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Land Rover

Luxury Elevated: Range Rover Velar

February 27, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

Velar brings unparalleled luxury to the Range Rover line.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar in R-Dynamic trim.

Land Rover continues to make a name for itself, seemingly more so these days with its Range Rover line versus its Discovery range. That’s due mostly to an all-new Range Rover Velar model that simply rewrites the definition of what a luxury SUV is all about.

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar burst onto the scene last summer, a model built on the same platform underpinning the all-new Jaguar F-Pace SUV. Yes, Jaguar and LandRover are one, but for this model, Jaguar took the lead and Land Rover followed. The duo shares a similar suspension, the same engines and an identical platform architecture, but the sheet metal is unique to each.

2018 Range Rover Velar Prices, Packages and Options

The 2018 Range Rover Velar is available in six grades: Velar ($49,900), Velar S ($54,700), Velar SE ($67,400), R-Dynamic SE ($60,100), R-Dynamic HSE ($67,600) and Velar First Edition ($89,300). Add $995 for the destination charge.

My test model was a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE with a base price of $77,100. That’s because it had one of six metallic paint choices (in this case, Byron Blue) adding $610 to the price. Two standard colors are included and then there are three additional metallic paints that cost $1,525 each.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Also adding to the price is an R-Dynamic Black Package ($635, with Narvik Black paint treatment on the hood vent blade, grille mesh and surround, fender blades and exhaust finishers), perforated Windsor leather seats ($4,575, with light oyster and ebony trim), light oyster suede cloth headlining ($920), a 1,600-watt Meridian sound system ($3,060) and a head-up display ($970).

When using Land Rover’s online price configurator to build a sample model, I wasn’t able to match the base price on the Monroney, so I figured some items were simply included in the price. Beyond what I already mentioned, my test Velar had an active locking rear differential ($1,125), satellite and HD Radio ($615), four-zone climate control ($870), an Interior Premium Textile Package ($715) and an On/Off Road Package ($580, with terrain response control and configurable dynamics), and other features.

The final price was $86,190, but it could just as easily have retailed for thousands more. Indeed, the Velar First Edition model with diamond turned finish wheels ($3,775) and Oxford Road Paint ($8,580) puts this model in six-figure territory. Fortunately, you can find a well-equipped Velar for under $75,000.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Velar Exterior Design and Highlights

As for the model at hand, the Velar is one of the most stunning vehicles ever to sport the Range Rover name. Certainly, the Evoque has the more flamboyant body style, but the Velar earns its own design plaudits, largely by retaining the brand’s captivating appearance, while opting for more rounded edges.

It represents a design distinction that marries traditional Range Rover looks with a thoroughly modern appearance — and it works. In the Velar, handles remain flush with the door until needed, emerging fully from the canvas and staying erect until the driver pulls away. Very little chrome is apparent, with the upscale look resting on its curved canvas.

Standard features include automatic headlights, front and rear LED lights, rear fog lights, 18-inch 15-spoke wheels, a sliding panoramic roof, a power liftgate and a spoiler. There are numerous upgrades available, including wheel sizes and design choices, a heated windshield, roof rails, blacked-out touches and power-folding side mirrors with approach lights.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Velar Interior Design and Highlights

Inside, the cabin “brings it” to the segment by taking the opposite approach: it is first-rate as well as first class. Leather liberally covers most surfaces, including the upper and lower dashboard, the seats and the steering wheel. Suede covers nearly everything else — running up the roof pillars and covering the ceiling itself.

But it just may be the available advanced materials that set this vehicle apart. Indeed, my weekly driver included the perforated Windsor leather and added what Land Rover calls “Premium Textile” to the lower dashboard, door inlays, center console and other surfaces. The look is stunning, the feel is unusual, but entirely appropriate. Add in aluminum and other metallic touches, and the interior stuns and amazes.

One of my favorite features was the dual 10-inch center console screen known officially as the Land Rover InControl infotainment system — Touch Pro Duo. With the ignition on, the top screen lights up and then tilts forward. The bottom screen, depending on the setting chosen, features an outline of the Velar or the seats, supplying touchscreen control of many key systems. Gone are switches and knobs, replaced by touch control. That said, the system requires a fair amount of time to learn. You might discover surprising features such as massage function, uncovered by my son as he played with the controls while I concentrated on my drive.

The Velar is a five-seater with an optional two-seat third row or jump seat. Our test model didn’t include the extra row, but that was fine with me as this SUV offers 70.1 cubic feet of standard cargo space. Yes, the Velar is beyond roomy in terms of storage — it easily swallows up a week’s worth of luggage for five.

There are no penalty seats in the Velar’s cabin, which means that five may sit in comfort. Of course, the best seats in the house are up front, where wonderful support, heated and ventilated seats, and a massaging function awaits. The driver has a commanding view of the road and the front passenger is bedazzled by the beautiful touch points throughout.

Standard features include keyless entry with push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, 10-way power front seats and zoned climate control. Available features include rear seat remote release levers, a heated steering wheel, 20-way seats, a lockable cooled glove box, cargo space divider rails and configurable ambient lighting.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Tech Features and Options

The standard eight-speaker audio system is found only in the base model. All other Velars have one of several available Meridian packages with 11, 17 and even 23 speakers available. As you might imagine sound quality only gets better as you choose among the systems. That said, you may find the 11-speaker Meridian audio system delivers what you want — it is that special.

Other tech features include Land Rover’s proprietary connectivity system, satellite radio, HD Radio, USB ports and navigation. Driver assistance features include standard cruise control with speed limiter and lane departure warning. Available tech includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, reverse traffic detection, parking sonars and a parking aid.

Three Velar Engine Choices

2018 Land Rover Range Rover VelarYou expect performance under the hood of every Range Rover and in the 2018 Velar, you won’t be disappointed. That said, you’ll find a pair of 2.0-liter turbo engines for your consideration — one for gasoline, the other for diesel. These two Ingenium engines power several Jaguar models and, like the available supercharged V6, they’re paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

I can’t comment on the workings of the smaller engines in the Velar as the supercharged V6 powered my test model. This engine makes 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, delivering generous off-the-mark acceleration and passing power. What helps matters is the adjustable suspension — set it low when traveling on the highway for improved handling or set it high when taking this beauty off-road.

The Velar’s electric-powered steering doesn’t supply the connected feel you find in similar Jaguar models, but then this is an SUV, not a sports sedan or an F-Type. The ride is comfortable, although be careful with your wheel choices — the sweet spot here may be the 20-inch wheels.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Parting Thoughts: 2018

There is a feeling I get every time I review a Land Rover product and that is a sense of inadequacy. No, not because of knowing that I’m out of my league as far as buying one, rather as far as describing one.

You see, just as you think you’re taking a deep dive with this product, you realize that there are numerous fabric options, tech choices and seating options not mentioned. Even describing every sensory experience is sometimes hard to convey, such as the feel of the textile on door inlays, the look of the center console, even the smell of the cabin. Land Rover works diligently to design and build every one of its models and looks for different ways to surprise, even delight shoppers.

Not having tested the Velar with the smaller engines, I cannot offer my opinion on either. What I can say is the V6 is wholly suited for this model. As for choosing your trim, moving away from the base trim substitutes real leather for imitation leather and opens up a world of upgrade possibilities that is certain to please the most ardent Range Rover aficionados.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

  • Sticker price from $49,900
  • Price as tested: $86,190
  • Seats 5 + 2 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gas
  • 247 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 269 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,200 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four diesel
  • 180 horsepower @ 4,000 RPM
  • 317 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,500 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6
  • 380 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
  • Wheelbase: 113 inches
  • Length: 189 inches
  • Width: 80 inches
  • Height: 65.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 70.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,635 to 5,291 (5,512, V6) pounds with tow package
  • EPA: 18/24 mpg (V6 gas); 21/27 mpg (I-4 gas); 26/30 mpg (diesel)
  • Premium grade gasoline or Diesel
  • Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons (gas)
  • Curb weight: From 4,835 (gas); 4,916 (diesel) pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Solihull, UK

Range Rover Velar Competitive Set: Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class.

2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar


See Also — Land Rover Discovery Redux, HSE Luxury Style

Range Rover Velar photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 SUVs, four-wheel drive, JAGUAR F-PACE, Land Rover, luxury, RANGE ROVER, Range Rover Velar, Velar

To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport

July 18, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Out and about with No. 2 of four models in the Range Rover collection.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport offers five powertrain choices, including diesel.

The Land Rover universe now encompasses six models — four Range Rovers and two Discovery series. There’s considerable overlap between some models, but there is enough distinctiveness present that each one has its own unique attributes, including the 2017 Range Rover Sport.

A 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was a recent weekly driver, the second generation of this luxury SUV. Now in its fourth model year, the current-generation Range Rover Sport continues to hold its own in a highly competitive segment, delivering what customers want across five grades: SE ($65,650), HSE ($80,150), Supercharged ($80,650), Autobiography ($94,450) and SVR ($111,350). Add $995 for the destination charge.

Yes, that’s a huge spread between models, but if you’re happy with either a supercharged V6 or the turbo-diesel V6, you can hold your final price below $80,000.

New for 2017 are a host of now standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The electronics system is now controlled by the Range Rover Sport’s 10.2-inch touchscreen.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Exterior Overview

Land Rover calls the Range Rover Sport a compact model, but it is anything but that. Indeed, its proportions align with median-sized models such as the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly ML-Class). On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque is definitely the “small time” player in this segment.

What you do have here is a sleek canvas marked by curved corners and peppered by sharp creases, distinctive sculpting, and vent embellishments. A high profile, strong shoulders, and a dramatically canted windshield are among the special features of note.

Standard exterior features include Xenon headlights with LED signature lights, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, and power-heated side folding mirrors with approach lights. Also available are front fog lights.

Wheel choices include 19- and 20-inch split-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. An assortment of color options with contrasting roofs or a panoramic roof rounds out the exterior features.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Interior Highlights

2017 Land Rover Range RoverGive the Range Rover Sport much credit with providing a roomy interior. Its standard 2+3 seating offers excellent room all around.

You have the option of adding a third-row seat for two, but at great compromise to storage space and seating comfort for third-row passengers.

Opt for the third-row package ($2,750) and Land Rover throws in power control, a tire repair system, and 20-inch, five-spoke wheels.

The Range Rover’s cabin is expansive, bright, and elegantly appointed. High-end materials blanket the cabin — I couldn’t find one square inch of plastic.

Leather, wood, and chrome trim grace the interior. All switches, knobs, and buttons seem durable.

The front seats are plush and supportive; the rear 60:40 bench seat is comfortable, but not nearly as so as in the big Range Rover. Still, the cabin is exquisitely dressed, befitting a model of Range Rover stature.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

On the Road

Drive a 2017 Range Rover Sport and you have your choice of five engines. Well, not exactly. Two of the engines do double duty with enhanced computer programming squeezing out more horsepower or horsepower and torque. That said, our specifications table at the end of this article shows five engines.

The base engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 340 horsepower (380 available) and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered my test model and is wholly sufficient for the Sport. Even so, the Land Rover Discovery I tested last month had the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a whopping 443 pound-feet of torque. But if full-on power is your desire, then nothing short of the V8s making at least 500 horsepower will do. Each engine choice comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Superchargers provide superior off-the-mark acceleration compared to turbochargers, with the latter offering more boost further up the band curve. Jaguar Land Rover splits the technology by assigning turbos to diesel engines (and four-cylinder gas models) and superchargers to V6 and V8 gas engines. Either way, you win as there almost always is ample power from the smallest to the largest engine.

The Range Rover Sport seems too pretty to take off road, but if you’re so inclined, simply raise the suspension by 2.5 inches and give it a go. You’ll keep up with most everything out there, except perhaps that rock-crawling Jeep Wrangler. However, unlike the Wrangler, the Range Rover Sport supplies an absolutely comfortable on-road experience with a plush suspension and decent cornering thanks to its four-wheel drive system.

On one six-mile stretch of curvilinear pavement, I was able to experience just how well this SUV handles — it hugs the outside of the road with precision with very little body roll noted. This SUV imbues driver confidence in an all together stylish package.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Safety and Technology Features

It is common matter that luxury cars, especially SUVs, are not put through the same crash test evaluations of more mainstream models.

The cost of destroying pricey vehicles is the main inhibitor of conducting such tests, therefore neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested the Range Rover Sport.

SUVs as a rule perform better than cars in crash tests, thanks in large part to two factors: size and weight. Regardless, there is an inherent weakness present. Namely, a higher risk of tipping over. Roll stability control is an effective mitigator and the Range Rover Sport has this technology built in.

Other standard safety features include a suite of airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. This equipment is common to all cars, nonetheless.

If you want such driver assist features as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist with reverse traffic detection, the Drive Pro Package is a $2,500 option on base models.

As for technologies, you get everything expected in a luxury SUV. That said, a surround view camera system comes bundled with configurable mood lighting and soft door close to form a $1,400 vision and convenience package. Other upgrades bring in an eight-inch rear entertainment system ($2,000), head-up display ($1,300), and an 18-speaker, 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System ($1,100).

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Parting Thoughts

With the Velar now part of the Range Rover collection, shoppers have much to consider when shopping Land Rover. The latest Range Rover entry is just two inches shorter than the Sport, but it starts off with a turbo four-cylinder gas or diesel engine and tops out with a 380-horsepower supercharged V6. Definitely, if you place an importance on performance, the Sport gets the nod.

As for the Range Rover Sport, it does everything you expect in a five-passenger luxury SUV. If you need a seven-seater, then only the series-topping Range Rover will do, but its near $86,000 base price means a considerable cash outlay is in order.


2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  • Sticker price from $65,650-$111,350
  • Price as tested: $71,645
  • Seats 5 or 7 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 gas
  • 340 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel
  • 254 horsepower @ 3,750 RPM
  • 443 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 to 2,250 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 3.0L supercharged V-6 gas
  • 380 horsepower @ 6,000RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 4: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 510 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 461 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • Engine No. 5: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 550 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 502 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 115.1 inches
  • Length: 191.1 inches
  • Width: 78.1 inches
  • Height: 70.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: Not rated
  • Storage volume: 27.7/66.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Premium gasoline or diesel fuel
  • Fuel tank: 27.7 gallons (gas); 23.5 gallons (diesel)
  • Curb weight: From 4,727 to 5,148 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Solihull, United Kingdom

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport


See Also — Diesel Added: Range Rover Sport

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, Discovery Series, four-wheel drive, Land Rover, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, luxury, RANGE ROVER EVOQUE, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar

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