Range Rover Velar

DRIVEN: Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition

How does the SVA compare with the F-Pace SVR to which it’s so closely related? Again, the Range Rover feels like the heavier, more refined vehicle. The Jaguar, if memory serves me correctly, is even louder still, but its interior simply can’t match the Velar’s material richness. The latter boasts beautifully stitched and quilted Windsor leather, seat heating and cooling, knurled finishes aplenty and the opinion-splitting Touch Pro Duo infotainment system (I’m one of the naysayers; the screens take your eyes off the road for simply too long).

Ultimately, if you’re a fan of the contemporary performance SUV, you and I can spend hours debating whether they should or shouldn’t exist. Give me an Audi RS6 Avant or an equivalent sports wagon any day of the week.

However, the performance SUV is here to stay and, despite not wearing an acronym it so obviously deserves, the Velar SVAutobiography is one of the best of this peculiar breed. If the world turned upside down, we were all millionaires and the performance SUV was the only option (hey, it might happen), this is the one I’d choose.

FAST FACTS

Model: Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition
Price: R1 743 325
Engine: 5,0-litre, V8, supercharged petrol
Power: 405 kW @ 6 500 r/min
Torque: 680 N.m @ 3 500 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,5 seconds
Top speed: 274 km/h
CO2: 270 g/km
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km

 
Driven: Range Rover Velar gets serious with V8-powered SVA

Land Rover is still, at its core, a company that is known for its all terrain ability and even though the Velar SVA Dynamic is very much a black-top vehicle, it has all the systems to go off-road.

Not in the Discovery or new Defender sense but don’t underestimate where it can get you. What you have to ask though is if it’s worthwhile slicing tyres and putting a ding on the rims.

I know what the answer to that will be when you look at the price of R1 743 325.

The Velar SVA Dynamic is not a limited edition but will only be available on sale for a year.

It comes in six colours - Firenze Red; Santorini Black; Eiger Grey; Fuji White; Indus Silver and, a new colour called Satin Byron Blue.

 
Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography (2019) Review

Fast Facts

Price: R1 724 350 (R1 840 650 as tested)
Engine: 5.0 litre supercharged V8
Power/Torque: 405 kW/680 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 11.4 L/100 km (claimed)
Load space: 834-1 705 litres

Verdict

Performance SUVs seem to all be about lap times, tar-shredding accelerative ability and physics-defying handling, at least that is how the market seems at the moment. If you’re really into the way a car handles, then a sportscar (with a lower centre of gravity) will always be a more satisfying option. That’s why the Velar SVAutobiography makes more sense: it’s not a sportscar, but has wild straight-line performance and a thunderous soundtrack. It makes the most of its size by being brash and in your face, but then, when you drive it, it’s still comfortable, especially on long trips.

The interior matches the exterior’s appeal with bespoke touches and premium materials that give it a luxurious-but-sporty appeal. The SVA is very expensive, yes, but it delivers a combination of street cred, entertaining performance and exclusivity that few, if any, R1.8-million SUVs can deliver.


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Land Rover Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic Black

Land Rover UK announced the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic Black, an exclusive run of just 500 examples representing a unique, discerning specification featuring an enhanced range of standard features for the UK market.

Based on Land Rover's top-selling D180 R-Dynamic SE, the Black limited edition features Black Exterior Pack, Privacy Glass, Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof, 21" Gloss Black Alloy Wheels, Heated Steering Wheel, Metallic Paint and Adaptive Dynamics as standard. Two metallic exterior colour finishes are available to choose from; Santorini Black and Eiger Grey, while for the interior the Ebony Perforated Grained Leather is complemented by an Ebony Morzine Headlining completing the specification.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Rawdon Glover said: "The Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic Black builds on Velar's sophisticated design package enhancing it for a customer who is looking for an element of differentiation. We look forward to delivering the first limited editions in early 2020."


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Range Rover Velar gains R-Dynamic Black Limited Edition

Land Rover will release 500 Black Edition cars, which have dark gloss and interior enhancements

Land Rover has launched an R-Dynamic Black Limited Edition of its Range Rover Velar SUV, introducing an extensive black finish and interior add-ons to the standard car.

The limited-edition variant, of which only 500 will be produced, is based on Land Rover’s D180 R-Dynamic SE Velar.

As well as the black look, the model is also available in metallic grey. Other exterior features include tinted windows and a panoramic glass roof.

 
Range Rover Velar D180 2019 UK review

Should I buy one?

If you're after a premium SUV solely for the level of comfort on offer, and not the promise of dynamism, this entry-grade Velar largely fits the bill. It’s spacious, with a level of interior quality that competes closely with class rivals, and a healthy selection of standard kit.

The four-cylinder engine is capable enough to not feel strained in daily use, and will be less expensive to run than the equivalent petrol engine, though it lacks the refinement of the more expensive six-pot diesel.

It’s a minimal compromise that most people will find offset by the relaxed ride and concept car looks that are key to the Velar experience.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic S D180 specification

Where Warwickshire, UK Price £53,020 On sale now Engine 4 cyls, 1999cc, turbocharged diesel Power 177bhp at 4000rpm Torque 430lb ft at 1750-2500rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 2089kg Top speed 120mph 0-62mph 8.9sec Fuel economy 37.8-42.0mpg CO2 no WLTP data available Rivals Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace


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REVIEW | The Range Rover Velar is a 405kW luxury SUV

The Velar SVA's V8 dominates the experience like a slice of pepperoni on a mini pizza, it's loud and barges into any situation. All the while you're cocooned in ultra-luxury leather, wood, and high-quality materials.

Its dynamic ability is hindered by the loftiness (1.6m tall) and not-so-super-direct steering. I also feel it has its place among the bevy of performance SUVs on the market.

The Velar SVA fills the niche of wanting something super luxurious and commanding but also sounds like thunder and capable of scooting from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

At just over R1.7-million, the Velar SVA delivers to a very particular niche and crucially one that's growing.

 
ROAD TEST: Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition

TEST SUMMARY

Surely one of the most challenging assignments a modern performance division can be handed is how best to imbue a vehicle designed to transport family and friends in raised-ride comfort with the kind of performance and handling prowess associated with the mandate of your department?

Having dialled up the wick on the ferocious F-Pace SVR, JLR’s SVO division has been conservative in its approach to the limited-run Velar. SVO has been careful to combine the sophistication and luxury associated with the Range Rover and Autobiography badges, while making optimal use of one of the finest examples of a supercharged V8 drivetrain.

There are sharper tools in this segment but the combination of that svelte profile, class-leading interior materials and a convincing dual personality – highlighted by a widely variable exhaust note – certainly adds to the appeal.

SCORE: 77/100


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Manhart Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Delivers A Potent 592 HP (441 KW)

The current range-topping Range Rover Velar is the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition with its 542 hp (404 kW) 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under the hood.

If the fact that the Range Rover Sport SVR packs more heat (575 hp; 429 kW) than your Velar annoys you, then Manhart Performance can assist.

The Velar SV 600 cranks things up to a Range Rover Sport beating 592 hp (441 kW) and 750 Nm of torque thanks to a Manhart Performance ECU remapping. The tune is improved with the custom sports exhaust system with flap control, featuring a replacement pipe with 200-cell HJS catalytic converters.


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Range Rover Velar Updated, Coming to SA in 2021

A powerful Range Rover Velar Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is expected to reach South Africa in 2021!

Range Rover’s mid-size luxury SUV, the Velar, has benefitted from its first significant update, since launching in late 2017.

Although the Velar has not seen any styling changes, Land Rover’s engineers have added improvements to the vehicle’s infotainment capability and powertrain options.

Plug-in Hybrid Velar for SA

In terms of powertrain, Land Rover has added its P400e moniker to the Velar range. That means a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine in combination with an electric motor, with plug-in recharging capability.

Total system output for the P400e is an impressive 298kW and 640Nm, which translates to a zero to 100kph sprint time of only 5.2 seconds!


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Nearly new buying guide: Range Rover Velar

One of the suavest SUVs around is also objectively appealing - here's how to get one in your garage

Whatever your opinion about modern Land Rovers, you must admit that some are stunning to behold. Take this handsome devil, the Range Rover Velar. It’s objectively good, too, and although it seems to be aimed more squarely at those living up in town rather than down in the country, it will still do all the rough stuff brilliantly given half a chance.

Underneath its suave exterior, there’s the choice of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the 247bhp P250 and 296bhp P300 or a 3.0-litre V6 petrol in the 375bhp P380. There’s also a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in the 542bhp P550. Later models revised this line-up to just the P250, P400 and P400e petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.

Of the oil-burners, there was originally a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the 178bhp D180 and 237bhp D240, plus a 3.0-litre V6 in the 296bhp D300. Later on, the line-up was trimmed down to just a new D200 and the existing D300.


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Land Rover Range Rover Velar P400e 2021 UK review

Should I buy one?

If you live in the city, and you like the idea of pure-electric driving, and you can charge up at home, and of course you actaully want a Velar in the first place, then yes, you should probably buy the P400e.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? As is often the way, the plug-in hybrid model in the line-up isn't hugely compelling in it's own right, but excels within a specific set of circumstances.

In this case, the fact you cannot have air suspension on the P400e makes the £10,000 cheaper D200 the pick of the four-cylinder models. The D200 would also better suit high-mileage drivers, as would the D300, with its effortless torque and reasonable fuel economy at an unstressed top-gear cruise.

But if you do mainly intend to drive your Velar in town (and, let's face it, that's probably most of them) and want to do so relatively free of guilt, the P400e is undoubtedly the one you want. Along the with low tax-band, that ought to make it a strong-seller in the line-up.

Perhaps the bigger question is whether the Velar should be your plug-in hybrid SUV of choice in the first place. The BMW X5 xDrive45e springs to mind. It's heavier than the P400e, costs a little more and has its own share of ride-quality issues, but it also possesses a juicy straight-six turbo petrol engine, pairs it with a bigger battery for more than 50 miles of electric range, and the interior is every bit as lavish as that of the Range Rover.


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