Range Rover Velar Drivetrain Across All Model Generations

The Range Rover Velar, introduced in 2017 as the fourth model in the Range Rover line, represents an elegant balance between on-road performance and off-road capability. Named after the original Range Rover prototypes from 1969, the Velar sits between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the luxury SUV lineup. Though relatively new to the market, the the Velar drivetrain has already seen notable developments and refinements across its production run.

Original Velar Platform and Architecture (2017-2023)

The initial Range Rover Velar, launched in 201,7, utilized Jaguar Land Rover iQ[AI] (D7a) platform, an advanced aluminum-intensive architecture shared with the Jaguar F-Pace, XF, and XE models. This lightweight platform provided the foundation for the impressive on-road Velar dynamics while maintaining the legendary Ranger Rover off-road capabilities.

Powertrain Diversity

The first-generation Velar offered an impressive array of powertrain options to suit different driver preferences and requirements:

Petrol Engines:

2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder (P250): This entry-level petrol engine delivered 184 kW (247 horsepower) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft) of torque, providing adequate performance with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds.
3.0-litre AJ126 supercharged V6 (P380): The high-performance option at launch, this engine produced 280 kW (375 horsepower) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 5.7 seconds.
5.0-litre AJ133 supercharged V8: Reserved for the limited-edition SVAutobiography Dynamic model, this potent engine generated 405 kW (543 horsepower) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque.

Diesel Engines:

2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder (D180): Producing 132 kW (178 horsepower) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque.
2.0-litre Ingenium twin-turbocharged four-cylinder (D240): Delivering 177 kW (237 horsepower) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
3.0-litre AJD twin-turbocharged V6 (D275/D300): Available in two power outputs - 202 kW (271 horsepower) or 221 kW (296 horsepower), with torque figures of 625 Nm (461 lb-ft) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) respectively.

Transmission and Transfer Case

All first-generation Velar models utilized the highly regarded ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, with different variants depending on the engine:

8HP45 for four-cylinder engines
8HP70 for six-cylinder and V8 engines

This transmission provided smooth shifts, responsive performance, and contributed to fuel efficiency across the range. Unlike some Range Rover models, the Velar did not feature a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, instead focusing on sophisticated electronic systems to manage traction in challenging conditions.

All-Wheel Drive System

The Velar employed a full-time all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). This advanced system continuously monitored driving conditions and vehicle inputs to optimize torque distribution between the front and rear axles for maximum traction and stability.

Key characteristics of the system included:

Primarily rear-biased torque distribution under normal driving conditions for enhanced handling dynamics
Capability to send up to 100 percent of torque to the front axle when needed
Seamless, predictive torque transfer that could anticipate wheel slip before it occurred
Integration with stability control and traction control systems for comprehensive vehicle dynamics management

Higher-specification models could be equipped with an Active Rear Locking Differential that provides enhanced traction by controlling torque distribution between the rear wheels, particularly valuable in off-road or low-traction conditions.

Terrain Response System

The original Velar featured the Land Rover Terrain Response system, allowing drivers to optimize vehicle settings for different surface conditions. The base system offered several driving modes:

Comfort/Dynamic
Grass/Gravel/Snow
Mud and Ruts
Sand
Eco

Higher trim levels offered Terrain Response 2, which added an automatic mode that could detect the surface being traversed and select the appropriate settings without driver intervention.

Refined Evolution: The Updated Velar (2023-Present)

In 2023, the Range Rover Velar received a significant update that brought both visual refinements and drivetrain enhancements. While maintaining the successful foundation of the original model, this update introduced new powertrain technologies and improved capabilities.

Advanced Powertrain Options

The updated the Velar engine lineup focused more on electrification while streamlining options:

Petrol Engines:

2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder (P250): Retained from the previous generation with 184 kW (247 horsepower).
3.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged straight-six with MHEV (P340): A new mild-hybrid powertrain delivering 250 kW (335 horsepower) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.
3.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged straight-six with MHEV (P400): The range-topping mild-hybrid variant producing 294 kW (395 horsepower) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds.
2.0-litre Ingenium P400e plug-in hybrid: Combining a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of approximately 297 kW (398 horsepower) and offering up to 53 kilometers of electric-only range.

Diesel Engines:

2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder with MHEV (D200): A mild-hybrid diesel producing 150 kW (201 horsepower) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque.
3.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged straight-six (D300): Replacing the previous V6 diesel with a more efficient inline configuration, generating 221 kW (296 horsepower) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.

Mild Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Technology

The updated Velar placed greater emphasis on electrification:

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) System:

48-volt electrical architecture
Belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) that could harvest energy during deceleration
Electric supercharger on six-cylinder engines for improved response
Smoother stop-start functionality
Small power boost during acceleration
Improved fuel efficiency without requiring charging infrastructure

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) System:

17.1 kWh lithium-ion battery (increased to 19.2 kWh for 2023 models)
Electric-only range of approximately 53 kilometers
Combined output of 297 kW (398 horsepower)
Capability for DC fast charging at up to 35 kW
AC charging capability at 7.4 kW

Refined Transmission System

The updated Velar continued to use the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, but with revised software calibration to better complement the new powertrains, particularly the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. Shift patterns were optimized to keep engines in their efficiency sweet spots, with the ability to anticipate shifts based on navigation data when using the built-in navigation system.

Enhanced All-Wheel Drive Capabilities

The Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system received software updates to work more effectively with the electrified powertrains. The system could now more precisely control torque distribution, especially in the PHEV model, where the electric motor could provide instant torque to the wheels that needed it most.

For the 2023 update, the AWD system was further refined to disconnect drive to the front axle at steady cruising speeds, reducing drivetrain losses and improving fuel efficiency. The system could seamlessly reconnect within milliseconds when additional traction was required.

Advanced Off-Road Technologies

The updated Velar retained and refined the Terrain Response 2 system with additional features:

Configurable Terrain Response allowing drivers to create personalized off-road modes
Enhanced Wade Sensing for water crossings up to 530 mm
Improved Low Traction Launch system for smoother starts on slippery surfaces
ClearSight Ground View camera system that rendered the hood “invisible” to show the terrain directly beneath the vehicle

What Range Rover Velar Drivetrain is For You?

The Range Rover Velar drivetrain has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2017, particularly with the shift toward electrification in the 2023 update. While maintaining the sophisticated all-wheel drive system and off-road capabilities expected of a Range Rover, the Velar has embraced new technologies to improve efficiency, performance, and refinement. The introduction of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains represents the Land Rover commitment to reducing emissions while enhancing the driving experience. Throughout its relatively short production history, the Velar has consistently offered a compelling blend of on-road dynamics and off-road capability, with a drivetrain that effectively delivers power and traction in a wide range of conditions.

5 Range Rover Velar Drivetrain Facts

The Velar name originates from the Latin word “velare” meaning “to veil or cover” and was used for the original Range Rover prototypes in 1969 to conceal their identity during development.
Despite sharing its platform with the Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar all-wheel-drive system is calibrated very differently, prioritizing off-road capability while maintaining on-road dynamics.
The Velar Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system can predict traction loss before it happens by monitoring steering inputs, throttle position, and yaw rates, pre-emptively adjusting torque distribution.
In the P400e plug-in hybrid, the transition between electric and combustion power is managed by a specially designed integrated starter generator that can fill torque gaps during the handover between power sources.
The mild hybrid (MHEV) system in the updated Velar can recover up to 40 kW of power during deceleration and use it to boost acceleration, effectively reducing the turbo lag effect typical in combustion engines.

What makes the Velar all-wheel drive system different from other SUVs in its class?

The Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system sets it apart by using a predictive rather than purely reactive approach to traction management. While many competitors wait for wheel slip to occur before transferring power, the system in this luxury SUV analyzes multiple vehicle inputs—including steering angle, throttle position, and yaw rate—to anticipate traction needs and adjust torque distribution preemptively. This creates a more seamless driving experience, particularly in variable conditions, and helps maintain the vehicle’s composure during both on-road cornering and off-road challenges.

How does the Velar Terrain Response 2 system affect the drivetrain performance?

Terrain Response 2 fundamentally alters the drivetrain’s behaviour across multiple parameters when different modes are selected. In Sand mode, for example, it adjusts the throttle mapping for more progressive power delivery, holds lower gears longer to maintain momentum, and sets the differential to allow more wheel slip. In Rock Crawl, it delivers torque more gradually, maintains extremely low speeds with higher gear ratios, and maximizes differential locking for enhanced traction. The automatic mode continuously monitors surface conditions and vehicle behaviour, seamlessly switching between these calibrations without driver input, effectively transforming how the entire drivetrain responds to changing terrain.

Does the Velar have the same off-road capability as larger Range Rover models?

While this SUV demonstrates impressive off-road capability, it doesn’t match the full range of abilities found in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The key differences include the absence of a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, slightly reduced ground clearance (213 mm versus 295 mm in the full-size Range Rover), and a lower wading depth (530 mm compared to 900 mm). However, for the vast majority of challenging conditions owners might encounter, the sophisticated electronics—including Terrain Response 2 and IDD—effectively compensate for these hardware differences, delivering exceptional all-terrain performance within its design parameters.

How does the mild hybrid system in the updated Velar enhance drivetrain performance?

The 48-volt mild hybrid system enhances the drivetrain in several ways beyond simple efficiency gains. The belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) delivers up to 142 Nm of instantaneous torque at low speeds, effectively eliminating turbo lag. During deceleration, it harvests energy that would otherwise be lost as heat and stores it in a lithium-ion battery for later use. The system also powers the electric supercharger on six-cylinder models, which spools up in just 0.5 seconds to provide immediate boost before the conventional turbocharger reaches optimal speed. Additionally, it enables more refined stop-start operation, shutting down the engine when coasting below 18 km/h to improve fuel economy in urban environments.

What transmission differences exist between four-cylinder and six-cylinder Velar models?

While all models use ZF 8-speed automatic transmissions, there are meaningful differences between the variants. Four-cylinder models employ the ZF 8HP45 transmission, designed to handle up to 450 Nm of torque, while six-cylinder and V8 models use the more robust ZF 8HP70, capable of managing up to 700 Nm. The 8HP70 also features stronger internals, improved cooling capacity, and different gear ratios optimized for higher-torque applications. In six-cylinder mild-hybrid models, the transmission includes additional programming to work harmoniously with the 48V system, enabling coasting with the engine off and smoother integration of electric boost during acceleration. Both transmissions offer identical gear count and shift logic, but these structural differences ensure optimal performance with their respective engines.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*