When Land Rover unveiled the Range Rover Velar in 2017, the automotive world was stunned by its design. Years later, until 2026, the Velar remains one of the most stylish and technologically advanced SUVs in its class. It occupies a niche between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport, offering the perfect balance of urban elegance, off-road capability, and premium comfort.
Exterior Design: Minimalism as a Philosophy
The Velar is the epitome of modern Land Rover design. Its silhouette is distinguished by clean lines, smooth surfaces, and a near-complete absence of visual noise. The sloping roofline, wide wheel arches, and recessed door handles (which automatically deploy as the owner approaches) create a sense of solidity and speed, even when parked.
The car looks like a sculpture on wheels—sleek, aerodynamic, and incredibly harmonious. Many experts call the Velar one of the most beautiful SUVs in the history of the automotive industry, and it's hard to argue with that.
Interior: digital luxury and tactile perfection
While the Velar's exterior exudes understated elegance, its interior is a bold statement about the future of luxury vehicles. Instead of traditional buttons and switches, Land Rover has opted for digital, minimalist ergonomics.
The central place is occupied by InControl Touch Pro Duo dual touchscreen system:
- Top 10-inch display — control of multimedia, navigation and vehicle settings;
- Bottom 10-inch display — climate control, heated seats, massage and other comfort functions.
Available in top-end trim levels 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, fully customizable to the driver's preferences. The interface is responsive, and the graphics are high-quality, although it's worth noting that for a long time, the system didn't support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—this feature only appeared in updated versions after 2020.
The finishing materials correspond to the status of Range Rover:
- Genuine Windsor or Kvadrat leather (a combination of leather and premium textiles);
- Matte aluminum, wood or carbon depending on the interior style;
- Soft leather upholstery on the upper part of the instrument panel;
- Basic versions use high-quality artificial leather and Sensatec suede.
Comfort and practicality
The front seats provide excellent lateral support and are available with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the rear row is the Velar's weak point. Despite ample width for three passengers, legroom is limited, especially if the front seats are occupied by tall people. This is a typical sacrifice for style: the sloping roof reduces headroom and knee room.
The trunk offers 558 liters The volume is a decent figure for a mid-size SUV. Folding the rear seatbacks increases the volume to 1731 liters.
Specifications: Power and Efficiency
At the time of release (and valid until 2026 in parallel imports), the Velar was offered with several engines:
- P250 — 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, 247 hp, 365 Nm;
- P380 — 3.0-liter supercharged petrol V6, 380 hp, 450 Nm;
- D200 — 2.0-liter turbodiesel, 204 hp, 430 Nm (in some markets there was also a D180 version with 180 hp).
All versions are equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission ZF и all-wheel drive with multi-plate clutch. The Terrain Response 2 system with automatic selection of driving modes (asphalt, grass/gravel, snow, sand, mud) is available.
In 2020–2022, Land Rover began actively introducing hybrid technologies, and the Velar received mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) based on a 3.0-liter petrol engine, as well as P400e plug-in hybrid (a combination of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, with a total output of 404 hp). However, these versions were not officially supplied to Russia.
Safety and driver assistance systems
The basic package includes:
- Automatic emergency braking;
- Rear view camera;
- Lane Departure Warning system.
In extended trim levels (SE, HSE, R-Dynamic):
- Blind Spot Monitoring;
- Road sign recognition;
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function;
- Lane Keep Assist;
- Parking assistant with automatic parking.
Configurations
The Range Rover Velar was offered in five main trim levels:
- Standard — only with P250 engine;
- S — basic level with a choice of all engines;
- SE — LED optics, dual-zone climate control, leather interior added;
- HSE — premium Meridian audio system, digital instrument panel, adaptive suspension;
- First Edition — limited edition (only with V6), maximum equipment, exclusive materials.
The line stood out separately R-Dynamic — with a more aggressive appearance, sports suspension and unique interior trim.
Status on the Russian market (2026)
Official sales of the Range Rover Velar in Russia will cease in 2022. However, the vehicle remains in demand on the used market and is available through parallel imports. Prices for 2019–2022 models range from 3.5 to 7 million rubles, depending on trim level and mileage.
Conclusion
The Range Rover Velar is more than just an SUV. It's a work of automobile design, combining cutting-edge technology, impeccable materials, and signature British style. It's designed for those who value not only on-road capabilities but also aesthetics, innovation, and status. Despite its age, the Velar remains a benchmark in its class—a vehicle that stands out even among other Range Rovers.