The Range Rover Velar line-up was updated in May, with a focus on refining the exterior, updating the base specification, and adding new engine options.
The new Velar features a redesigned front fascia and the Landmark Edition trim now forms part of the range – which provides a black contrast roof, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and four exterior colours for further differentiation.
Inside, it comes with the latest-generation Pivi or Pivi Pro infotainment systems – the latter adding features like integrated navigation and InControl Protect app support – as well as a redesigned multifunction steering wheel.
Spotify is integrated for online music streaming, and Bluetooth along with an embedded SIM allows access to maps, apps, and over-the-air software updates.
Parking the Velar is also made easier thanks to a 3D surround camera and ClearSight Ground View, which projects an outside view of the SUV onto a 10-inch central infotainment screen.
In addition, the whole range achieves a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Engines
The new Velar is powered by a family of six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel motors, and a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid drivetrain.
- The P340 is fitted with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine. 250kW and 480Nm.
- The P250 comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. 184kW and 365Nm.
- The D300 gets a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel motor. 221kW and 650Nm.
- The D200 sports a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. 147kW and 430Nm.
- The plug-in hybrid P400e gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and a 105kW electric motor. 297kW and 640Nm.
The plug-in hybrid drivetrain is the first of its kind for the Velar range, offering an electric-only range of up to 61km and a fuel economy of as low as 2.3l/100km.
All Velar models send drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing
The new Range Rover Velar has a South African starting price of R1,296,172 – which goes all the way up to R1,834,000 for higher-end models.
Every purchase includes a 5-year/100,000km Land Rover Care Plan.
The market
At a starting price of R1.3 million, the Velar is taking on the luxury SUV market.
This end of the market is mostly populated by premium manufacturers, and there are fewer competitors when compared to other price brackets.
Using TopAuto Car Prices, we found five of the new Range Rover Velar’s biggest rivals in South Africa – listed below.
Volvo XC90 D5 AWD R-Design
- Price – R1,330,700
- Power – 173kW/480Nm
- 0-100km/h – 7.8 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km Volvo Plan.
Mercedes-Benz GLE300d 4Matic
- Price – R1,427,080
- Power – 180kW/500Nm
- 0-100km/h – 7.2 seconds
- Warranty – 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
Nissan Patrol 5.6 V8 LE 4WD
- Price – R1,571,700
- Power – 298kW/560Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.3 seconds
- Warranty – 6-year/150,000km warranty and a 3-year/90,000km service plan.
Audi Q8 55TFSI Quattro
- Price – R1,586,000
- Power – 250kW/500Nm
- 0-100km/h – 5.9 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
- Price – R1,759,000
- Power – 338kW/620Nm
- 0-100km/h – 4.8 seconds
- Warranty – 3-year/100,000km Porsche Driveplan.
Keyword: 5 SUV competitors taking on the Range Rover Velar