Midsize SUV with Range Rover Cachet
The 2024 Range Rover Velar is one of the entry-level midsize Range Rover models (the smaller Evoque takes the pure entry-level prize). However, nothing is lost in its design that retains the premium appeal of the larger Range Rover Sport Autobiography and the Range Rover Sport SE Dynamic.
The classy exterior along with the premium-filled interior will satisfy even the most discerning buyer of this fine British mark.
Leading with class
Smooth Propulsion
Clean Fleet Report drove the 2024 Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE with the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder mild hybrid. This combination produced 395 horsepower (hp) and 405 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque that powered all four wheels through a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
Mild hybrid engine technology uses an electric motor in conjunction with a gasoline engine, but unlike a traditional hybrid it cannot run solely on electricity. The mild hybrid electric motor boosts the gasoline engine when accelerating and modestly helps with fuel economy. A 48V lithium-ion battery is replenished through regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery when applying the brakes or coasting. There is no plug on the Range Rover to recharge the battery.
How the mild hybrid works
Understated Roadholding
The turbocharged 6-cylinder and an electric motor gave the Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE solid acceleration with 0-60 miles per hour consistently turned in the 5.2 second range. The paddle shifters produced quick shifts and were fun to play with, but the 8-speed automatic powering all four wheels was plenty to satisfy driving enthusiasts. Engaging the Adaptive Dynamics mode adjusts the steering for a sportier weight to the steering, transmission shift points and throttle response for the best performance.
Show-stopper wheels that stop well
The driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Comfort and Dynamic give options for freeway, in-town and performance driving. Using 91 octane fuel, the 3.0-liter mild hybrid has an EPA rating of 19 mpg city/25 highway and 21 combined. Over 172 miles of Southern California city and highway driving, our combined average was 20.9 mpg, which was acceptable for such a powerful engine and the 4,430-pound curb weight.
To get this number we opted for the Eco or Comfort drive modes when possible to maximize efficiency. Dynamic mode is where the fun begins as the Velar turned into an unexpected handling champ.
Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
The intelligent torque-on-demand all-wheel drive can vary the torque front-to-rear and side-to side based on driving conditions. Torque vectoring through braking helps distribute torque to the wheel in most need for extra grip. Off-road driving has a specific calibration with the Terrain Response system which allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings of Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Ruts and Sand. Each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension and stability control systems for optimum traction.
The Michelin Latitude Tour 265/40 all-season tires, mounted on optional dark gray 21-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-turned finish ($2,600), were quiet and handled well. Stopping was through an electronically controlled brake system that incorporates regenerative control and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brakes. It can tow up to 5,511 pounds.
Classy and Elegant
Range Rover says the Velar has a “reductive design that is a reflection of modernity and is captivating in its simplicity.” In this case, reductive means simplified and modern, but a design that ages well. There isn’t too much hyperbole here as the exterior is smooth and classy. Our test model, finished in Zadar Grey ($1,550 option), was a head-turner that looked tailored with amazing curb appeal. It is less boxy and looks sleek even sitting still. The standard Ranger Rover is 10 inches longer on a five-inch longer wheelbase and a significant seven inches shorter in height.
Reductive design=slippery and classy
The two-row, five-passenger 2024 Range Rover Velar comes in three trims with two engine options—S and Dynamic SE with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine (247 hp and 269 lb.-ft. torque), and the Dynamic SE and Dynamic HSE with the mild-hybrid 3.0-liter set-up.
The redesigned narrow grille, sporting a diminutive Range Rover badge, is framed by the slim LED headlights and the subtle R-A-N-G-E R-O-V-E-R lettering on the sculpted hood. The side view is clean with recessed color-keyed door handles and no chrome or cladding. Black B, C and D pillars are nearly invisible against the dark tinted privacy glass.
The sweptback windshield seamlessly leads to the floating roof, with a sliding panoramic sunroof and a shark fin antenna, ending at the visor over the power-operated lift gate. The rear has slim U-shaped LED tail lights that sit high above the twin rectangular exhaust ports. If you want even classier, the rear wiper has been tucked under the visor, resulting an unobstructed view for the driver and a clean palette design. The results are aerodynamics with a slippery 0.32 coefficient of drag.
Premium Interior
The high-end interior has premium materials and soft touch surfaces, with elements of dark or light anodized aluminum trim, piano black, and Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer. Seats are covered in either textile, or like our Velar Dynamic SE, with perforated grained leather. Our interior color, which is one of six options, was Cloud/Ebony. The soft, supple, heated and cooled front seats had 14-way power adjustments with driver-side memory. When the heated 40:20:40 rear seat is folded flat, cargo space goes from 30.9 cubic feet to 62.7 cubic feet.
Premium to the touch
The 8.5-inches of ground clearance eased entering and exiting, but the slanted windshield and floating roof made for a few head knocks, reminders to accommodate these sleek design features. The driver seat was comfortable and head room was good once situated.
The leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel has controls for audio, hands-free Bluetooth telephone operation, and the adaptive cruise control. The 12.3-inch digital interactive driver display has high-definition graphics clearly displaying the vehicle operation information.
The centerpiece of the Range Rover Velar cockpit is the floating 11.4-inch high-definition touchscreen that sits above the sparsest center console we have encountered.
Luxury seating for five
The touchscreen houses the knob-switch-and-button-free Pivi Pro infotainment system for navigation and entertainment, and is how the Velar becomes a ‘connected car’ through a mobile phone after downloading the iGuide App. While the dash is clean and modern, it would have been great to have physical controls for the volume and channel selection.
The 400-watt amplifier powered the Meridian sound system, offering AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi and wireless phone charging. Noise cancellation helps reduce the in-cabin presence of road and wind noise.
As part of the Cold Climate Package ($1,175) there was a heated windshield and washer jets. The two-zone climate control has an air quality sensor with cabin air ionization. Our Range Rover had the optional head-up display (part of a $1,300 Technology Package), bright metal pedals, ambient lighting, carpeted mats, rain sensing windshield wipers, Homelink auto-dimming rear view mirror, push button and remote start.
Safety and Convenience
Generous storage in the rear
The 2024 Range Rover Velar has safety systems including airbags, dynamic stability control, electronic traction and roll stability control, hill and low traction launch assist, anti-lock brakes with emergency baking, electronic brake-force distribution and cornering brake control. The surround camera, blind spot and rear traffic monitors, and lane keep assist all aid in safer driving.
Convenience features included power, folding heated exterior mirrors with nighttime approach lights, keyless entry, push button start, a tire pressure monitor and auto hold.
Pricing
These are the base prices for the four 2024 Range Rover Velar models, including the mandatory $1,275 destination and delivery charge.
P250 S 2.0-liter $62,775
P250 Dynamic SE 2.0-liter $64,875
P400 Dynamic SE 3.0-liter $71,875
P400 Dynamic HSE 3.0-liter $79,675
Clean Fleet Report tested the 2024 Range Rover Velar P400 Dynamic SE with a final price of $80,533. This included $8,658 in options and packages and the $1,275 destination and delivery charge.
Warranties
Powertrain – Four years/50,000 miles
New Vehicle – Four years/50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance – Four years/50,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation – Six years/Unlimited miles
Observations: 2024 Range Rover Velar P400 Dynamic SE
New in 2018, the Range Rover Velar went through a design evolution for 2024. Built in Sulihull, England, United Kingdom, it offers comfortable luxury with a design that stands-out from its competition. The clean, restrained and smooth rounded edges are set-off by the distinctive floating roof.
Off-road capable for upscale mall use
The driving was engaging. Even though we didn’t go off-road, the Range Rover DNA for handling rough driving capabilities is well-known. However, most owners will be buying one for the elegance, status and upper crust image that Range Rover historically delivers.
It was confusing to many that Range Rover is a Land Rover model. This has been somewhat cleared-up as Land Rover now considers Range Rover to be a brand-within-a-brand. Heck, with Range Rover being around since 1970, it is a well-deserved honor. The competition for luxury midsize SUVs is fierce with the likes of the Porsche Macan, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC-class, BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and the Cadillac XT6.
The Range Rover popularity, due to on- and off-road versatility, plus classic British looks, has made it a go-to for those that want to be seen, but not in a show-off kind of way.
There is more to the Range Rover than can be included here, so go to their website to configure and personalize yours.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Range Rover.
The post Road Test: 2024 Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE Mild Hybrid first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
