Range Rover Velar review: Beautiful SUV kept fresh by plug-in hybrid tech

The Range Rover Velar caused quite a reaction when it came out in 2017. Its elegant design introduced a new theme called ‘Reductionism’, where fussy details were minimized and emphasis was placed on clean, pure and well-judged lines. It has set the template for every Range Rover since, and the inherent correctness of the styling means it still looks classy today, especially with the latest models featuring striking ‘Super Red’ LED tail lamps. The flush-fit, pop-out door handles also remain new.

The interior has aged. Compared to the typical cabins of larger Range Rovers, some parts of it seem blocky these days, although Land Rover has kept its infotainment intact, and is now running the latest in-house Piwi Pro operating system. Higher-end models have some beautiful trim options, including durable Kvadrat upholstery.

The practicality isn’t bad, with an impressive front feel. Rear seat space is a little less impressive, but the boot is decently sized.

The Range Rover Velar tested here is the P400e plug-in hybrid version. It combines a highly-tuned petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and large battery to deliver a system power output of over 400hp. Pure electric range is good, at a claimed 40 miles, helping to deliver attractive CO2 emissions at a fleet-friendly profit-rate.

Like all Range Rovers, it drives really well. The great handling has a driver-focused feel and the ride is generally compliant, especially if you get the optional air suspension. Refinement is still increasing.

How we tested

I’ve driven many miles on the Range Rover Velar over the past few years, from its original 2017 launch in Norway to more familiar territory in the UK. I still think it looks beautiful.

Independent Rating: 7/10

Range Rover Velar Specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

Despite its age, the Range Rover Velar has a high-spec plug-in hybrid setup. The 19.2kWh battery gives an official electric range of 40 miles; Land Rover says that in the real world, a reliable 32 miles is likely. It has DC rapid charging capability, so it can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just 30 minutes at a suitable public charger.

The P400e is very powerful. The engine alone, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (built in Wolverhampton), produces 300hp, with the electric motor providing 142hp. This gives the system a total of 404hp – a fantastic amount that delivers a 0-62mph sprint in 5.4 seconds (aided by standard all-wheel drive) and a top speed of 130mph. Even in electric mode, the Velar P400e has a top speed capability of 87 mph.

Combine the battery and petrol engine, and the company believes you’ll have 425 miles of range. Unless, of course, you make extensive use of all that performance. The engine itself is quite smooth, if a little vocal at times, while the eight-speed automatic gearbox is a dream with exceptionally smooth and refined gearshifts.

As standard, the Range Rover Velar comes with Adaptive Dynamics suspension. This ‘active’ setup adjusts to road conditions and enhances both ride and handling. It remains flat when going through corners, and does a good job of soaking up rough roads. Even better is the optional air suspension setup, which can be raised to enhance off-road capability, lowered by 40mm in ‘Elegant Arrival’ mode, and can even be lowered at the press of a button when you encounter a low-roofed car park.

All Land Rovers are superb off-road, and the Range Rover Velar is no exception. It has multiple 4×4 modes – and an ‘Auto’ setting if you want the car to think for itself – and its tenacity in rough terrain is exceptional. It has an amazing off-road cruise control function, which makes traversing awkward terrain even easier.

Interior, practicality and boot space

You climb into the Velar, but not in the same way as you do into a full-size Range Rover. The low dashboard, low sides and generous arm rests make it a comfortable, confident place to be and the seats are comfortable; All models get standard heated front seats and steering wheel.

The back is welcoming, although the walls are a bit thick, which can make getting in and out a bit awkward. Once there, the space is nice, if not quite luxury level, and I like how the chairs have electric backrest recline for added comfort.

Trim options become more lavish as you move up through the range, with the Autobiography model featuring gorgeous copper-coloured detailing outside and inside, adding a jewel-like touch. Both leather and cloth upholstery are available, including the durable Kvadrat wool blend that many people prefer. It’s the kind of soft, homey fabric that makes you wonder why carmakers stuck with leather for so long.

The Range Rover Velar P400e has a 503-litre boot, which expands to 1,335 liters when the rear seats are folded. There are few compromises due to the plug-in hybrid battery, and this Range Rover doesn’t even have a spare wheel. If you intend to go off-roading in it, keep a few things in mind.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

The latest Range Rover Velar features an 11.4-inch ‘floating’ curved glass touchscreen running the infotainment system. It’s an upgrade from the original, which had two thin screens, and makes it feel more contemporary and luxurious. I miss the simplicity of physical climate controls – and old Range Rovers were particularly nice – but also appreciate that the latest system has cleaned up the interior aesthetics even more.

The attractive looking touchscreen runs on JLR’s Pivo Pro infotainment technology. It’s fantastic, has stylish graphics and absolute ease of use. Engineers believe that 80 percent of the settings can be accessed with just two taps on the screen. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (there’s a wireless phone charger hidden behind a cubby below the touchscreen), as well as built-in Amazon Alexa and Spotify.

The cabin air purification technology is also clever. It monitors how ‘dirty’ the outside air is and can purify the incoming air at the touch of a button. You might be doing this instinctively while spewing smoke from dirty diesel…

A six-speaker stereo is standard. Move up through the range and you’ll find an 11-speaker, 400W Meridian sound system, while the top-spec 16-speaker 750W setup has 3D surround sound and even includes active noise cancellation to further enhance the refinement.

Prices and operating costs

Prices for the Range Rover Velar start from around £65,000. It’s premium-level, but also competitive with rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The full model line-up spans a compact £10k price range, meaning the gorgeous Autobiography range-topper is ‘only’ £10k more than the entry-level S.

Company car drivers will save a small fortune by driving the Range Rover Velar P400e instead of conventional petrol or diesel. The monthly profit tax in kind is one-quarter of the regular rate.

The insurance groups are slightly higher, starting from Group 43 and extending to Group 47. You’ll also pay Range Rover rates for servicing, although there will obviously be savings on fuel costs – especially if you’re able to keep the battery topped up on the cheaper overnight electricity rate. If you don’t do this, you may get an average of less than 30mpg from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in real-world driving – and especially if you make full use of those four hundred horses under the bonnet…

Range Rover Velar Rival

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge?

With DC rapid-charge capability, the Range Rover Velar can charge from 0-80 percent in 30 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

Prices for the Range Rover Velar P400e start at around £65,000. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s also £25,000 less than the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Sport.

Does Land Rover replace batteries for free?

The hybrid battery has a six-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Decision

The Range Rover Velar is now the oldest model in the company’s line-up, but its clean, ‘reductionist’ design keeps it fresh. The well-specced plug-in hybrid setup delivers low CO2 emissions and a good EV range – plus it makes it the fastest Velar you can buy.