The Velar has been an important part of the Range Rover line-up since 2017 when it joined as a more glamour-focused, but no less practical or capable SUV.
Since then it’s benefitted from a number of changes, not least the introduction of a plug-in hybrid in 2021, and now Range Rover had made further improvements to it for 2023. Let’s find out what’s changed.
Enhanced plug-in hybrid powertrain
Plug-in hybrid powertrains are very popular in premium SUVs like the Range Rover Velar, and as part of this update, it has been dramatically enhanced.
Now packing a larger 19.2kWh battery, it gives the Velar a certified 40-mile electric range, which is 21 per cent higher than before. Range Rover says this means the average daily distance driven in a Velar can now be completed with zero emissions.
![Front view off Range Rover Velar](https://assets.nexuspointapex.co.uk/tenant_d9013b5a-4990-4f3e-beec-4e1fc85990eb/media/uploads/1675853561-swansway-velar-2.jpg)
New multimedia system
The latest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport boast a significantly enhanced touchscreen system and this is now being expanded and built upon in the Velar too.
So rather than two digital displays in the old car, a single large 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen features and it boasts over-the-air updates so that it can continue to get improvements and new technology over time. In fact, it debuts a new Pivo Pro 7 infotainment that aims to offer enhanced usability.
![Interior of Velar](https://assets.nexuspointapex.co.uk/tenant_d9013b5a-4990-4f3e-beec-4e1fc85990eb/media/uploads/1675853561-swansway-velar-5.jpg)
Revised design
The Range Rover Velar’s design is already one of its strongest assets, so it’s not surprising that it hasn’t been dramatically changed. However, it benefits from a number of small tweaks that bring it in line with other Range Rover products.
These include a more striking and modern-looking grille pattern, while new pixel LED headlights with an anti-dazzle feature are fitted too. Around the back, the Velar incorporates a new rear bumper and new 3D rear lights.
![Front view off Range Rover Velar](https://assets.nexuspointapex.co.uk/tenant_d9013b5a-4990-4f3e-beec-4e1fc85990eb/media/uploads/swansway-velar-4.jpg)
Leather-free interior option
There was a time when it would have been unheard of to have any interior of a Range Rover that wasn’t leather. But in these times, many car makers are increasingly looking for a more sustainable finish for the car.
On the Velar this includes a leather-free option that combines wool from Danish textile experts Kvadrat with Ultrafabrics, enabling a vegan upholstery option The material is also 58 per cent lighter than using leather.
![Side view of Range Rover Velar](https://assets.nexuspointapex.co.uk/tenant_d9013b5a-4990-4f3e-beec-4e1fc85990eb/media/uploads/1675853561-swansway-velar-3.jpg)