Range Rover Velar gets a plug-in hybrid and state-of-the-art infotainment
The Range Rover Velar has always sat somewhere between an Evoque and a Sport. The Range Rover Velar will now be getting an electric plug-in hybrid option, taking the technology and design features to new heights.
This new P400e 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid produces a grand 297kW, with a torque of 640Nm. It sits with an impressive 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, making it more powerful than both the petrol engine and electric motor.
The Velar hybrid comes with a 17.1Wh lithium-ion battery which can be found under the boot floor. It can be charged to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, using a fast DC charge point, or 1 hour 40 minutes if you are using the standard 7kW wallbox.
Range Rover has also added a series of 3.0-litre straight-six Ingenium engines to the Range Rover Velar. This is the latest edition of petrol and diesel straight-six engines, it will be available in South Africa as P340 petrol and D300 diesel and all-wheel-drive variants.
The P340 variant will generate 250kW and 480Nm torque, it will also feature a twin-scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL). The D300 diesel delivers 221kW and 650Nm torque, it goes from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds, it also has a low fuel economy of 7.4litres/100km. Furthermore, a next-generation four-cylinder Ingenium D200 engine will be introduced to the Ranger Rover Velar range and will generate 147kW.
The cabin of the Velar is perhaps the highlight here as it features a stunning modern design. It comes fitted with integrated digital screens that come with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi, and Pivi Pro. The Pivi is designed is easy to use with its simple interface which reduces the number of interactions to enhance safety. It features top of the range new graphics and fast responsiveness and ensures that the screens and navigation system are always ready to go. To top this off all software updates are conveniently done ‘over-the-air’ and ensures that all customers have the latest maps, apps, and vehicle software.
If you are someone who enjoys the tranquillity and peace of a long road trip with no unnecessary noise, then the Range Rover Velar may look more appealing to you as it comes with Active Road Noise Cancellation. The Velar will also come with the new Cabin Air Filtration system which further enhances the tranquillity of the Velar, by reducing levels of harmful particulates, pollen, and even odours.
Other exciting features that will also be available, is the new second-generation wearable Activity Key and a new steering wheel design which comes with integrated smart buttons and the latest ADAS software updates. In addition to this, a new Drive Selector will replace the rotary gear selector.
If you are looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary then the ‘Range Rover Velar Edition’ might be just for you as it gives customers more choices and features in terms of upgrades on both the exterior and interior. These improvements include a black contrast roof with matching 20-inch black alloy wheels. This special edition model is exclusively available in Lantau Bronze metallic paint, Hakuba Silver, Santorini Black, or Eiger Grey.
Now there is no pricing available as the New Range Rover Velar will only be introduced in South Africa, during the first half of 2021.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Range Rover Velar plug-in hybrid cost in South Africa?
The Range Rover Velar P400e plug-in hybrid starts from around R1,400,000 in South Africa, making it a premium option in the luxury SUV segment with serious electrified performance credentials.
Q: How much power does the Range Rover Velar hybrid produce?
The Velar P400e delivers a hefty 297kW of power with 640Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup, launching from 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Range Rover Velar hybrid battery?
The 17.1kWh lithium-ion battery charges to 80 percent in 30 minutes using a fast DC charger, or takes 1 hour 40 minutes on a standard 7kW wallbox at home.
Q: Is the Range Rover Velar worth buying over the Evoque or Sport?
The Velar sits perfectly between the Evoque and Sport, offering more space than the Evoque with sleeker styling than the Sport, plus the new Pivi Pro infotainment system makes it the most tech-advanced option of the three.
Q: What engine options are available for the Range Rover Velar in South Africa?
South African buyers get the P400e hybrid with 297kW, the P340 petrol with 250kW, the D300 diesel with 221kW, and the entry-level D200 diesel producing 147kW, all with all-wheel drive as standard.
Should You Buy It?
The Range Rover Velar is absolutely worth considering if you have around R1,200,000 to R1,400,000 to spend on a luxury SUV that stands out from the crowd. The plug-in hybrid P400e variant is the pick of the range, offering genuine performance with 297kW and the ability to run on electric power for short trips. The cabin's minimalist design with the new Pivi Pro system feels properly modern, and the Velar's sleek coupe-like styling makes it the most distinctive Range Rover you can buy. Yes, you should buy it if you want a luxury SUV that doesn't look like every other German offering on the road, especially with that hybrid powertrain delivering both performance and environmental credentials.
