The compact SUV continues to champion Range Rover’s reductive design philosophy with enticing extras
Pared-down opulence may seem like an oxymoron. But try sliding into the luxurious embrace of the silky leather-free cabin of the enhanced Range Rover Velar, and you might find yourself subconsciously reflecting on the adage positing that less is indeed more.
Instead of heavy leather upholstery of yore, the Range Rover invites you to expand your horizons with plush—yet innovative and robust—wool blends that are 58 per cent lighter, as well as more tactile in feel and modern in appearance. The clever switch-up of the car’s interior is among many that Range Rover has lavished on the Velar, doubling down on the SUV’s “reductionist design approach”.
Drivers who abide by Marie Kondo’s clutter-free philosophy will appreciate the refreshed model’s simple but classy interior, accentuated by sweeping bold and minimalistic lines. The artful, contemporary space is appropriately paired with practical tech: state-of-the-art Active Road Noise Cancellation technology that makes the New Range Rover Velar the quietest vehicle in its class for road noise; next-generation Pivi Pro7 infotainment feature that lets you activate key vehicle functions on a 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen—most within two taps; and Wi-Fi and cloud-enabled connectivity.
“The new system is intuitive and intelligent, with digital buttons and sliders designed to work in harmony with voice AI to make it quicker and easier to use,” says Alex Heslop, director of electrical engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, in a press statement.
On the exterior, the Velar’s spartan and refined aesthetic approach belies its years. The car’s effortless sweep and silhouette—floating roof, flushed profile, bold grille and sharp, narrow LED headlights—continue to define its look since its launch in 2017. The facelift for this make is subtle. There is a new grille and new super-slim Pixel LED headlights, while the rear is fitted with a lower bumper. All of which serve to enhance the Velar’s unmistakably bold and no-nonsense demeanour.
Drivers in Singapore are offered the model with the P250, a 247 hp turbocharged, four-cylinder non-mild-hybrid petrol engine. There is no plug-in hybrid option for now, but smooth handling and fuel efficiency are assured. It is a Range Rover, after all, and you can expect pinpoint steering, steady but authoritative acceleration, and decent off-road dexterity.
“The new Range Rover Velar is a flawless example of our modernist design philosophy – clean, reductive and compellingly desirable. Defined by perfectly optimised proportions, Range Rover Velar embodies effortless sophistication with a bold elegance and dramatic presence that is truly unique,” says Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.
