The 2024 Range Rover Velar stands as a symbol of modern design and luxury, but its embrace of minimalism may have taken simplicity a step too far. For those seeking the quintessential Range Rover experience with all the hallmark features of off-road capability, cutting-edge technology, and a refined interior, the Velar continues to deliver. However, there’s a lingering sense that its pursuit of a clean, uncluttered aesthetic may have compromised functionality in some areas.
This review delves deep into the new Velar’s design, performance, technology, and overall driving experience, while questioning whether simplicity truly serves the best interests of the driver and passengers in an era of ever-evolving automotive tech.
The Allure of Minimalist Design
The Velar has long been heralded as one of the most stylish offerings in the Land Rover lineup. For the 2024 model year, Land Rover continues to hone this approach, embracing a “less is more” philosophy in both the exterior and interior. Sleek lines and subtle details dominate its exterior, making it an unmistakably elegant SUV that draws admiration on the road. There’s no denying the visual impact of the Velar, especially for those who appreciate automotive design that doesn’t scream for attention but instead whispers sophistication.
However, beneath this understated aesthetic lies a fundamental question: has Land Rover stripped too much away? While the smooth, unbroken lines give the Velar its futuristic appeal, many enthusiasts are beginning to wonder whether this extreme simplification has started to erode some of the practical and functional aspects that made Range Rovers famous.
Exterior Styling: Sleek but Subdued
The 2024 Velar continues to adopt the same sharp-edged, refined silhouette that has always defined its presence. Its streamlined form, void of excess ornamentation, projects a modern look that still manages to feel distinctly Range Rover. The slim LED headlights, flush door handles, and minimalist grille all contribute to its clean appearance. It’s a masterclass in automotive design that avoids unnecessary clutter, relying on proportion and balance to convey elegance.
This minimalism extends to areas where one might expect more flamboyance, such as the tailgate and rear lighting. Instead of bold statements, the Velar opts for a subtle rear spoiler, simple yet striking taillights, and clean rear-end lines that complement the overall aesthetic. While some may appreciate this clean approach, others might find the Velar lacking in character compared to other luxury SUVs that boast bolder, more assertive designs.
Range Rover’s choice of colors, trim options, and wheels continues to emphasize sophistication over sportiness, further distancing the Velar from the more rugged models in the Land Rover family. For those who want a vehicle that effortlessly blends into upscale environments, the Velar succeeds. But for drivers hoping for a bit more personality from their luxury SUV, the muted design might leave them wanting more.
Interior: Simplicity to a Fault?
Inside the 2024 Velar, the quest for simplicity becomes even more apparent. The cabin is an exercise in minimalism, with an absence of physical buttons, switches, and traditional controls. Everything from climate control to infotainment is handled through a series of touchscreens and touch-sensitive panels. On one hand, this contributes to the Velar’s ultra-modern feel, but on the other, it raises significant questions about ease of use and long-term practicality.
The decision to rely heavily on digital controls reflects a broader trend in the luxury automotive industry, but it’s not without its challenges. Navigating through layers of menus just to adjust basic functions like fan speed or seat heating can be distracting for drivers, particularly while on the move. This heavy reliance on touch-sensitive surfaces, while visually stunning, may not be the most intuitive approach for all users.
The quality of materials inside the Velar remains impeccable. From premium leather upholstery to sustainably sourced wood veneers, every surface feels as luxurious as one would expect from Range Rover. The seats are plush and supportive, making long journeys a breeze, and the overall layout of the cabin offers a sense of space that enhances comfort. Still, for all its luxury, the interior’s simplicity could be seen as sacrificing some of the functional elegance that previous generations of Range Rovers managed to balance so well.
Technology: Innovation Meets Frustration
Technology plays a major role in the Velar’s ethos, but here too, simplicity comes with a price. The dual-screen setup for infotainment and climate control looks fantastic, with crisp, responsive displays that offer excellent resolution. The upper screen handles entertainment and navigation functions, while the lower screen is dedicated to vehicle settings and climate controls.
However, the complexity of the interface may frustrate users who prefer more tactile controls. Tasks that should be simple, such as adjusting the temperature or switching between driving modes, require multiple taps and swipes, which can feel counterintuitive, particularly when the road demands your attention. Some drivers might long for the days when a physical dial or switch made these adjustments simpler and safer.
On the brighter side, the Velar’s infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing seamless integration of smartphones into the driving experience. The optional Meridian sound system offers outstanding audio quality, transforming the cabin into a concert hall on wheels. Voice recognition, advanced navigation with real-time traffic updates, and multiple USB ports ensure the Velar remains technologically relevant. But these features, for all their sophistication, don’t necessarily make up for the frustration that can come from the overly simplified controls.
Performance: A Balance of Power and Efficiency
Land Rover’s tradition of providing both power and refinement continues in the 2024 Velar, though the approach is more balanced than ever before. Under the hood, the Velar offers several engine options, including mild-hybrid variants. These range from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 250 horsepower to a more powerful inline-six with 395 horsepower.
For those expecting heart-pounding acceleration, the Velar may not deliver the thrilling experience found in some performance-oriented competitors. However, the SUV makes up for it with a sense of serenity and smoothness on the road. The power is adequate for most driving scenarios, and the shift to mild-hybrid technology ensures fuel efficiency without compromising too much on performance.
Where the Velar shines is in its ability to blend luxury with capability. Despite its minimalist appearance, this SUV remains a Range Rover at heart, meaning it still has off-road potential. The standard all-wheel-drive system, combined with adjustable air suspension and Land Rover’s renowned Terrain Response system, ensures that the Velar can tackle rough terrain when necessary. Drivers won’t find the same rugged off-road chops as in the Defender, but the Velar is more than capable of handling dirt roads, muddy trails, and even a bit of rock crawling.
On-Road Comfort: Designed for the Highway
Most buyers of the 2024 Velar will likely spend their time on paved roads, where the vehicle truly excels. The suspension tuning strikes a perfect balance between comfort and agility, soaking up road imperfections with ease while maintaining composure through corners. The ride is quiet, refined, and isolated from external noise, making it an ideal companion for long road trips or daily commutes.
Steering is light but precise, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight spaces. Highway driving is particularly pleasant, thanks to the smooth power delivery and a transmission that shifts seamlessly. While the Velar isn’t designed to be a performance SUV, it provides a confident, composed driving experience that is in line with its luxury credentials.
For those craving more spirited driving, the larger engine options provide a boost in power, though the Velar is not as dynamically engaging as some of its sportier rivals, like the Porsche Macan or BMW X5. The focus here is on delivering a relaxed, premium driving experience rather than on-the-edge performance.
Off-Road Capability: Still a Range Rover
Even though the Velar’s minimalist design and luxury focus might suggest otherwise, it still retains some of the off-road prowess for which the Range Rover name is known. Adjustable air suspension allows the vehicle to raise its ground clearance for more challenging terrain, while the Terrain Response system automatically adjusts the powertrain, suspension, and drivetrain settings to optimize performance on a variety of surfaces, including mud, sand, and snow.
For most owners, the Velar’s off-road capabilities will be more than adequate for occasional adventures off the pavement. Its ability to wade through water, crawl over rocks, and traverse uneven terrain make it more than just a stylish city cruiser. However, those who demand serious off-road capability will likely be better served by a Defender or Discovery, as the Velar prioritizes on-road comfort and style over hardcore off-roading.
Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Options
With the shift toward electrification in the automotive industry, the 2024 Velar adopts mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The mild-hybrid system assists the engine during acceleration and captures energy during braking, resulting in smoother power delivery and marginally better fuel economy.
For city driving, the hybrid system works quietly in the background, seamlessly transitioning between power sources to optimize efficiency. On the highway, the system allows the engine to coast at lower speeds, helping to conserve fuel during long-distance travel.
Fuel economy figures for the Velar vary depending on the engine, but the hybrid variant is expected to offer a slight improvement over previous models, delivering respectable numbers for a luxury SUV. However, potential buyers should keep in mind that the focus of the Velar remains luxury and comfort, so it’s not the most fuel-efficient option in its class. The hybrid system enhances efficiency, but it’s not a plug-in hybrid or full electric option like some competitors now offer.
Competitors: Where Does the Velar Stand?
The luxury SUV market is packed with strong contenders, many of which take different approaches to blending style, performance, and practicality. The 2024 Velar finds itself in a competitive segment, going head-to-head with rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Porsche Macan. Each of these vehicles brings something unique to the table, and the Velar’s minimalist philosophy may or may not resonate with buyers.
FAQs
Q: How much does the 2024 Range Rover Velar cost?
The base model of the 2024 Velar starts at approximately $62,000, but higher trims and optional features can push the price upwards of $80,000.
Q: What are the engine options for the 2024 Velar?
The Velar offers multiple powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful inline-six with mild-hybrid technology.
Q: Is the Velar good for off-road driving?
While not as capable as some other Range Rover models, the Velar retains decent off-road capability, featuring adjustable air suspension and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.
Q: Does the 2024 Velar have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the Velar comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Q: What is the fuel efficiency of the Velar?
Fuel economy varies depending on the engine, but the mild-hybrid system provides a slight improvement, making it more efficient than earlier models.
