2018 Range Rover Velar Review
There’s a new member of the Range Rover family. Positioned between the entry-level Evoque and the dynamic Sport is the all-new 2018 Velar; referred to as the avant-garde Range Rover. This 5-seat midsize SUV is based upon the shared Lightweight Aluminum Architecture which underpins the Jaguar F-PACE. Designed to bring a new dimension of modernity and elegance, the Velar envelops the concept of reductionism; “approaching the luxurious, spacious interior as a calm sanctuary, combining elegant simplicity with premium materials and beautiful details” according to the company. Unique in the segment, the Velar offers a sustainable, premium textile seat material as an optional alternative to leather. From the segment-first flush deployable door handles to the burnished copper detailing, the Velar introduces design trends of future Range Rover models. It also debuts a new infotainment system featuring 2 HD 10” touchscreens. Three available powertrains include a 180HP 2.0-liter diesel 4-cylinder, a 247HP 2.0-liter gas 4-cylinder and a 380HP supercharged 3.0-liter gas V6. Each engine is mated to an 8-speed transmission with all-wheel drive standard. Max towing capacity of 5,500 pounds is achieved with the V6 which includes Advanced Tow Assist, giving the driver a rotary controller to park a trailer where directed. This model also receives air suspension as standard. And like every Range Rover, the Velar has been engineered for exceptional on-road performance and agility combined with outstanding ride quality and composure. 11 different trim levels are offered priced from around $50,000 with a ceiling of near $90,000.
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Td6 Review
Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover model has been refreshed this year with some aesthetic, comfort and technology updates. And it’s still available with one of the best Diesel engines on the market. This is the high-mileage, long-travel Range Rover Td6.
Without electrification, you won’t find an SUV this size that returns a legit 24mpg. Weighing nearly 5,000 pounds, the Range Rover diesel’s 22mpg city/28mpg highway rating is as much as 29% more efficient than the supercharged gas models. And as you well know, the Range Rover isn’t some poseur – this is the pinnacle of off-road capability. Out of the 6 Range Rover models from which to choose, the Td6 as it is known is ranked second in terms of price, with a starting MSRP of $91,855 including destination. Fully outfitted as this one is with the Driver, Vision and Towing Packages, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control and a host of other lower-priced options, the MSRP is $111,735. British SUV opulence definitely comes at a cost.
Having driven this exact model a few years ago I knew what to expect; a big, brawny, whisper-quiet, diesel-powered utility vehicle that encapsulates you in a hermetically sealed cabin. But there are updates for the 2018 model year. Though far from radical, there’s an updated exterior design with new LED headlights. But most of the new stuff can be found inside, including front seats that are wider with greater recline, legroom and foot space, power rear seats that are also wider with substantially more legroom replete with new power folding functionality allowing you to easily switch to cargo mode from multiple locations…even from a smartphone app! And quiet just got quieter with thicker glass to reduce sound intrusion – this very well may be the quietest cabin on the market, and with a diesel no less. There are bigger stuff-it spaces, an AC outlet in the rear, an air cleansing cabin ionization system, not 1 but 3-zone ambient lighting control, and a host of new screens and electronic goodies trickling up from the new Velar. Now in its 6th year of the current generation, these updates certainly help, but…
Despite the model year updates the Range Rover is having difficulty fighting Father Time, and at over $100k it no longer feels or looks special enough to warrant the big price tag. Its vault-like cabin and air carpet ride are exceptional but balky electronics and less than inspired cabin design give reason for pause.
I’ve already played with this dual screen setup in the Velar and it looks spectacular – particularly this new lower screen with its high res, colorful graphics. Information is spread out between the 2 touchscreens and it works quite well – that is when it’s working as designed. It’s a little slow to react at times and some gremlins in this tester glitched it out more than once during my week with it doing weird things like going to a blank screen, killing the stereo and not allowing access to the 360 degree camera. The Meridian Surround Sound System is a phenomenal experience and the drive mode controls look very cool down here. But inControl Apps just isn’t as good or in-depth as CarPlay or Android Auto and as such this overall system gets knocked down a rung.
As a runner, I love the idea of this Land Rover Activity Key. It allows you to lock the bulky key fob inside the vehicle so you don’t have to carry it with you. Plus, it’s waterproof and shockproof.
Just place it over the ‘R’ and voila…you’re good to go. Some of my other favorite features are the new gesture controlled panoramic roof, opened and closed with just a hand motion, easy trunk loading with the ability to lower the air suspension from rear switches plus the bottom half of the tailgate makes for a fun place to sit, the next gneration big, bright, head-up display with all kinds of useful information, and lots of smart features throughout like how the vehicle squats to aid in getting out, and how the sunshade automatically closes on hot days after you leave.
But the very best part of the Td6 is its drive…as luxuriously tuned as any car or SUV available. It floats down the road and yet avoids any sloppiness. There’s also a dynamic mode when you want to kick it up a notch and an Eco setting for sipping even less diesel. There’s even a start-stop system here. The Range Rover’s unusual shape makes for great command at the wheel where the road ahead is very easy to see. And of course, it has all of the Terrain Response 2 programs for going off-roading. The Advanced Tow Assist system makes easy work of backing up a trailer by doing all of the counter steering for you – good for hauling up to 7,716 pounds. At 7.5 seconds to 60mph this is the slowest Range Rover model, but that 443 pound-feet of torque makes every pedal push feel robustly fortified. This 3.0-liter turbo diesel makes 254 horsepower.
The Td6 possesses the best combination of quietness, smoothness, and torquey goodness you can buy. Plus, it nets 24mpg and can drive seemingly forever on a single tank.
545 miles to be exact. Unlike the smaller diesels I’ve driven from Jaguar Land Rover, this one is superb. You’d never even know it was there. It’s particularly attractive to high-mileage drivers who spend most of their time on the highway. According to the EPA, it’ll save the average owner $3,500 in fuel costs over 5 years when compared with the 6-cylinder gas engine. The diesel engine adds $2,000 to the vehicle’s price.
Diesel’s future may be as dark as soot, but at least here Land Rover makes a convincing case.
Without electrification, you won’t find an SUV this size that returns a legit 24mpg. Weighing nearly 5,000 pounds, the Range Rover diesel’s 22mpg city/28mpg highway rating is as much as 29% more efficient than the supercharged gas models. And as you well know, the Range Rover isn’t some poseur – this is the pinnacle of off-road capability. Out of the 6 Range Rover models from which to choose, the Td6 as it is known is ranked second in terms of price, with a starting MSRP of $91,855 including destination. Fully outfitted as this one is with the Driver, Vision and Towing Packages, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control and a host of other lower-priced options, the MSRP is $111,735. British SUV opulence definitely comes at a cost.
Having driven this exact model a few years ago I knew what to expect; a big, brawny, whisper-quiet, diesel-powered utility vehicle that encapsulates you in a hermetically sealed cabin. But there are updates for the 2018 model year. Though far from radical, there’s an updated exterior design with new LED headlights. But most of the new stuff can be found inside, including front seats that are wider with greater recline, legroom and foot space, power rear seats that are also wider with substantially more legroom replete with new power folding functionality allowing you to easily switch to cargo mode from multiple locations…even from a smartphone app! And quiet just got quieter with thicker glass to reduce sound intrusion – this very well may be the quietest cabin on the market, and with a diesel no less. There are bigger stuff-it spaces, an AC outlet in the rear, an air cleansing cabin ionization system, not 1 but 3-zone ambient lighting control, and a host of new screens and electronic goodies trickling up from the new Velar. Now in its 6th year of the current generation, these updates certainly help, but…
Despite the model year updates the Range Rover is having difficulty fighting Father Time, and at over $100k it no longer feels or looks special enough to warrant the big price tag. Its vault-like cabin and air carpet ride are exceptional but balky electronics and less than inspired cabin design give reason for pause.
I’ve already played with this dual screen setup in the Velar and it looks spectacular – particularly this new lower screen with its high res, colorful graphics. Information is spread out between the 2 touchscreens and it works quite well – that is when it’s working as designed. It’s a little slow to react at times and some gremlins in this tester glitched it out more than once during my week with it doing weird things like going to a blank screen, killing the stereo and not allowing access to the 360 degree camera. The Meridian Surround Sound System is a phenomenal experience and the drive mode controls look very cool down here. But inControl Apps just isn’t as good or in-depth as CarPlay or Android Auto and as such this overall system gets knocked down a rung.
As a runner, I love the idea of this Land Rover Activity Key. It allows you to lock the bulky key fob inside the vehicle so you don’t have to carry it with you. Plus, it’s waterproof and shockproof.
Just place it over the ‘R’ and voila…you’re good to go. Some of my other favorite features are the new gesture controlled panoramic roof, opened and closed with just a hand motion, easy trunk loading with the ability to lower the air suspension from rear switches plus the bottom half of the tailgate makes for a fun place to sit, the next gneration big, bright, head-up display with all kinds of useful information, and lots of smart features throughout like how the vehicle squats to aid in getting out, and how the sunshade automatically closes on hot days after you leave.
But the very best part of the Td6 is its drive…as luxuriously tuned as any car or SUV available. It floats down the road and yet avoids any sloppiness. There’s also a dynamic mode when you want to kick it up a notch and an Eco setting for sipping even less diesel. There’s even a start-stop system here. The Range Rover’s unusual shape makes for great command at the wheel where the road ahead is very easy to see. And of course, it has all of the Terrain Response 2 programs for going off-roading. The Advanced Tow Assist system makes easy work of backing up a trailer by doing all of the counter steering for you – good for hauling up to 7,716 pounds. At 7.5 seconds to 60mph this is the slowest Range Rover model, but that 443 pound-feet of torque makes every pedal push feel robustly fortified. This 3.0-liter turbo diesel makes 254 horsepower.
The Td6 possesses the best combination of quietness, smoothness, and torquey goodness you can buy. Plus, it nets 24mpg and can drive seemingly forever on a single tank.
545 miles to be exact. Unlike the smaller diesels I’ve driven from Jaguar Land Rover, this one is superb. You’d never even know it was there. It’s particularly attractive to high-mileage drivers who spend most of their time on the highway. According to the EPA, it’ll save the average owner $3,500 in fuel costs over 5 years when compared with the 6-cylinder gas engine. The diesel engine adds $2,000 to the vehicle’s price.
Diesel’s future may be as dark as soot, but at least here Land Rover makes a convincing case.
2018 Range Rover Velar Review
What a great time to be an SUV brand. Such are the good fortunes at Land Rover where their growing lineup is ripe for countless variations of 4X4s including this gorgeous piece of art – the all-new Velar.
Land Rover’s product portfolio is marketed under 2 separate lines: Discovery for midrange luxury shoppers and Range Rover for the upper end. And the Velar slots both pricewise and dimensionally between the entry-level Evoque and the athletic Sport in the Range Rover line. Having just gone on sale late last year, the Velar has already taken over the top spot in Land Rover sales. It’s resonating with consumers and it’s easy to see why. It’s dubbed the avant-garde Range Rover and it’s oozing with sophisticated personality.
I don’t usually spend much time speaking about design, because you like what you like and vice versa so what’s the point. But the Velar’s stance is so strikingly different and concept-like that I think it’s worth mentioning. It’s really a stunning SUV.
Long and lean with an astonishingly squat appearance with the air springs fully depleted, you could make an argument that this is the sexiest SUV ever made and you’d get no argument from me.
Even though it looks too pretty to take down the trail, this Velar clears almost 10” with the air suspension fully jacked plus this one has the sophisticated Terrain Response 2 system and a locking rear differential. So there’s no reason you can’t go for it.
Though you can grab a base Velar with a 2.0-liter turbo and coil suspension for around $50 grand this is the up level R-Dynamic model with the HSE specification pack, optional supercharged V6, standard air suspension and over $12,000 in extras for a total MSRP of $90,170…so watch yourself. The Byron Blue paint has drawn praise all week and the Velar turns heads with every mile. From the moment the flush door handles pop out you’re on notice that the Velar is something unique. The next attention grabbing bit is the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, debuting here on the Velar. From the steering wheel mounted controls that change depending upon menu selection to the 2 rotary controllers that also change with screen choice, the Velar feels like it’s still in concept form. The top touchscreen with its changeable angles is still a bit of a mess in that it’s simply not intuitive. Plus, there continues to be no real smartphone integration, just the company’s inControl apps that doesn’t give me access to the features I really want. The bottom screen however is where it’s at. Not only does it look particularly cool but switching through drive modes and accessing seat and climate settings is done with relative ease. Navigation is also projected in the driver information display but if I was spending $90 grand I would also spend another $970 for the head-up display, especially in a vehicle that moves as quickly as this one.
Speaking of which, this V6 delivers its power instantaneously and when the 8-speed transmission is in sport it feels very quick. 0-to-60mph happens effortlessly and without much of soundtrack in only 5.3 seconds. I averaged 18mpg on premium, which is exactly the EPA’s city estimate. No V8 offered here; that’s reserved for the Sport but this motor won’t leave you wanting. But what’s most exciting about the drive is how light on its feet the Velar feels when hustled through turns aided by torque vectroing with spritely exits made even more satisfying with the optional active rear locking differential. And with Land Rover’s new nomenclature, you’ll never forget how much horsepower your engine makes.
The seats are living room comfortable, the cabin is Lexus quiet and the supercharged V6 is ready to go whenever you are. Switch over to Dynamic when you desire sports sedan-like handling where the Velar’s aluminum intensive body keeps the weight down and the agility high. But on these optional 20” tires, the ride is pretty firm, even in the Auto setting, and this tester drives with a tramlining effect that requires more attention to the steering wheel than is normal. Still in all, I could drive the Velar all day.
With over 26” of water wading depth, over 5,500 pounds towing and 7 drive modes, this Velar truly lives up to its Dynamic moniker.
I like how certain Velar functions are automated. As soon as you get in the sunscreen opens and then a little while down the road your massage begins. But some of these futuristic controls don’t work as designed and the amount of time it takes to get in, get situated and get going is annoyingly long.
That’s one angle that continues to befuddle Jaguar Land Rover. I want all of these electronics to boot up immediately – not have to sit in the driveway and wait to make my selections. Plus, the driver information display menu is laggy at best, sometimes repeated button pressing resulted in nothing at all.
From the backseat rearward the Velar skews towards the smaller side of midsize, not too dissimilar to that of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The outboard seats offer decent legroom and have power recline but this middle spot is tough. There is quad zone climate control and heated seats but no USB ports back here…again, another option that wasn’t selected. The cargo area includes bag hooks, remote seat levers and controls to lower the vehicle for easier loading. The center console is very small and houses 2 USB ports. At night, the entire cabin is a spectacular light show, controlled by you and changeable at a whim; a perfect atmosphere for listening to the unbelievable 23 speaker Meridian sound system.
Land Rover is on a roll and with a lower priced Defender line coming soon, I expect more of the same.
Land Rover’s product portfolio is marketed under 2 separate lines: Discovery for midrange luxury shoppers and Range Rover for the upper end. And the Velar slots both pricewise and dimensionally between the entry-level Evoque and the athletic Sport in the Range Rover line. Having just gone on sale late last year, the Velar has already taken over the top spot in Land Rover sales. It’s resonating with consumers and it’s easy to see why. It’s dubbed the avant-garde Range Rover and it’s oozing with sophisticated personality.
I don’t usually spend much time speaking about design, because you like what you like and vice versa so what’s the point. But the Velar’s stance is so strikingly different and concept-like that I think it’s worth mentioning. It’s really a stunning SUV.
Long and lean with an astonishingly squat appearance with the air springs fully depleted, you could make an argument that this is the sexiest SUV ever made and you’d get no argument from me.
Even though it looks too pretty to take down the trail, this Velar clears almost 10” with the air suspension fully jacked plus this one has the sophisticated Terrain Response 2 system and a locking rear differential. So there’s no reason you can’t go for it.
Though you can grab a base Velar with a 2.0-liter turbo and coil suspension for around $50 grand this is the up level R-Dynamic model with the HSE specification pack, optional supercharged V6, standard air suspension and over $12,000 in extras for a total MSRP of $90,170…so watch yourself. The Byron Blue paint has drawn praise all week and the Velar turns heads with every mile. From the moment the flush door handles pop out you’re on notice that the Velar is something unique. The next attention grabbing bit is the new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, debuting here on the Velar. From the steering wheel mounted controls that change depending upon menu selection to the 2 rotary controllers that also change with screen choice, the Velar feels like it’s still in concept form. The top touchscreen with its changeable angles is still a bit of a mess in that it’s simply not intuitive. Plus, there continues to be no real smartphone integration, just the company’s inControl apps that doesn’t give me access to the features I really want. The bottom screen however is where it’s at. Not only does it look particularly cool but switching through drive modes and accessing seat and climate settings is done with relative ease. Navigation is also projected in the driver information display but if I was spending $90 grand I would also spend another $970 for the head-up display, especially in a vehicle that moves as quickly as this one.
Speaking of which, this V6 delivers its power instantaneously and when the 8-speed transmission is in sport it feels very quick. 0-to-60mph happens effortlessly and without much of soundtrack in only 5.3 seconds. I averaged 18mpg on premium, which is exactly the EPA’s city estimate. No V8 offered here; that’s reserved for the Sport but this motor won’t leave you wanting. But what’s most exciting about the drive is how light on its feet the Velar feels when hustled through turns aided by torque vectroing with spritely exits made even more satisfying with the optional active rear locking differential. And with Land Rover’s new nomenclature, you’ll never forget how much horsepower your engine makes.
The seats are living room comfortable, the cabin is Lexus quiet and the supercharged V6 is ready to go whenever you are. Switch over to Dynamic when you desire sports sedan-like handling where the Velar’s aluminum intensive body keeps the weight down and the agility high. But on these optional 20” tires, the ride is pretty firm, even in the Auto setting, and this tester drives with a tramlining effect that requires more attention to the steering wheel than is normal. Still in all, I could drive the Velar all day.
With over 26” of water wading depth, over 5,500 pounds towing and 7 drive modes, this Velar truly lives up to its Dynamic moniker.
I like how certain Velar functions are automated. As soon as you get in the sunscreen opens and then a little while down the road your massage begins. But some of these futuristic controls don’t work as designed and the amount of time it takes to get in, get situated and get going is annoyingly long.
That’s one angle that continues to befuddle Jaguar Land Rover. I want all of these electronics to boot up immediately – not have to sit in the driveway and wait to make my selections. Plus, the driver information display menu is laggy at best, sometimes repeated button pressing resulted in nothing at all.
From the backseat rearward the Velar skews towards the smaller side of midsize, not too dissimilar to that of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The outboard seats offer decent legroom and have power recline but this middle spot is tough. There is quad zone climate control and heated seats but no USB ports back here…again, another option that wasn’t selected. The cargo area includes bag hooks, remote seat levers and controls to lower the vehicle for easier loading. The center console is very small and houses 2 USB ports. At night, the entire cabin is a spectacular light show, controlled by you and changeable at a whim; a perfect atmosphere for listening to the unbelievable 23 speaker Meridian sound system.
Land Rover is on a roll and with a lower priced Defender line coming soon, I expect more of the same.