Range Rover Velar's Royal Approval

author: FutureCar Staff    

By all accounts, the Queen had a strong affinity for her Range Rover. It was a common sight to see her driving around the grounds of Windsor in her 2004 model, opting to take the wheel herself instead of relying on chauffeurs or police escorts.

A royal Range Rover, similar to the Queen's, was recently up for auction with an estimated price of £50,000 to £60,000. While this may seem steep compared to a non-royal version, it is still considered a good value. With 110,000 miles on the clock, the car still has plenty of life left in it. It also features a 4.4 litre V8 BMW engine and some additional extras like a dog guard to keep the corgis at bay. The final selling price of the car is unknown, but it is believed that the buyer got a great deal.

However, there is an even more luxurious version of the Range Rover called the Velar. Priced at £75,400, it is undoubtedly expensive. But considering the exorbitant prices of some cars these days, the Velar could be considered a relative bargain. It is often favored by captains of industry, footballers, showbusiness stars, and lottery winners because it combines practicality with status without being ostentatious. Unlike other cars in its price range, the Velar doesn't attract negative attention.

The Velar is a well-appointed vehicle with clean lines and a polished look 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. However, the Velar doesn't necessarily demand to be driven fast. Sometimes, the knowledge that it has the capability to outperform a Porsche is enough.

In terms of value for money, the Velar offers the best of both worlds. It can function as a pin-sharp hot-hatch and a luxurious people carrier. Its design is sleek and stylish, with concealed door handles that add to its overall smoothness. While it may not be as rugged as some other 4x4 vehicles, it is still capable of handling off-road terrain if necessary.

From a practical standpoint, the Velar excels in some areas. It offers an impressive amount of boot space, with 632 litres available with the rear seats raised and 1,731 litres with them folded flat. The square shape of the load area makes it highly usable. In terms of performance, the Velar is equipped with a 2.0 litre engine that feels much larger. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly, and manual control can be taken using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The Velar is available at different price points, starting at £54,045 for the base-spec model fitted with a four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine. This trim includes features like Terrain Response, 18-inch alloy wheels, and heated front seats. Mid-range SE cars offer larger alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, and a full 12.3-inch screen. Leather seats, powered and heated front seats, cruise control, autonomous braking, and keyless entry are also included in this range. The Velar is also available as a hybrid model with an updated battery that allows for up to 40 miles of electric travel.

In conclusion, the Range Rover Velar is a luxury SUV that offers a combination of performance, practicality, and style. With its sleek design, impressive features, and range of price options, it is a popular choice among those who value both comfort and status.

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, with the ability to travel 29 miles under electric power.

FutureCar Staff