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Range Rover Velar: Edge of tomorrow
When it comes to SUVs, Land Rover is a leader - and it is pushing the boundaries of design with its futuristic all-new Velar
Land Rover calls it "the avante-garde Range Rover". But I can tell you from the get-go this isn't experimental by any means: unlike the first Range Rovers from the 1970s that shared the Velar name, this is a well-thought-out product. The mid-size proposition is a mash between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport, and shares its underpinning with the newish Jaguar F-PACE. But with a great deal of "future" injected into it, it certainly is sleeker than all of them. To achieve this dynamic visual, they have pulled back the profile, cleaned up the surfaces and compressed a lot of the design elements. On the slanted nose - atypical of Range Rovers - are grafted slim, stretched-out matrix LED headlamps, akin to the RR Sport, that sparkle with great intensity. The 'fluidity' also comes from the rising beltline, slim tapering windows and aerodynamically-inclined concealed door handles that pop up when you unlock the car. Svelte tail lamps, with intricate 3D layering, give it that look of speed and sophistication. Elevating its presence to yet another level are copper accents and multi-spoke wheels (of up to 22 inches) - something often seen on a concept, not on a production, vehicle. The gorgeous outlook is befitting of this modern city - something even the new Bentley Bentayga or the newer Rolls-Royce Cullinan can't provide (design-wise). Vanity wins big here!
Climb aboard the most modern of interiors. Its clean layout focuses on geometric lines with a dual-tone effect done to perfection. Every traditional element from the Range Rover is present here, but elevated with the inclusion of certain elements. The 4-spoke steering wheel, for example, is good to look at and grip, but comes with innovative capacitive touch steering controls (although the response isn't much to brag about). The instrument panel is a customisable 12.3-inch TFT screen that is full colour capable and doesn't lack in resolution definition. The stepped dashboard has air vents neatly integrated into it; it also comes with a sloping glass centre console. It has two space-age 10-inch screens on those glass surfaces that handle infotainment duties - one for navigation, audio etc, and the other for the 4-zone HVAC and seat controls. Unlike current Infiniti models, this two-screen setup works simply because functions are segregated.
It's not just cutting-edge technology - there's also cutting-edge design. Soft-grained leather is everywhere, even on the dash. The two-tone idea has been derived in a new way; if you notice the perforations closely, they represent the Union Jack, but it would make more sense if it was an Indian flag, considering Jaguar Land Rover is now owned by TATA Motors.
There are three cup-holders. One has an unusual square shape, probably to fit a milk carton or your phone. The central cubby, which houses all the USB and inputs, is a little shallow. Surprisingly, for such a chic SUV, there isn't a dedicated sunglasses holder. There are some cheaper scratchy plastics too, if you dig deep.
Overall, the cabin is swaddled in luxury, though there are complaints about the width of the centre console in the front cabin. The seats in the rear don't slide, but do recline.
The R-Dynamic HSE model we drove had the most powerful motor available in the Velar - at least before the high-performance SVR model is out. The Roots-type twin vortex supercharger gets the torque high and keeps it flat, topping out at 450Nm at 3,500rpm. The product of such torque is the potent 375 horsepower output, which is enough to pin you against the seat while it propels you to the 100 km/h mark in 5.7 seconds. There is enough and more meat in the power delivery but it didn't sound all that enthralling - again, maybe it's reserved for the magical three letters S-V-R. The bite from the 350mm rotors upfront and the 325mm variety at the rear are enough to stop you at a safe distance, with the suspension allowing the nose to dive under heavy braking.
But between the straights and the stops come those curves; the available suspension has been calibrated to handle most of twisties with little body roll as you change direction. Grip is of a high level - lent by the all-wheel drive system, that can transfer 100 per cent torque to the front or rear. Overall, it lacks the sharpness of some rivals, but what edge it loses out in terms of handling, it gains in terms of ride comfort.
The Velar can be surprisingly frugal, defined by its 9.3L/km fuel economy and its low emission rating of 214 grams of CO2 per kilometre. With a 63-litre fuel tank, you can expect to make at least four trips to Abu Dhabi and back before running to the nearest petrol station.
Like any other Land Rover, it is designed to take on all sorts of terrain. The approach angles are between 21 and 23.5 degrees; departure angles are between 27.3 and 29.5 degrees, with the air suspensions having advantage over the coil springs amongst those numbers. To help you out, there is a selectable Terrain Response 2 system that lets you choose a vehicle setup for every terrain. It will do some of light dune bashing, but it's better to go for the new Discovery which beats it in every way here.
The brochure says 673 litres, which is enough to keep all the junk in the trunk. You can drop the rear seats for an enormous 1,985 litres of space. The towing capacity of 2,500 kg is rather commendable too. You can also open up the tailgate using the gesture that makes footballers of us all: just move your foot near to the sides of the rear bumper and the tailgate opens up.
You can ignore the standard 8-speaker setup or the cheaper optional unit. Ask for the 17-speaker Meridian surround system or the signature unit with as many as 23 speakers and your love for good music will be satiated. Thanks to Bluetooth, USB ports, Aux-ins etc, connectivity is no issue. A rear entertainment system with wireless headphones can keep backbenchers occupied. Surprisingly, the 8-inch screens aren't touch sensitive; they have remote controls - which don't make sense for something that is an arm's length away.
No qualms about safety either. You've got HUDs, Vector Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and what not. Even the reversing camera has its own jet washer. I suggest browsing the catalogue.
It may have been a Mitsubishi ad that said, "It's a funny thing about the future: you don't wake up to jetpacks and robot dogs - real future sneaks up on you"... a statement so true of the all-new 2018 Range Rover Velar. The SUV is the sleekest, most futuristic one out there, with enough 'handsome' to make rivals suffer vanity issues. The futurism is translated into a cosseting interior that's more fabulous than even big daddy Range Rover. On the road, it sprints between and around corners quickly, while comforting you with a cushy ride and an array of features every mile of the way. Who says tomorrow never comes? It's already here!
The Velar was a winner at the World Car Awards, claiming the 2018 World Car Design of the Year
Body type: 5-seater; 5-door premium high-performance, mid-size SUV
Engine: Front-engine; supercharged 3.0-litre V6; all-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Peak output: 375bhp @ 6,500rpm; 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
0 to 100km/h: 5.7 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited; claimed)
Price: Starting at Dh260,820
Pros: Futuristic and elegant styling; beautiful interior; features
Cons: Price; reliability; not as big on the inside
Author's rating: 8/10
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
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