The Land Rover Range Rover Velar is more expensive than rivals, and we’re not sure it’s worth it.

Not everybody can afford to drive a Vary Rover; it is a full-size luxurious flagship SUV that prices over $107k, so this information should not be too shocking. However why ought to Land Rover crush the goals of anybody who does not have an government degree job title and a well-funded funding portfolio? There are lots of of us who wish to drive a Vary Rover with out having to promote our soul to afford one. That is the place the Land Rover Vary Rover Velar matches in. It is the ‘mid-level’ Vary Rover, slotting in above the tiny Evoque, however beneath the Vary Rover Sport.

Land Rover launched the Velar again in 2017, however the mannequin was not too long ago given a light refresh for the 2024 mannequin yr. Coming in as one of many extra inexpensive autos to put on a Vary Rover badge, the Velar ought to have the ability to make a powerful case for itself within the compact luxurious crossover section. However after spending per week driving a 2024 Vary Rover Velar Dynamic SE, we aren’t certain if it may justify an almost $80k price ticket.

Exterior: Evolving Magnificence

We expect Land Rover’s present design language, particularly with the Vary Rover lineup, is on level. The Velar was a great-looking SUV when it debuted in 2018, however now in its seventh mannequin yr, we’re beginning to want Land Rover did extra to replace it. The grille design is barely completely different for the brand new yr, and the headlights now have a extra simplistic LED operating gentle sample. Should you did not see the 2024 Velar subsequent to final yr’s mannequin, you in all probability would not spot the variations. The saying, “why repair what is not damaged?” does considerably apply right here, however we think about present Land Rover house owners will not be aching to improve when the brand new mannequin appears to be like virtually similar to the outdated one.

When it comes to dimension, the Velar is on the bigger facet of the section, measuring just a few inches longer than rivals just like the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan.

Even the entry-level Velar S and SE fashions are fairly enticing, however the base fashions journey on basic-looking 19-inch five-spoke wheels (dubbed Model 5108) that look extra acceptable for a Kia or Hyundai, not a Land Rover. These wheels look barely much less boring when painted in Satin Darkish Gray on the Dynamic SE, however we a lot desire the non-obligatory 20-inch Gloss Black wheels (Model 1089) that value $1,500 additional. Our tester rode on attractive 21-inch Diamond Turned Satin Darkish Gray wheels, however they’re an expensive add-on at $2,600. You possibly can spend much more on 22-inch 10-spoke wheels that value $3,100 in Gloss Black or $3,400 in Darkish Gray with a contrasting Diamond Turned end.

Inside: The place Have All The Buttons Gone?

The 2024 Vary Rover Velar has obtained related updates within the cabin because the smaller Evoque, particularly the whole elimination of buttons and knobs. Almost all the pieces is completed through an 11.4-inch Pivi Professional touchscreen infotainment system, together with the audio and local weather controls. This variation might have been a catastrophe, however massive zones on the left and proper of the display enable for fast modifications to the quantity and temperature. Altering the fan pace nonetheless requires no less than two display faucets on an extra menu, although. The one bodily controls remaining embody the steering wheel buttons, stalks, hazard lights, and the shifter.

Automakers like Tesla and Volvo have confirmed that minimalist cabin design might be elegant, however to us, it simply appears to be like boring contained in the Vary Rover Velar. It is only a strong sea of Ebony Black grained leather-based all over the place, with no intricate distinction anyplace to interrupt up the monotony. Land Rover gives an non-obligatory Cloud (gray) inside for the Dynamic SE trim that’s brighter, in addition to Cloud/Ebony or Raven Blue/Ebony combos which are barely extra fascinating. Stepping as much as the Dynamic HSE provides Deep Garnet and Caraway (brown) as choices with Windsor leather-based, each of that are way more visually fascinating. Until you spend up for the HSE, the Velar lacks the magnificence of the large Vary Rover or the rugged appeal of the Defender.

We additionally got here away disenchanted by what number of options have been non-obligatory, even on our well-equipped tester. Heated and cooled entrance seats and heated rear seats are a part of the $1,175 Chilly Local weather Pack that was chosen on our check automobile (they can be added inidivudally for round $300 every), however therapeutic massage seats are solely obtainable on the pricier Dynamic HSE trim. Moreover, our near-$80k Velar didn’t have a surround-view digital camera because it needs to be added as a part of the $1,300 Expertise Package deal that was left off on this specification.

Practicality: Center Vary

Sitting between the Evoque and Sport fashions, the Velar delivers a nicely-sized bundle that could possibly be interesting to many patrons. Headroom is barely beneath par, however legroom is beneficiant and in step with a number of the most spacious choices within the compact crossover section, matching the Genesis GV70 and outclassing the BMW X3. Trunk house is aggressive too, with two cubic ft greater than the BMW X3 behind the again row. The general storage capability with the seats folded is similar to the X3, although.

Powertrain: Delicate Acceleration Or Delicate Hybrid

The Velar shares its base engine with the smaller Evoque, and that’s not a terrific place to begin. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (dubbed the P250) that produces 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. We weren’t notably impressed with this engine within the Evoque, however the Velar does have the saving grace of mating the lackluster four-pot to a clean ZF eight-speed automated transmission, not the horrible nine-speed within the smaller Evoque. Regardless of being considerably bigger, the Velar solely weighs 195 kilos extra. Energy is distributed out to all-wheel-drive no matter engine.

Happily, our check automobile was kitted out with the non-obligatory 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid inline-six (P400), which is a far superior powertrain. It delivers 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque – vital boosts over the four-cylinder. The inline-six drops the Velar’s 0-60 mph time from a sluggish 7.1 seconds to only 5.2 seconds. With no launch management obtainable, CarBuzz might solely handle a 5.86-second dash to 60. Even with such improved efficiency, gasoline economic system solely takes a minor hit with the inline-six. Land Rover does cost a hefty $7,000-plus premium for the stronger engine, although.

Driving Impressions: Comfortable However Lacks Character

The Velar appears like a center youngster that’s struggling to search out its personal character. Consolation is the Velar’s most spectacular attribute, which is to be anticipated from a Vary Rover product. Even on 21-inch wheels, the Velar cushions its occupants from street impacts and softens each wind and tire noise. Nothing else in regards to the driving expertise is damaging, however neither is it particular. The steering has a pleasant weight to it, nevertheless it’s much less partaking than its platform stablemate, the Jaguar F-Tempo.

We like Land Rover’s inline-six engine, which emits a pleasant wail below arduous acceleration. That is removed from its sportiest task although, and there’s some noticeable lag off the road that offered itself after we tried to match Land Rover’s claimed 0-60 mph time. Most patrons will not discover or care for the reason that inline-six is often very responsive due to a well-calibrated eight-speed automated transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that may spool the turbocharger and produce a smoother cease/begin sequence.

Pricing & Verdict: Paying For The Badge

It could be considerably inexpensive than a full-size Vary Rover, however you continue to must pay as much as put on that prestigious badge. The 2024 Vary Rover Velar S begins at $61,500, considerably greater than related choices from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Porsche – by greater than $15k within the case of the Genesis, and $12k for a comparable BMW X3. It solely will get worse from there, rising to $63,600 for the Velar Dynamic SE. That value does not embody the inline-six engine, extra enticing wheels, or varied possibility packages that add expertise and luxurious like ventilated seats or a 360-degree digital camera. With just a few choices, our Dynamic SE tester rang in at $79,933, together with $1,275 for vacation spot and supply.

That is dearer than the Dynamic HSE, which prices $78,400 however contains the P400 inline-six as commonplace. Even that prime trim degree nonetheless requires non-obligatory packages for objects like heated rear seats and a surround-view digital camera. At that value, you will get far sportier choices, just like the BMW X3 M. Until you actually desire a automobile that claims Vary Rover on it – and also you’re prepared to pay for that privilege – we predict there are higher compact luxurious SUVs for a greater value. Or save your pennies till you will get a Vary Rover Sport.