Range Rover has announced a new mid-size entry, the Velar, filling a gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover. Derived from the Latin work Velare meaning ‘to cover’ or ‘veil’, Velar is a direct reference to the code names used on the original, pre-production Range Rovers of the late 1960s. The Velar is set to bring unprecedented glamour, modernity and elegance to the Range Rover Family.
EXTERIOR
While Land Rover is renowned for off-road capabilities, the Velar will aim to appeal to a wide range of drivers. It is the first Land Rover to be based on JLR’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture. The platform is used on Jaguar’s XE compact sedan and F-Pace crossover. Despite its elegant appearance, the Velar is not only for the road. Air suspension comes standard for the V6 models and optional for four-cylinder variant. The SUV has a considerable ground clearance just over 25 cm, which is good enough for most of the sensible off-road maneuvers. All-wheel drive and adaptive dampers will also let the crossover get around when away from the pavement.
The pop-out flush door handles only add to the Velar’s sleek sophistication; the burnished copper trim elements are new and different, but they are eye catching and tasteful. We’ve seen the standard LED and optional laser headlamps before, but the relatively narrow openings have been designed to enhance the modern glamour radiating from the Velar. Other add-ons include 22-inch split-spoke wheels and a hand-applied satin finish over the exterior paint, which is an optional feature.
INTERIOR
The interior styling is a new for Range Rover. There is an adjustable tablet screen in the middle that drivers have come to appreciate from luxury SUV’s. Below it is another screen, blending with the internal architecture of the car and only lighting up when you wake it. When you do, it works in combination with the upper screen (you can literally swipe information from one screen to the other), controlling every aspect of the car.
Velar drivers will have their choice of high-end interiors. Leather seats will feature the Windsor Leather option, a perforated leather with a subtle Union Jack pattern, a nod towards land Rover’s British heritage. The premium textile option is a two-toned wool blend and suedecloth made specifically for automotive applications, proving luxury does not limit itself to just leather.
Remarkably, The Velar only looks like a concept car. Upon the unveiling, orders immediately started to be taken. The Velar goes on sale in July this year and the configurator is online now, but you can go ahead and order one now from Jaguar Land Rover Richmond.