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Land Rover has given us our first official image – albeit a teaser, and from a strange angle – of the Range Rover Velar. It'll join the lineup as the fourth model in the Range Rover subbrand, alongside the Evoque, Range Rover Sport, and the full-size Range Rover.
We've seen this SUV in spy shots before. Earlier this month we got a good look a a camouflaged prototype near the factory. Everything we've heard so far is that the Velar will be positioned between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport and share a platform with the Jaguar F-Pace. The roofline isn't as aggressive as some "coupe-ish" SUVs, adopting more of a 4:5 scale Range Rover Sport feel.
If you're wondering about the name, it dates back to the 1969 prototype for the vehicle that would become the original Range Rover – an SUV that seriously altered the public's perception of the refinement and comfort that a rugged 4x4 could provide.
Meet the newest addition to the Land Rover lineup: the 2018 Range Rover Velar.
The Velar name is derived from the Latin velare, meaning to “veil” or “cover,” and was first used by Land Rover as a code name for prototypes for the original Range Rover launched almost five decades ago. The modern Velar is a very different vehicle to the original Range Rover, however.
It’s a sleek, sexy SUV based on the bones of the Jaguar F-Pace and positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in Land Rover’s luxury-oriented Range Rover family. Land Rover says the design hints at the automaker’s next generation of vehicles and is so sleek that the coefficient of drag is only 0.32 Cd—the lowest of any Land Rover ever produced.
The handsome design should win the Velar a lot of fans, and the lightweight and stiff aluminum underpinnings should make it a winner among those that care about more than just looks.
The Velar is confirmed to go on sale later this year, priced from $50,895 for the base model equipped with a 247-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. Further up is a 180-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel which starts at $57,195 and at the top of the range is a 380-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 which starts at $65,195. All prices include a $995 destination charge.
Note, once you’re in V-6 territory, you’re practically knocking on the door of the Range Rover Sport which starts at $66,645.
But for many, the smaller, more dynamic proportions of the Velar will be more appealing. The wheelbase spans 113.15 inches which means the Velar is small enough for carefree city driving but still big enough to seat five. The sloped roof might make things a bit claustrophobic in the rear, though.
Standard across the range are an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive and LED headlights. Buyers of the V-6 model can opt for air suspension and an active locking rear differential for improved handling when going off-road. Land Rover also offers its Terrain Response off-road-oriented driving modes selector.
The Velar's cabin has been designed as a calming sanctuary, with the dash featuring Land Rover’s usual uncluttered look and most of the surfaces lined in light hues. Making its debut in the Velar is Land Rover’s latest infotainment system which integrates two 10-inch touchscreen displays.
The Range Rover Velar makes its world debut on March 7 at the 2017 Geneva auto show. To learn about some of the other vehicles set to appear, head to our dedicated hub.
Generally nice-looking inside and out, but the roofline, like on the RR Evoq, is a little low for my tastes. I like a high, roomy, conservative roofline on an SUV, like on the the Range Rover itself. Of course, not every lowered roofline compromises a lot of headroom and visibility, so I'll hold further comment until I see it in person.
I agree with you for the most part, really.
Its just that when I saw the front, I was expecting something a bit edgier. Perhaps a smaller open vent that would sit directly above the larger lower vent (were the plate sits in the photo), or a brushed chrome or matte black accent bar or trim on the front side. Just my observation/opinion...
However, far from hate and it does fit the overall stance of the vehicle, which provides fluidity.
02-22-17, 12:15 PM
2018 Range Rover Velar Teased
The Velar's cabin has been designed as a calming sanctuary, with the dash featuring Land Rover’s usual uncluttered look and most of the surfaces lined in light hues. Making its debut in the Velar is Land Rover’s latest infotainment system which integrates two 10-inch touchscreen displays.
