Range Rover Velar reigns supreme

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Queen's love for her Range Rover is well-known. 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.

Recently, a royal Range Rover went up for auction with an estimated price of £50,000 to £60,000. Despite being more expensive than a non-royal version, it was still considered a good value. With 110,000 miles on the clock and a 4.4 litre V8 BMW engine, this Range Rover had plenty of life left in it. It even came with extras like a dog guard to keep the corgis at bay.

The auction took place last Saturday, and while the final sale price is unknown, it is believed that the buyer got a great deal.

But there is an even more luxurious version of the Range Rover to be tested: the Velar. Priced at £75,400, it may seem expensive, but considering the exorbitant prices of other cars on the market, it could be considered a bargain for what is arguably the best car on the road.

The Range Rover has long been a favorite among captains of industry, footballers, showbusiness stars, and lottery winners. It is both a practical and prestigious vehicle that manages to avoid being ostentatious.

While some £75,000 cars may attract negative attention, the Velar does not. It is a stunning vehicle that has come a long way since the Queen received her Range Rover 19 years ago.

The Velar is incredibly well-appointed, with clean lines and a polished appearance that sets it apart from other executive cars. Despite its size, it is surprisingly nimble, capable of reaching speeds of 130mph and accelerating from 0 to 60mph in just over five seconds.

But speed is not the main focus of the Velar. It is a car that can elegantly glide through the miles with grace, offering both the performance of a hot-hatch and the luxury of a people carrier.

The Velar fills a niche within the Range Rover family. Positioned between the more affordable Evoque and the mid-range Sport, it offers a mid-sized SUV with more space and luxury.

While it may be less rugged than other Range Rovers, the Velar is still a proper 4x4. Its concealed door handles create a sleekness rarely seen in SUVs, and the overall design gives the impression of a concept car rather than a production vehicle.

In terms of practicality, the Velar offers an impressive amount of boot space. With 632 litres of space with the rear seats raised, and 1,731 litres with them folded flat, it is a highly usable load area.

Driving the Velar is a joy, with its 2.0 litre engine feeling much larger than it actually is. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly, and manual control can be taken via the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Prices for the Velar start at £54,045, and even the base-spec vehicle comes with features like Terrain Response, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Higher trims offer even more luxury and technology.

Land Rover has recently announced updates to the hybrid Velar, with a larger battery that allows for up to 40 miles of electric-only driving. This places it in a lower company car tax bracket than before.

In conclusion, the Range Rover Velar is a luxurious and practical SUV that offers a combination of style, performance, and comfort. With its sleek design, impressive features, and range of options, it is a vehicle that stands out in the crowded SUV market.

Price: £75,400

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

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

Economy: 112.3mpg as a weighted average because you can travel 29 miles under electric power

FutureCar Staff