Range Rover Velar reigns supreme

By all accounts, the Queen had a deep affection for her Range Rover. It was reported that she often drove her 2004 model around the grounds of Windsor, preferring to take the wheel herself rather than relying on chauffeurs or police escorts.

This particular royal Range Rover was recently put up for auction with an estimated price range of £50,000 to £60,000. While this may seem steep compared to a non-royal version, it is still considered to be a good value. With 110,000 miles on the clock, the car still has plenty of life left in it. It is equipped with a 4.4 litre V8 BMW engine and comes with extras such as a dog guard to keep the corgis at bay.

The auction took place last Saturday, but the final sale price has not been disclosed. However, it is believed that the buyer made a memorable bargain.

Now, let's turn our attention to the Range Rover Velar, which is an even more luxurious version of the RR. Priced at £75,400, it is undoubtedly a significant investment.

Considering the exorbitant prices of some unremarkable cars these days, the Velar can be considered a comparative steal. In fact, many captains of industry, footballers, showbusiness stars, and lottery winners choose the Range Rover as their vehicle of choice due to its practicality and status symbol status.

While some cars in the £75,000 price range may attract glares, the Velar manages to avoid this. It is a stunning vehicle that has come a long way since the Queen received her wheels 19 years ago.

The Velar is an incredibly well-appointed motor, boasting clean lines and a polished appearance that sets it apart from other executive cars. It may be palace-like in size, but it is surprisingly nimble, capable of reaching speeds of 130mph and accelerating from 0 to 60mph in just over five seconds.

However, the Velar is not a car that demands to be driven quickly. Sometimes, the knowledge that you could leave a Porsche in your slipstream is enough, without actually having to do so. Instead, the Velar allows you to elegantly glide through the miles with grace.

So, what do you get for your money? Essentially, you get two cars in one – a pin-sharp hot-hatch and a luxurious people carrier.

The Velar is a newer model in the Land Rover lineup, having been launched in 2017. It fills a niche between the more affordable Evoque and the middle-range Sport, offering mid-sized SUV enthusiasts more space and luxury.

While the Velar may be less rugged than some other 4x4s, it still possesses the capability to handle off-road terrain. Its concealed door handles and sleek design give it a concept car-like appearance, making it stand out from the crowd.

In terms of practicality, the Velar is a mixed bag. The boot space is impressive, with 632 litres available with the rear seats raised and 1,731 litres with them folded flat. It's a square-shaped load area that is highly usable.

Driving the Velar is a delightful experience. Despite its 2.0 litre engine, it feels much larger. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly, and you can manually control gear changes using the steering wheel-mounted paddles if desired.

The Velar is available at a starting price of £54,045. This base-spec vehicle comes with a four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine, Terrain Response, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, cruise control, autonomous braking, keyless entry, and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system.

The mid-range SE trim offers larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, a full 12.3-inch screen as a replacement for traditional dials, and powered and heated leather seats.

Recently, Land Rover announced that the hybrid Velar has been updated with a larger 19.2kWh battery, allowing it to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone. This puts it in a lower company car tax bracket than before.

Overall, the Range Rover Velar is an impressive vehicle that combines luxury, practicality, and performance. With its sleek design, advanced features, and range of options, it is a worthy investment for those seeking a high-end SUV.

Price: £75,400

Engine: 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine generating 404bhp and torque of 640Nm

Performance: Top speed of 130mph and 0 to 60mph in 5.1 seconds

Economy: 112.3mpg as a weighted average, with the ability to travel 29 miles under electric power.