2024 VELAR IS QUINTESSENTIAL RANGE ROVER AT ITS BEST!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

This one’s our favorite Range Rover. Slotted between the Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport, the Velar is elegant, attractive, agile and just the right size to tackle the daily road rigors or take off the beaten path. The midsize SUV is based on its twin from the other company owned by the India-based Tatas, the supercharged growler Jaguar F-Pace. Press the start button and warm up for 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph in the 2024 Dynamic SE edition.

Under the hood sits a turbocharged/intercooled 3.0-liter V-6 engine (48-volt mild hybrid system) cranking out 395 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 405 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. It is mated to an impeccable 8-speed auto gearbox, which also can be shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles. A double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with Adaptive Dynamics improves balance, handling and grip by automatically adjusting firmness. It helps that the electric power steering is eager to change directions when you turn the wheel. Using Terrain Response, choose one of the following as per road/weather conditions: comfort (for daily driving), eco, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, rock crawl, dynamic and automatic. A new noise cancel technology substantially reduces redundant road surface and tire sounds.

Ensconced on the light aluminum structure is an all-new black grille portraying unique graphics and the familiar green oval icon with a complementary color roof. It is flanked by revamped vivid jewel-like pixel auto LED headlights. Retractable exterior door handles that majestically pop out lend class to this tasteful vehicle. Take a step into the extravagant SUV and wonder what happened to the infotainment/climate control buttons or knobs? Well, there aren’t any. The all-new Pivi Pro system is essentially a 11.4-inch floating curved glass touchscreen integrated into the center console for audio, navigation, climate, seat readings. Lending grandiose to the immaculate cabin is a short but conspicuous shifter knob in the hub of it all. Other standard comforts are 14-way power front heated seats, 40/20/40-fold rear seat, dual auto a/c, bright metal pedals, power tilt/telescopic steering column, sliding panoramic roof and an astonishing 400-watt Meridian sound system.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, dynamic/roll stability/electronic traction controls, forward collision warning with auto emergency brakes, lane keep and park assist, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking aids, blind spot assist, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are offered at no cost.

Like its siblings, the gorgeous Velar shows off tremendous off- and on-road prowess in a nimble, brisk, luxury- and tech-packed ride. It is iconic Range Rover at its finest.

VELAR DYNAMIC SE

Tires: P255/55WR19

Wheelbase: 113.1 inches

Length: 188.9 inches

Width: 80.3 inches

Height: 66.2 inches

Weight: 4,430 pounds

Fuel capacity: 21.6 gallons

City: 19 mpg

Highway: 25 mpg

Base price: $70,600

Price as tested: $79,933

Web site: www.landrover.com