Photos by AZLINA ABDULLAH
THE 2024 refreshed Range Rover Velar continues to underline the luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) aim of moving privileged occupants within a refined, classy and plush cabin, and pamper them with top comfort technologies.
The refreshed luxury SUV range has new front grille design and lights, a minimalist-looking dashboard with a new 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen, and Active Road Noise Cancellation technology which results in the quietest cabin in its class for road noise and helps to reduce driver fatigue levels.
Our test drive unit was the top L (Luxury Spec) variant priced from RM739,800 and fitted with nice kit like 20-way massage front seats (with heating and cooling functions), super-slim Pixel LED headlights, cooled glovebox, sliding panoramic roof, Rear Collision Monitor and Cabin Air Purification Plus for cleaner interior air with PM2.5 filtration.
The 2024 refreshed Velar was launched here late last year, and two other variants are the M and H (Mid and High Specs) with prices starting from RM638,800.
All three are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 250PS and 365Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The flush deployable door handles add to the vehicle’s streamlined profile.
Stepping inside the 2024 refreshed Velar is akin to entering a meticulously designed living space which looks classy and elegant.
Inside, we were greeted by a dashboard and centre console that has a clean look, uncluttered by buttons or switches.
The minimalist dashboard is dominated by the 11.4-inch touchscreen, which provides access to the infotainment menu, climate control, vehicle systems and surround view camera system.
After a short acclimation period, we didn’t find any issues with getting used to using the touchscreen interface although like many motorists, we are more familiar with physical buttons, switches and dials for vehicle functions.
Range Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, while there are also wireless charging and USB ports (we found one USB-A and four USB-C ports) to power mobile devices.
The sliding panoramic sunroof allows natural light into the cabin, highlighting the sumptuous leather upholstery and polished surfaces.
There’s ample rear headroom for 1.7-metre adults and we enjoyed the rear seating, which are impressively comfortable.
The Meridian sound system delivers crisp and immersive audio – perfect for enjoying our favorite tunes.
Thanks to Active Road Noise Cancellation technology, the cabin is a refined cocoon which muffles the sound of passing motorcycles and external road noise.
On the road, the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill mated to an eight-speed automatic provides a familiar smooth and refined performance, while any ride discomfort even on badly maintained roads are well cushioned.
Fitted with electronic air suspension, the Velar delivers composure and poise, while the accurate steering as well as the quiet and grippy Pirelli Scorpion Zero all season tyres sized 265/40 wrapped around 22-inch wheels also contribute to the premium driving experience.
As expected, the Velar handles well when we tackled road bends at speed, with responsive steering and minimal body roll around corners.
We drove in Comfort mode most of the time, rather than Dynamic or Eco modes.
There are other vehicle settings like Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand which alter the settings for the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension, and stability control systems.
However, we spent all our time with the Velar within the comforts of the urban jungle, and the undoubtedly high-tech off-road capabilities of the luxury SUV were not put to the test.
The surround view camera system provides a 360-degree perspective, making parking manoeuvres and navigating tight spaces easier.
Packed with numerous high-tech comfort and driving features, and a beautifully designed interior, the Velar continues to be a compelling statement piece for deep-pocketed and discerning customers who appreciate the finer things in life.
SPECIFICATIONS
Range Rover Velar 2.0L Dynamic HSE (Lux Spec)
Engine: 1,998cc, four-cylinder petrol, turbocharged Ingenium
Maximum power: 250PS at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 365Nm from 1,300 to 4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Maximum speed: 217kph
Acceleration (0-100kph): 7.5 seconds
Capability and dynamics: All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD), Terrain Response 2 with Dynamic Program, Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics, Configurable Dynamics, Hill Launch Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Low traction launch, speed proportional Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Open Differential with Torque Vectoring by Braking, All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)
Features: Pixel LED headlights, automatic headlights and headlights’ levelling, integrated flush deployable door handles, 22-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, 2-way massage front seats with driver memory and rear power recline, Sliding panoramic roof, four-zone climate control, Cabin air Purification Plus, Lockable cooled glovebox, configurable cabin lighting, powered gesture tailgate, Air Quality Sensor, powered adjustable steering column, rear seat remote release levers, wireless charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Pivi Pro and Interactive Driver Display and 11.4-inch Touchscreen, Bluetooth, Meridian sound system, voice control
Driver Assistance and more safety features: Electric parking brake (EPB), Rear Collision Monitor, Blind Spot Assist, Rear Traffic Monitor, Emergency Braking, Driver Condition Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, Front and Rear Parking Aid, rain sensing windscreen wipers, Emergency Brake Assist, power operated child locks, six airbags, Intrusion sensor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter, Tyre pressure monitoring system, and Heated, electric, power fold door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming driver side, Technology Pack (head-up display, wade sensing, 3D Surround Camera and Park Assist)
Price: Starts from RM739,800 (includes 10% SST - sales and service Tax, and excludes road tax, registration and insurance)
Warranty: Land Rover Care – 5-year warranty or 150,000km (whichever is first); 5-year servicing or 65,000km (whichever is first), 3 years roadside assistance
