The Range Rover Velar might have been around for a while by now, but a few revisions made to this luxury SUV keeps it up-to-date, and puts it in a league of its own
Singapore – Range Rovers have been seen as a little “left-of-field”. By footprint, the Velar sits within the same playpen as the X3, GLC, and Q5, but it is positioned on a higher plane, simply because it is designed to do significantly more things.
When Range Rover initially introduced the Velar in 2017, it was made available with the then-new range of Ingenium 2.0 four-cylinder and inline-six 3.0 engines, shared with sister brand Jaguar. Mid-life revisions have seen Mild-Hybrid tech added to the powertrain family.
Interestingly, for Singapore, the range has been whittled down to just one inline-six 3.0 P400 S variant.
Restyled, But Subtle Enough
Most of the Velar’s cosmetic changes are to the front-end, where the luxury SUV sports a new bumper with softened edges, a re-worked grille and re-designed headlamps. The rear end receives new lights, a mild tweak to the tailgate bar, and a slightly restyled bumper. Along with its reworked styling, it receives larger 22-inch rims, which I feel are unnecessary, since they are borderline clownshoe-like against the Velar’s compact dimensions.
From its side, the Velar’s elegant-sloping roofline, coupled with a darkened greenhouse, is a signature Range Rover subtle styling element; which communicates wind-cutting intent, and a sense of lightness. More monolithic in form, compared to the larger Range Rover Sport, the Velar has a rugged air about it, which appeals to me.
A New Interior Look, Somethings Missing
On the inside, Range Rover had done away with the dual upper and lower console screens, and replaced them with a singular curved 11.4-inch Pivi Pro-powered infotainment system. However, the push-pull control knobs (largely) for the climate control, which we have come to be used to, have been deleted. This, together with swapping out that controversial retracting shift knob for a conventional leaver, leaves the centre console looking rather plain.
But giving credit where it’s due, the Velar’s infotainment is significantly quicker than the one it replaces, and crucial functions are conveniently located along the left and right edges of the screen. Most features are just one or two clicks away, and not buried where you have to hunt. While some luxury brands have opted for a splash of colour to accompany their user interfaces, I appreciate that Range Rover has kept colours here muted.
The steering wheel controls have also been redesigned, with a physical roller added for easier scrolling. Visually, it also gels better with the interior than the previous iteration. And peering from behind the wheel, a pair of thick-polished paddle shifters communicate masculinity, coupled with grace and (literal) polish.
Away from the techy bits, the cabin itself is an impressive blend of soft-touch materials, some which are slathered in grained leather, and this is paired with piano black surfaces and chromed accents. It does feel expensive – and it is. The P400 S is priced closer to the new performance-oriented BMW X3 M50, though the RR does have a more luxurious interior.
But This is Where Luxury Torques
And this is where the Velar sets itself apart from competition, largely from the German “Big Three”. Not only does it have near-impeccable road manners, the Velar has to check that all-important off-roading box.
The electronically-dampered air suspension, which leans on the softer side, does a fine job of ironing out most road harshness, though the new 22-inch wheels, coupled with thinner rubber are not the best when it comes to delivering comfort.
The Velar’s inline-six, puts out 395hp and 550Nm, doing this with an addictive smoothness, which then develops into a thirsty growl with your foot down. The engine is further helped by a Mild-Hybrid system, which provides an added boost especially under heavier acceleration. With a maximum torque band from between 2,000 to 5,000rpms, performance is aptly described as ‘effortless’.
If needed, you could put the Velar into Off-Road mode, where you can select from three different terrain settings. Here, can it decide for you how to best to gain purchase in various conditions. Perhaps in our current monsoon season, the Wade Sensing may come in handy, especially if you are living along that Balmoral stretch; since the Velar is able to wade up to a maximum of 50cm, with the suspension raised.
But away from being able to rough things out, this Range Rover does look just as at home in an urban setting, which is where most of them will live.
The Velar looks as fresh as the day it was launched. Its timelessness means that it will still look fresh ten years on.
The question is not if you need the off-roading bit, but more like if you want it.
Words & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth delivery boosted by MHEV tech | Expensive |
| New Pivi Pro infotainment system an improvement | Omission of physical climate controls |
| Left-of-field luxurious | 22-inch rims are too big |
Range Rover Velar 3.0L P400 S
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric mild hybrid |
| Layout | 2,995cc, in-line 6 |
| Motor power / torque | 395hp / 550Nm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed |
| Efficiency | 20.4km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 83 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 5.5 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 250km/h |
| VES Band | C2 |
| Dealer | Wearnes Automotive |
| Price | S$316,888 without COE, with VES |
| Verdict | Civilised road manners, meets off-roading prowess. |
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