Range Rover Velar Reigns Supreme

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Queen's love for her Range Rover was well-known. She often drove her 2004 model around the grounds of Windsor, preferring to take the wheel herself instead of relying on chauffeurs or police protectors.

A royal Range Rover, similar to the Queen's, was recently put up for auction with an estimated price of £50,000 to £60,000. Despite being more expensive than a regular version, it was considered a good value due to its 110,000 miles on the clock and a 4.4 litre V8 BMW engine. It even had extras like a dog guard to keep the corgis at bay. The final auction price remains unknown, but it was believed to be a great deal for the buyer.

Another version of the Range Rover, called the Velar, was also tested. Priced at £75,400, it was considered expensive compared to other cars. However, given the exorbitant prices of some cars these days, it was still seen as a relative bargain for what could be the best car on the road.

The Range Rover has always been a popular choice among captains of industry, footballers, showbusiness stars, and lottery winners. It combines practicality with status, managing to be both a highly functional vehicle and a symbol of wealth without being ostentatious.

The Velar, in particular, stands out as a stunning vehicle that has come a long way since the Queen received her Range Rover 19 years ago. It boasts clean lines, a polished appearance, and impressive performance. It can reach speeds of up to 130mph and go from 0 to 60mph in just over five seconds.

Despite its speed capabilities, the Velar doesn't necessarily need to be driven fast. The knowledge that it can outperform a Porsche is enough satisfaction for many owners. It offers a graceful and elegant driving experience.

In terms of value for money, the Velar offers two cars in one – a pin sharp hot-hatch and a luxurious people carrier. It fills a niche in the Range Rover family, sitting between the more affordable Evoque and the mid-range Sport. It provides more space and luxury for those who desire it.

The Velar's design is less rugged compared to other models, with concealed door handles that create a sleek and smooth appearance. However, it is still a proper 4x4 vehicle that can handle challenging terrains if necessary.

While the Velar excels in many areas, its practicality is a mixed bag. The boot space is impressive, offering 632 litres with the rear seats raised and 1,731 litres with them folded flat. It's a square-shaped load area that is highly usable. Additionally, the Velar's driving experience is exquisite, with a 2.0 litre engine that feels much larger and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that shifts seamlessly.

The Velar is available at different price points, starting at £54,045 for the base-spec vehicle fitted with a four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine. Higher trims offer larger alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, and a full 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment system. Leather seats, powered and heated front seats, and other luxuries are also included in the higher trims.

Recently, Land Rover announced an update to the hybrid Velar, featuring a larger battery that allows for up to 40 miles of electric travel. This puts it in a lower company car tax bracket than before.

In conclusion, the Range Rover Velar is a luxurious and versatile vehicle that offers a unique combination of style, performance, and practicality. While it may come with a higher price tag, it is considered a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate its qualities.

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.

FutureCar Staff