LAND ROVER Range Rover Velar Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Velar in 2017 and didn't rush on upgrading it, and it did that only at the beginning of 2023.

While other automakers are changing or refreshing their models every other four years, Land Rover didn't bother doing that with the Velar. The car sold very well and was one of the most stylish premium SUVs on the market. It was placed between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, but it was based on the same platform as the Jaguar XE, which was a compact-sized premium sedan.

The Velar was Land Rover's answer to the premium SUV coupe, such as the GLC Coupe or the BMW X4. Yet, the car's shape was more of a regular SUV with a lower greenhouse and a raked-forward rear windscreen. For the facelifted version, the automaker installed a new design for the grille and new LED headlights that resembled those featured on the Range Rover Sport. In addition, the front bumper was beefier and sported bigger side scoops for a more aggressive stance than its predecessor.

Inside, Land Rover installed a new floating curved glass 11.4" infotainment screen on the center stack that provided more options for the driver and also featured over-the-air updates. Another improvement for the car was the Active Road Noise Cancellation system, which made the Velar even quieter than before. Depending on the market, customers had four trim levels: the Velar S (base model), the Dynamic SE, the Dynamic HSE, and the Autobiography.

But the real upgrade was under the car's skin. While the base version came with an inline-four turbocharged engine, the top-of-the-range version named P400 was a plug-in hybrid that featured an inline-six gasoline powerplant helped by a 105 kW electric motor. Moreover, it could run up to 32 miles (51 km) with zero emissions.

The Range Rover Velar was launched in the summer of 2017 and it came on the market with a name that was used before only for a pre-production model in 1969.

In 2017 there was an increasing demand for luxury SUVs around the world. Range Rover already had a complete lineup starting with the compact sized Evoque and continuing with the Range Rover Sport and up to the majestic Land Rover Range Rover. Unlike its bigger siblings, the Velar didn't feature a low range transfer box.

The Velar was squeezed between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The headlights were offered with LED. It had a very raked A-pillar and a short greenhouse. Like it was born as a Range Rover Sport and then its roof was chopped. That led to smaller side windows. The door handles were hidden flush to the bodywork and they popped out only when the car was unlocked. Range Rover said that it was a security measure so nobody could grab the handles while the car was stopped at a stop-light.

Inside the Velar there was room for five adult occupants. Depending on the trim level, the dashboard could get three displays. A TFT for the instrument cluster, another one for the infotainment system and a third one for the climate controlls.

Under the hood, the Velar was offered with a choice of diesel or gasoline engines, with four or six cylinders, mated with a standar 8-speed automatic transmission.