By Otsile Kadiege

Land Rover’s popular Range Rover Velar has been facelifted with subtle exterior updates, connected technologies, contemporary luxury interior appointments and an extensive range of electrified powertrains.

New looks

It might be difficult when trying to spot the differences between the updated Velar and the prefacelift model. Yes, the exterior updates are very subtle. The new Velar sports a newly designed grille which combines with the characteristic floating roof. It’s flanked by super-slim Pixel LED headlights with jewel-like effect Signature Daytime Running Lights. Customers who opt for the Velar Dynamic HSE or Autobiography will get Matrix LED headlights.

In profile, the Velar features  flush deployable door handles and an array of large wheel designs. The rear of the Velar also features redesigned LED taillights and enhanced by a new lower rear bumper as well as dark accents. Two new colour options join the exterior palette: Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.

Contemporary cabin

Inside, the Range Rover Velar is even more reductive, with improved craftsmanship and new materials. The latest evolution of Range Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment forms the centrepiece – a single 11.4-inch floating curved glass interface positioned higher and within easier reach, to help minimise distraction and reflections.

Land Rover continues to offer a leather-free cabin option for the Velar, with new seat designs and materials. The leather-free option combines wool from Danish textile experts KvadratTM with UltrafabricsTM polyurethane textile inserts, featuring a new Diamond Herringbone perforation pattern. Inspired by bespoke tailoring, KvadratTM wool blends are 58 per cent lighter than leather and provide a modern appearance and enhanced tactility for a contemporary take on traditional Range Rover luxury.

Four new leather colourways are introduced: Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue and Deep Garnet. These are complemented by a curated choice of details, including new Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds and air vents. Technical Light Anodised or Dark Anodised Aluminium, or tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer trim finishers underline its elegance.

A range of powerful Meridian audio systems for New Range Rover Velar is led by the optional Meridian 3D Surround Sound System, which has 17 speakers and a 750W amplifier.

Electrified performance

The new Range Rover Velar’s powertrain lineup includes a new P400e plug-in electric hybrid and a range of Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, all featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Powering the P400e PHEV is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 105kW electric motor and a larger 19.2kW battery. It develops 297 kW/640Nm and has a pure electric driving range of up to 64km and 684km when using both electric and petrol. The P400e is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 209km/h .

The latest generation of Ingenium petrol and diesel engines are available with 48-volt MHEV technology for enhanced efficiency and power delivery, using a Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration. It is stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery beneath the rear loadspace. It can redeploy the energy to assist when accelerating, while also delivering a more refined and responsive start-stop system.

The 3.0-litre straight-six Ingenium petrol engine is available in two power outputs. The P340 delivers 340PS (250 kW) and 480Nm of torque, with a claimed acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds. The more powerful P400 delivers 400PS (294) and 550Nm of torque, with a claimed acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder now features a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The P250 provides 250PS (184 kW) and 365Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption up to 9.3l/100km.

The 3.0-litre straight-six D300 diesel engine produces 300PS (221 kW) and 650Nm of torque to deliver powerful performance, with a claimed acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.Land Rover claims a fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km.

Adaptive Dynamics is standard on all six-cylinder and PHEV models as well as all Dynamic HSE-specification four-cylinder models.