The Range Rover Velar is a relatively young product in the Jaguar Land Rover range, having entered the market only in 2018. It’s still in its first generation (L560) and with its timeless ‘reductive design’ conceived by Professor Gerry McGovern and his team, it has retained freshness in its appearance.
Nevertheless, modern market demands are such that carmakers have to regularly update their products, cosmetically as well as with the new technologies that become available in the course of a model’s product cycle.
Three versions
The new version, launched in the UK in February this year, is now available in Malaysia and Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) offers three versions with the P250 powertrain: the Velar Dynamic SE (with M and H specifications) and the Velar Dynamic HSE (with L specifications), priced from RM638,800, excluding insurance.
“With the New Range Rover Velar, we are excited to offer a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and cutting-edge technology. It represents a new era of elegance and refinement, captivating automotive enthusiasts with its timeless appeal,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.
New Pixel LED headlights
The cosmetic updates start with the grille which is new and flanked by new super-slim Pixel LED headlights (only for the HSE version). These new lighting units have a technical, jewel-like appearance and provide optimised visibility with Dynamic Bend Lighting technology.
The Pixel LED lighting system has 3 times more LEDs compared to Matrix LED headlights. Each headlight consists of 4 pixel modules with 67 precisely controlled LEDs in each one to accurately adapt to the conditions and the road ahead and provide the most effective forward beam.
The Dynamic Bend Lighting systems uses speed and steering data to respond to the road and illuminate dark corners and verges, while the high beam range can focus light almost half a kilometre in front, for optimum visibility.
Additionally, Adaptive Driving Beam automatically adapts to vehicle speed, casting a wide beam at low speeds and a more intense, longer beam above 70 km/h. However, the shape of the beam varies to provide maximum illumination without dazzling oncoming drivers.
Other exterior changes include the rea bumper with dark accents. At the rear, the super-red 3D LED taillights add a touch of sophistication, complementing the characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline and flush deployable door handles.
Besides the standard colour range, there are two more exterior colour choices for the new Velar – Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Grey.
The three variants have different wheel designs, both new for 2023. Style 1075 wheels are fitted to the H Spec and L Spec variants and these have a 10-spoke gloss dark grey with contrast diamond-turned finish in gloss black. The M spec gets Style 1089 wheels with 10 spokes and a gloss black finish.
Cabin elegance with craftsmanship
The cabin of the Velar offers the elegance that would be expected of a SUV in this premium class, with commensurate craftmanship and new materials. With the pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation technology, the Velar is said to have the lowest levels of road noise in its class. This is achieved by a system that generates an audio signal (through the Meridian speakers) at a frequency which cancels out the frequencies of the noise, particularly in the lower range.
New Pivi Pro system
Also new is the next-generation Pivi Pro7 infotainment system and the latest Velar is the first model to have it. It incorporates controls for all key vehicle functions within the new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen with a clean design that makes it appear to be floating.
Ergonomically designed to reduce reflections and minimise distractions, the new system is intuitive and intelligent, with digital buttons. The designers have also revised the home screen that control all driving, comfort, and convenience features, with sliders designed to work in harmony with voice AI to make it quicker and easier to use. Approximately 80% of tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen.
The controls for the climate, seating and audio volume are always visible at each side of the screen via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls on either side. These virtual buttons are always visible and provide immediate access to frequently used items, including individual temperature controls for the front occupants, audio volume and Terrain Response modes.
Pivi Pro7 supports smartphone connectivity with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto is also supported. For compatible smartphones, there is a wireless charging pad available.
Over-the-Air updates
With 80% of the vehicle’s total ECUs, including the chassis and powertrain systems, capable of wireless updates, the Velar’s systems can be kept ‘like new’ with software updates sent ‘Over The Air’. It is convenient for owners as they do not have to go to the service centre for the updates. As long as there is good connection to the internet, the updates can be received – even in the jungle!
The Velar HSE comes with a Cabin Air Purification Plus system and configurable cabin lighting with 30 interior colours to set the right ambience. There is also a Technology Pack which comprises a Head-up Display and 3D Surround Camera system with Park Assist. Wade Sensing assist helps the driver when crossing areas with deep water.
P250 powertrain with AWD
The P250 powertrain uses a 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 250 ps/365 Nm, coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Intelligent all-wheel drive is standard and there is also Terrain Response 2 which is like having a co-driver with 4×4 experience. The system has different modes for different surface conditions and when a mode is selected, the engine, transmission, AWD, suspension, and stability control systems are optimised for the best traction.
Adaptive Dynamics is standard on the H Spec and L Spec Velars. This ensures suspension stiffness is optimised for the driving conditions, improving ride comfort and handling. There’s even a specific calibration for off-road driving for greater agility.
“The latest Range Rover Velar epitomises a marriage of luxury and innovation. Its sophisticated design, advanced features, and performance reaffirm our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our discerning customers,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.
Click here to know more about the new Velar and other Range Rover models