definitely gotten it right as the Velar has a good balance of brute road presence, elegance and pure style.
How about the interior?
Most would focus on the large infotainment screen that now occupies the central dashboard but what still impressed me was the interior design and ‘feel-good’ factor. The 2-tone dark burgundy and black interior is a very tasteful colour scheme and the semi-aniline leather feels splendid and comfortable. (The Range Rover gets aniline leather as standard!)
Like many high-end British marques, the Velar also comes with a 2-tone steering wheel and metal flappy pedal shifters. Like I said, there is just something special about the feel of these cars.
So, what new electric gizmos are there?
The highlight would be the 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system that has now replaced the old dual screen set-up. There are no more aircon knobs as everything is controlled via the Pivi Pro screen. The area where the aircon controls used to be located has now been replaced by a storage compartment.
In-line with the cleaner design, even the old rotary gear knob has been replaced with a single chunky lever that is nice to hold and operate.
Again, I am personally not a fan of touchscreens, but this is what the younger generation of buyers prefer and majority of car manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. What I must say is that the Pivi Pro system is rather intuitive to use and just needs some getting used to and Land Rover has made the system simple to navigate through. Could I also say that the Meridian sound system is one of the best in the business?
What is the Range Rover Velar like to drive?
The Velar only comes with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that pushes out 250 PS and 365 Nm. The 3.0 V6 variant is no longer available which makes sense for bulk of the road-tax and cost-conscious Singapore buyer. Mated to a smooth 8-speed gearbox, the Velar is best driven in a relaxed manner.
There is a Sports mode but that defeats the purpose of this car completely. Enjoy the car’s ride comfort and suppleness (this media car is even equipped with air suspension!). The Velar is not slow but it is also not meant to be pushed and driven like a hot-hatch.
As with other Land Rover products, the Velar also has a long pedal travel that is suited for better throttle control whilst off-road. Acceleration may seem lethargic but once you give the accelerator a hard stomp, the Velar actually leaps off the line rather aggressively.
So, who are the competitors of the Range Rover Velar?
The Velar fits in a unique product bracket as compared to other key brands. It could potentially be compared to a Junior Executive or Executive SUV like a BMW X3 or X5 or even a Mercedes GLC or GLE. There is no direct competition in my opinion but what the Range Rover Velar has up its sleeves would be its great looks, comfortable interior and its quintessential British vibes.
Photos by Ronald Chua
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