The Range Rover Velar is a fairly new product in the company’s lineup, but an important one. It looks like the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport’s lovechild and even sits in between them in the lineup. There is a lot of part-sharing with the Jaguar F-Pace, but the Velar is more suited to folks who prefer an SUV with better off-road dynamics. In the top-spec, it is loaded with features and comes with a 5.0-liter V-8 that dishes out 500 ponies. The Velar starts around $55,000, but the mouth-watering top trim costs an eye-watering $90,000.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Velar recently arrived at TopSpeed’s headquarters in the top-of-the-line SVAutobiography Dynamic trim, and here’s what we have to say about it.

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Drivetrain

In total, the model is offered with four different engine options. First up, there’s a P250 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mill that produces 247 horses and 269 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With this mill under the hood, the SUV takes 6.7 seconds to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill and keeps running all way up to 135 mph. This engine is offered on Velar and R-Dynamic trims.

Next in line is the P340, which is a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine that makes 340 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all the wheels. In this case, the Velar takes 6.1 seconds to its sprint to 60 mph and has a top speed of 145 mph. This engine, too, is offered on the base and the mid-trim.

The same mill is offered in a slightly higher state of tune. Dubbed the P380, it doles out 380 ponies and 332 pound-feet of torque. It is slightly quicker and faster, taking just 5.3 seconds to 60 mph, and can go all the way up to 155 mph. It features the same gearbox and four-wheel-drive system. This iteration can be had only on the mid-R-Dynamic trim.

Finally, there’s the might P550 V-8 engine that finds itself under the hood of the top SVAutobiography Dynamic trim exclusively. This 5.0-liter, supercharged engine churns out 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet of twist. Power is sent to all the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is the quickest and the fastest the Velar can go. It takes just 4.3 seconds to gallop to the 60 mph mark and has a 170 mph top speed. But, it must be noted that is the slowest when compared to the BMW X5 M and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. They have a top speed of 177 mph and 195 mph, respectively. How about that!

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar specifications

Land Rover Range Rover Velar Driving Impressions

Driving and Handling

The raw feel is present every single time, but I’m not saying this is a condescending way. Overall, the Velar is well above acceptable and will leave you happy and satisfied after every ride. The top trim even comes with a powerful V-8 and an SV-tuned sports electronic air suspension. However, the car feels heavy without a doubt and some amount of body roll is also present.

Acceleration

Range Rover has plonked the big V-8 engine under the hood with over 500 horses at its disposal. 0-60 mph is rated at 4.3 seconds by the company. There are many drive modes to choose from, including one called low-traction launch control. Whether you use it for straight-line dashes or not, Range Rover needs to be applauded for being optimistic and offering it.

Brakes

Strong brakes are one of the things that impressed us here. The SVAutobiography comes with 15.5-inch front and rear brakes that bring it to a halt without any drama. It even comes with emergency high-speed braking and ‘Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking’ that inspires confidence in and around the corners.

Off-Roading

Off-roading isn’t something owners exercise frequently in this segment. But, let’s not forget that the Velar is a Range Rover and this is one of its strongest suits. The Velar has a ground clearance of 8.4 inches and a water wading depth of up to 25.5 inches. Since it comes with an air suspension, these figures can even get slightly better. The approach angle is rated at 23.6 degrees, departure angle at 25 degrees, and break over angle at 19 degrees.

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Exterior Design

The Velar looks unmistakably a Range Rover. All three trims look different up front. Our SVAutobiography came in a white exterior shade. The honeycomb mesh detailing on the grille is seen even in the elements on the bumper. There is a Land Rover logo on the grille and Range Rover lettering at the tip of the hood. Front fog lamps are exclusive just to this trim. Range Rover has offered 25 different exterior colors and finishes on the Velar! Although the color palette is limited to the basic colors, there are multiple shades of each of them in different finishes like solid, metallic, ultra-metallic, and special paints that cost over $9,000 extra even on the fully-loaded top-trim. Phew!

The stout, tight, long side profile may not be to everyone’s liking. This top trim rides on 21-inch five-split-spoke dark gloss grey wheels with red calipers peeking from behind. These wheels are wrapped in Pirelli tires. The blackened A-, B-, C-, and D-pillars give a floating roof effect. The retractable door handles sit flush with the body to give a clean look.

A lot is happening in what can be considered a small derriere. The small, sloping windshield comes with a spoiler at the top. The taillights look aggressive and are split units with a part on the boot and the rest of it out. They are connected by a running strip that has ‘Range Rover’ lettering in between. There’s a small SVAutobiograby badge on the right-hand side. The bumper is rather wide and has reflectors placed at a sloping angle. The bottom bit features a faux skid plate of sorts with quad tailpipes for the exhaust system. Two more tiny reflectors are sitting on either end of the tailpipes. Overall, the Velar looks unique and could draw polarizing opinions.

The SVAutobiography Dynamic trim comes with other features such as:

-* Powered tailgate

-* Tailgate spoiler

-* Auto-dimming, heated wing mirrors

-* SV Exterior Pack

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exterior dimensions

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Interior Design

The Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic comes with Ebony perforated leather seats as standard, but our driver came with a very contrasting interior theme. The black and tan dual-tone combination is very pronounced, which looks and feels premium, but it does not gel well with the exterior colors. Our white model, for instance, didn’t match with it, but it would look good on darker shades. Range Rover offers four different shades of perforated leather seats, which include black, tan, red, and white. This is a subjective thing and will matter only if you’re picky and want a common theme running inside-out.

It has a big horn pad with the control buttons mounted on the spokes on either side. These controls are lit only when pressed. There’s an Ebony suedecloth headlining here, too. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster throws up a ton of driver-related info. It is bright and easy-to-read even under bright sunlight. You can add the Driver Assist Pack that adds a 360-degree surround camera with a display here and Adaptive Cruise control.

Some other notable features include:

-* Four-zone climate control

-* Illuminated treadplates

-* Lockable cooled glovebox

-* Aluminum gearshift paddles

-* Premium carpet mats

-* Bright Chrome knurled finish on the rotary and control dials

2020 Range Rover Velar interior dimensions

How Much Cargo Can The Velar Carry?

With all the seats in place, the Range Rover Velar has a cargo space of 34.4 cubic-feet available. This is more than the BMW X5 M’s 33.9 cubic-feet and F-Pace SVR’s 33.5 cubic-feet. Flip down the second row and you now have 60.2 cubic-feet available at your disposal. This is less than the Jaguar F-Pace’s 64 cubic-feet of space and way lesser than the German’s 72.3 cubic-feet of space.

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Pricing

The 2020 Range Rover Velar is available in three different variants and here’s how they are priced:

-* Base – $56,300

-* R-Dynamic – $58,500

-* SVAutobiography Dynamic – $90,790

Is The Range Rover Land Rover Velar Better Than The BMW X5 M?

The BMW X5 M needs no introduction. It is one of the most-accomplished performance SUVs that you can buy today. It is big, bulky, looks aggressive, and can scare the hell out of you if you see it in your rearview mirror prancing towards you. In terms of features, it is loaded to the gills. The X5 M is powered by a 4.4-liter, V-8 engine that dishes out 600 ponies and 553 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even though it weighs a lot more than the Velar, the German takes just 4.1 seconds to 60 mph and has a 177 mph-top speed. The 2021 BMW X5 M starts at $105,100, making it around $15,000 dearer than the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic.

Range Rover Velar vs BMW X5 M

Read our full review on the BMW X5 M

Is The Range Rover Land Rover Velar Better Than The Jaguar F-Pace SVR?

The Velar SVAutobiography’s closest rival is its cousin, the F-Pace SVR. The Jag comes with the same 5.0-liter, V-8 supercharged mill, the same eight-speed automatic gearbox, that even makes the same power – 550 horses and 502 pound-feet of torque. But it is 200 pounds lighter, which makes it two-tenths of a second quicker than its cousin. The SUV even has a top speed of 195 mph. No exception in terms of luxury and the features either. The 2020 Jaguar F-Pace starts at $80,600, which makes it around $10,000 cheaper than the Velar’s top-trim.

Range Rover Velar vs Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Velar comes with a suite of driver assistance and safety features, some of which include:

-* Rear Camera

-* Park Assist

-* Adaptive Cruise Control

-* Trailer Stability Assist

-* Terrain Response System w/Unique SV Tuned Dynamic Program

-* Hill Launch Assist

-* Dynamic Stability Control

-* Low traction launch

-* Electronic Traction Control

-* Roll Stability Control

-* Cornering Brake Control

-* Torque Vectoring by Braking

-* Hill Descent Control

-* Electric Parking Brake

-* Anti-lock Braking System

-* Electronic Brake-force Distribution

-* Emergency Braking

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Warranty

The velar is covered by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years/50,000 miles, and a six-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation warranty, plus various emissions warranties.

Range Rover Land Rover Velar Optional Packs

Apart from the optional accessories, Range Rover also offers numerous packages on the Velar. Since the base model comes with the highest number of packages, for obvious reasons, here’s a gist of them and their prices at the time of penning down this article:

-* Convenience Pack – $685

-* Driver Assist Pack – $3,300

-* Cold Climate Pack – $640

-* Dynamic Handling Pack – $2,180

-* Technology Pack – $1,535

-* Hot Climate Pack – $850

-* Basic Interior Protection Pack – $550

-* Premium Interior Protection Pack – $700

-* Wheel Protection Pack – $250

-* Black Wheel Protection Pack – $550

-* Exterior Protection Pack – $300

-* Premium Rear Seat Convenience Pack – $500

-* Basic Rear Seat Convenience Pack – $230

-* Deployable Side Step Pack (without tow) – $3,000

-* Deployable Side Step Pack (with tow) – $3,300

FAQ

Q: How Much Can The Velar Tow?

The 2020 Range Rover Velar can tow 5,512 pounds and beats both its rivals in this aspect. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR can tow up to 5,291 pounds, whereas the BMW X5 M is the worst in this aspect and can tow just 1,653 pounds. Towing capacity doesn’t matter much in the case of super SUVs, but that is a big difference and BMW could do better to look good on paper.

Q: What Is The Velar’s Fuel Economy?

The Range Rover Velar with the P250 engine delivers 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 miles per gallon combined. It is the most efficient engine in SUV’s lineup. The P340 can take you 18 miles in the city, 24 miles on the highway, and 20 miles combined in one gallon of gas. The P380 also delivers the exact same fuel figures as the P340. The P550 is the thirstiest of the lot and delivers 15 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.

Q: How Big Is The Land Rover Range Rover Velar?

The Velar is quite a big vehicle, but it isn’t longer, wider, or taller than any of its immediate rivals. The Velar measures 189.2 inches in length, 80 inches in width, 66 inches in height. The BMW X5 M is 195 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR, on the other hand, measures 186.3 inches in length and 81.5 inches in width, and 65.6 inches tall.

The Velar and F-Pace SVR’s wheelbase measures an identical 113.1 inches, whereas the X5 M measures 117 inches. The Velar’s front track is 64.6 inches wide, X5 M’s is 66.9 inches, and the F-Pace SVR also has a 64.6-inch track. The rear track width measures 65.4 inches for the Velar, 66.5 inches for the X5 M, and 68.1 inches for the F-Type SVR.

Q: How Much Does The Velar Weigh?

The Range Rover Velar weighs 4,595 pounds. It is 200 pounds heavier than the Jaguar F-Pace SVR which weighs 4,395, but over 800 pounds lighter than the BMW X5 M, which weighs a massive 5,425 pounds.

Q: Is the Velar’s Infotainment Easy to Use?

The Range Rover Velar comes with the Touch Pro Duo system that we’ve been seeing in a lot of models lately. It is essentially a set of two 10-inch touchscreens placed on the center console. The lower one is used for climate controls, drive adjustments like suspension height, and even seats heating and massaging functions. The knobs and dials make things a lot more intuitive when compared to an all-touch system. This unit is a fingerprint magnet and is annoyingly visible under bright sunlight.

The upper screen is for navigation, media etc., primarily. {{But, in case you choose to use this only for, say, navigation, you can move the other things like media details to the lower screen with a single touch. }} The User Interface is friendly and easy to use, but it isn’t the slickest ones available on the market. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard. A 10-inch screen is considered an average size these days, so if you’re coming from a car with a bigger, single screen, you’ll take some time getting used to.

{{Fortunately, the system offers customization options and you can reduce the clutter on the screen.}} The infotainment screen at the top can even be customized to set a variety of wallpapers to give a sense of personalization. The default layout does provide clarity of options for access to entertainment media, a Bluetooth connected phone, or navigation. Overall, the system is simple to use, but the learning curve is a little longer.

Q: Is The Velar Spacious?

At the front, the Velar has a headroom of 39 inches, legroom of 40.2 inches, and shoulder room of 57 inches. The BMW X5 M and the Jaguar F-Pace SVR offer 40.8- and 37.8 inches of headroom, 39.8- and 40.3 inches of legroom, and 60- and 57.7 inches of shoulder room, respectively.

The second-row measurements are very similar in all three SUVs. The Range Rover Velar offers 38.8 inches of headroom, 36.8 inches of legroom, and 56 inches of shoulder room. The BMW X5 M has headroom of 38.7 inches, a headroom of 37.4 inches, and a shoulder room of 57.1 inches. As for the F-Pace SVR, you have 37.5 inches of headroom, 37.2 inches of legroom, and 55.8 inches of shoulder room at your disposal.