The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is motivated by either of two engine options. As standard, the SUV makes use of a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 unit, which produces 247hp and 269 lb.-ft of torque, and is best suited for everyday use. The other engine unit that buyers can avail of as standard on the First Edition and as optional on all other trims except the base is a 3.0L V6 unit that is good for 380hp and 332lb.-ft. Both these engine options are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and transfer power to all the wheels, which makes the ride quality appreciable.
Considering its bulk and heft, the Range Rover Velar even with the turbocharged inline-4 unit delivers a decent level of performance. However, with 60mph timings of 6.4 seconds, it ranks at the bottom of the table. But when equipped with the more powerful engine, the SUV becomes almost a second quicker, taking just 5.6 seconds in a similar feat. Additionally, even its top speed increases by 15 MPH to 145 MPH.
Model
|
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
|
Audi Q5
|
Porsche Macan
|
Jaguar F-Pace
|
MSRP
|
$49,900
|
$44,100
|
$47,800
|
$42,065
|
Engine
|
2.0L turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0L turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0L turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0L turbocharged inline-4
|
Drivetrain
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
7-speed automated manual
|
7-speed automated manual
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power
|
247 hp
|
252 hp
|
252 hp
|
247 hp
|
Torque
|
269 lb.-ft
|
273 lb.-ft
|
273 lb.-ft
|
269 lb.-ft
|
0-60mph (seconds)
|
6.4 seconds
|
6.2 seconds
|
6.3 seconds
|
6.4 seconds
|
Quarter-mile (seconds)
|
N/A
|
14.5 seconds
|
13.4 seconds
|
13.8 seconds
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
130 MPH
|
130 MPH
|
130 MPH
|
145 MPH
|
Looking at the pool of competitors here, the comparison in the segment seems to be tricky. Like the Velar shares its underpinnings with the Jaguar F-Pace, the Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 are also identical to one another. Both the German SUVs produce relatively higher power and torque outputs of 252hp and 273lb.-ft. They are also quicker in the 60-mph run, however, when it comes to the quarter-mile sprint, both the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace push through the mid-range and clock timings under the 14-second mark. Additionally, the Jaguar F-Pace also leads in terms of top speed and manages to record 145 MPH.
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Ride and Handling
Like is typical to all Land Rover’s, the Range Rover Velar seems to be built for the city and has undeniable off-roading capabilities. While its acceleration is not the best in the segment, Velar’s precise and accurate responses to inputs and a quick-shifting transmission unit add sharpness to the drive. Its refined and comfortable ride quality resonates with the traditional buyers in the segment and thanks to its soft suspension and aerodynamic build, the SUV is a delight to drive.
Though the Land Rover Velar has a hassle-free performance, it is not all a merry picture. The midsize SUV is limited by its restricted steering feedback. Even body roll is pretty evident and despite its prowess, some undulations do manage to turn into imperfections for the occupants. However, if we were to highlight the positives in the ride, the all-wheel-drivetrain and an effective braking system do improve the performance considerably.
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Braking Performance
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar fails to match up to its competitors when braking is concerned. It comes to a halt at 122 ft when decelerating from the 60-mph mark. Velar’s inferior performance can be attributed to its smaller brake sizes and higher curb weight. It comes equipped with 12.8-inch rotors at the front and back and makes use of 4-wheel ABS and ventilated brakes to provide an additional bite to its performance.
Model
|
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
|
Audi Q5
|
Porsche Macan
|
Jaguar F-Pace
|
Brake Rotors: front (inches)
|
12.8
|
13
|
13.6
|
12.8
|
Brake Rotors: rear (inches)
|
12.8
|
13
|
13
|
12.8
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
4,217 lbs
|
4,045 lbs
|
3,902 lbs
|
3,880 lbs
|
60-0 (ft.)
|
122 ft
|
114 ft
|
120 ft
|
102 ft
|
In the segment, the Jaguar F-Pace is the best performer and comes to a halt at 102 ft, despite its smaller brake sizes. On the other hand, the Porsche Macan and Audi Q5 are marginally better than the Land Rover. They vaunt stopping distances of 120ft and 114 ft, respectively, but they do weigh considerably lesser than the Velar. However, Audi’s braking system does seem to be firmer than all of its competitors, nonetheless, it is confidence-inspiring.