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.
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.
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.
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.
