This screen tilts to help reduce, if not eliminate, sun glare and reflections. Virtual buttons line the bottom of the display, providing access to deeper functionality that is sometimes difficult to discover and recall. Infotainment SystemĪbove the climate controls, a separate infotainment touchscreen display provides access to myriad technological features. While this solution looks high-tech and is easy enough to use when you can pay attention to it, the reality is that when the Velar is underway the approach is distracting and requires more attention away from the road than is prudent. Choose it, and virtual climate controls appear, offering touch-sensing buttons and simultaneously transforming the two physical knobs on the panel into temperature and fan speed adjusters.Ī separate menu choice is necessary to access the seat heaters, seat ventilators, and seat massage functions. “Climate” is one of four main menu items. To access the climate control system, the driver or front passenger first must reference the lower of two touchscreen displays on the dashboard. Land Rover uses digital instrumentation and controls within the Velar, a choice that is certain to cause consternation in the SUV’s owners. Available 4-zone automatic climate control goes a long way toward forgiving this, however. Rear seat comfort is snug for adults, and the hard panels on the front seat backs don’t help. Too bad Land Rover forgot to add padding on the sides of the center console where legs may rest. Understandably, then, they proved quite comfortable. The test vehicle included premium leather and 20-way power adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. Land Rover even addresses environmental concerns with an available textile and simulated suede upholstery. Upgrade the cabin with nicer leather, veneers, and materials, and it becomes downright sumptuous except for the inexpensive looking plastics on the lower portions of the cabin. Modern and architectural, the interior delivers a high-tech, minimalistic ambiance that is initially appealing. Especially when fitted with the larger sets of wheels that are available. Smooth and sleek, tailored and tapered, the Velar looks more expensive than it is. If styling is why people choose a luxury SUV, then the Range Rover Velar is going to wind up on lots of shopping lists. In the sections that follow, our expert provides his own perceptions about how the Land Rover Range Rover Velar measures up in each of the 10 categories that comprise the 2017 APEAL Study. Owners indicate that their least favorite things about this type of vehicle are (in descending order) the visibility and safety, climate control system, storage and space, infotainment system, and fuel economy. Owners report that their favorite things about Compact Premium SUVs are (in descending order) the exterior styling, driving dynamics, engine/transmission, seats, and interior design. They most commonly disagree that a vehicle is just a way of getting from place to place, that they prefer to buy a vehicle from a domestic company, and that their first consideration when choosing a vehicle is miles per gallon. Owners of this type of vehicle most commonly agree that quality of workmanship, reliability, and responsive handling and performance are important to them. Power data says that 38% of them identify as Performance Buyers. Their median age is 57, and they make a median annual household income of $157,767. The owner base for this type of vehicle is 56% male and 44% female. The as-tested price came to $76,850, including the $995 destination charge.īefore we discuss the results of our evaluation of the Range Rover Velar, it is helpful to understand who typically buys Compact Premium SUVs, and what they like most and least about their vehicles. Power evaluated a Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic SE P250 equipped with extra cost paint, a Black Package, 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather and seating, a Climate Package, a heated and power adjustable steering wheel, a heated windshield, ambient cabin lighting, satellite radio, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, parking assist technology, and a Drive Pro Package. Standard, R-Dynamic, and First Edition trim levels are available, with a choice between a turbocharged 4-cylinder (P250), a turbo-diesel 4-cylinder (D180), and a supercharged V6 (P380).įor this review, J.D. With a price that starts at just under $51,000, and with styling that mimics the larger and more expensive Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the Velar may prove itself to be the company’s most popular model.īased on the same platform and powertrains as the Jaguar F-Pace, the Range Rover Velar receives a more upscale design and materials in conjunction with greater off-roading capabilities. Land Rover will have no trouble selling the new Range Rover Velar.
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