Range Rover Velar: The Goldilocks Land Rover; Elegant and Refined With Amazing Off-Road Capabilities

Mar 11, 2017 06:09 AM EST | BC Tabotabo

The 2018 Range Rover Velar is a new midsize SUV set to release this summer. The midsize SUV will sit right between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, both in size and price.

According to a report by Car Buzz, the new SUV made them smitten. While the vehicle did not garner the attention it deserved, it is arguably the most refined and elegant Range Rover yet. Perhaps this will signal an all new era of design for Land Rover?

The new Land Rover SUV is very sleek. It has smooth lines and a vibrant exterior. It builds upon traditional Range Rovers and adds sporty sophistication. It also adds an all-new infotainment system that displays the vehicle's controls on two high-def touchscreens mounted on the dashboard. Jaguar Land Rover's Nick Rogers even said that this cutting-edge consumer tech has an intuitive interface like no other in terms of functionality and performance.

The Range Rover Velar looks very similar to the Jaguar F-Pace. The latter is a crossover that is widely praised for its smooth on-road driving dynamics. However, Land Rover does not want to make the two vehicles too similar so it is focusing on the new Range Rover's off-road capabilities. The fact that it looks like the F-Pace though, will definitely make it an all-around appealing choice in the very competitive midsize luxury SUV market.

The Velar is instantly recognizable as a Range Rover, but with a sportier new look with its lowered roof, side vents, and extended hood. Its full-LED headlights also require less height and make them the slimmest on any Land Rover to date. It also features Land Rover's first deployable handles. All-in-all, this is one undeniably attractive SUV that is the most aerodynamic Land Rover yet.

Additionally, the new Range Rover Velar uses a lot of aluminum. The lighter weight and impeccable aerodynamics will definitely have a good effect on the vehicle's fuel efficiency. While no official EPA mileage figures are available yet, fuel economy will be another plus for this new midsize SUV.

Inside is the beautiful InControl infotainment system. It is intuitive and sophisticated like no other on the market, according to Jaguar Land Rover. All controls are not on the dual 10-inch touch screens that make up the center console. Apart from the standard luxury materials of leather wood, Land Rover will also opt to use sustainable upholstery options such as woolen textile and suede inserts.

The Range Rover Velar comes with three engine choices. The base engine is a 2.0-liter in-line four with 247 horsepower. It can reportedly do 0 to 60 mph time in 6.4 seconds. A 2.0-liter diesel engine is also available. It can produce 180 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The range topper is a supercharged V6 capable of 380 horsepower. It can run 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. All engines come with an eight-speed transmission and AWD.

The new Range Rover has a claimed towing capacity of 5,500 pounds with Advanced Tow Assist function. In addition, off-road features such as 9.9 inches of ground clearance and four-corner air suspension are also available.

According to Edmunds, a special First Edition will be available at launch. Only 500 will be available. The First Edition Velars come with the V6 range-topping engine and some upgrades including a 1,600-watt sound system and two-tone leather. It also has copper-weave carbon fiber trim, 22-inch wheels, and optional satin silver paint finish.

The new Range Rover Velar will be available this summer. It will start at $50,895. The First Edition will go up to $90,195.

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