2023 Range Rover Velar Review: Discreet Luxury
Priced close to Rs 94 Lakh, the 2023 Range Rover Velar is one of the best-looking SUVs in its class.
The Velar has always been the sporty one in the Range Rover family with a focus on dynamics more than towering off-road ability. Thankfully, Land Rover resisted the temptation to do the coupe SUV styling which is currently plaguing the industry, but the Velar is edgier and the roof draws sharper. It's more for city driving but can do the rough stuff. Size wise, the Velar slots above the trendy Evoque/Discovery Sport and below the Range Rover Sport. Recently, Land Rover launched the new Velar armed with some new updates and we drove the petrol version of the same.
Looks wise, it seems all Velar at first glance with the shape intact but look closer and there are changes. We love the chiselled bumper and the copper inserts at the front along with the new Pixel LED headlamps, which use three times more LEDs than Matrix LED headlamps. At the rear, there are new LED tail-lamps too with a 3D look. Further, the 10-spoke Satin Dark Grey wheels look cool as well while the Velar remains one of the best looking SUVs without overdone styling.
Inside, it is all about reducing buttons to well, none. The Velar literally has no buttons on the centre console replaced by a bigger storage space with a new wood trim based cover. The combination of the wood trim plus the Windsor leather is all nice but the attention goes to the new 11.4-inch floating touchscreen. This new touchscreen removes the previous controls and brings to the touchscreen interface. It is a rather daunting task but the climate controls and the basic functions are placed permanently on the right of the screen and are easy to access. We'd still wish for some physical buttons though. The touchscreen is well laid out and it needs simple two taps to get most things done. The PiviPro unit supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto plus wireless charging along with heated/ventilated massage seats, a massive panoramic sunroof, air purifier, a 12-speaker Meridian audio system and more. There is also four-zone climate control and configurable ambient lighting. Space remains better than its coupe rivals with more headroom.
To drive, there are four cylinder petrol/diesels with a mild hybrid system. The P250 petrol develops 250bhp with a standard 8-speed automatic. Plus, it has a water wading depth of 580mm - handy when it rains! Step in and the car lowers itself with the 'elegant' mode by 40mm and the driving position is much more sportier. It also feels easier to drive across tight traffic and does not feel huge. The petrol engine is quiet, refined and smooth but does not have the explosive performance of a 6 cylinder. But for most, it is enough and unless you are really pushing it, this smooth motor impresses. It is more focussed on quietness, comfort and is easy to drive as well. The light steering further puts that emphasis. The Velar is more of a city based luxury SUV and it's easy driving manners hint at that. That said, its off-road ability is better than rivals and we might add, the ride comfort is better too.
At near Rs 94 lakh, the Velar is now only slightly pricier, but as a package, this is a stylish SUV that also excels off-road with a linear, smooth powertrain. The interior might take getting used to, but this is the digital world that we live in and it still remains the best looking SUV that you can get at this price.
What we like- Looks, new features, engine smoothness, off-road ability.
What we do not- No physical buttons, misses on 6 cylinder performance.
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