Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The facelift got a new grille, slimmer LED pixel headlamps with a fresh DRL signature, and the headlamp washers were done away with. A new bonnet trim matches the side elements on the fender, and the alloys are new too. The rear bumper is also tweaked, and on the whole it remains a handsome SUV.

Inside, the cabin has gone minimalist. The terrain response dial is gone, with all functions now on the 11.4-inch curved touchscreen. The UI is crisp and glare-free, but controlling climate or terrain settings means diving into menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.

Seating is comfy with good legroom and cushioning. You sit lower than in bigger Range Rovers, which gives decent headroom, but the high window line and small glass area reduce visibility. Thankfully, the panoramic sunroof adds airiness.

Though the rear seat is wide enough for three, it’s contoured for two, and the central tunnel limits legroom for a third passenger. Boot space isn’t class-leading, but the split-folding seats and a full-size spare are practical perks.

In India, the Velar comes with a 2.0-litre petrol (250hp, 365Nm) and diesel (204hp, 430Nm) engine. The diesel, with mild-hybrid tech, does 0-100kph in 8.3 seconds. There's some lag under 1,800rpm, after which power builds smoothly. However, low-speed driving can feel jerky.

The 8-speed auto shifts early, so overtaking often needs manual intervention or switching to Sport/Dynamic mode, which also helps settle the ride. Comfort mode softens bumps at low speeds but can cause pitch and roll at higher speeds. Noise insulation is excellent.

We haven’t tested the efficiency but expect real-world mileage in the single digits to low teens, depending on driving style and conditions.

Ride quality is good but large potholes can still thud through. The air suspension lowers the car by 10mm for ease of access and can be raised by 25mm for off-roading.

The Velar feels stable and confident on the road. Steering is composed but not very sharp—best suited to long-distance cruising. While more road-focused, it can still off-road decently with drive modes and 600mm wading depth for tackling floods.

Key features include a 360-degree camera with an under-bonnet view, 20-way massage front seats, power-reclining rear seats, air purifier, wireless charging, Meridian sound system, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and four-zone climate control.

Priced at Rs 87.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Velar sits below rivals like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5. While the competition is stiffer now, the Velar’s strong build, refined cabin, and standout design still make it a compelling choice