2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar has a starting price of $49,600. It is available in four trim levels and multiple configurations as you have 4 engine options. Land Rover is the mafia of the SUV class with its boxy yet stylish road presence. The 2019 MY of the Velar competes with top-end SUVs such as the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Continue with the article to know how this SUV from the house of Land Rover performs in front of other giants in the segment.

For the 2019 model, the Land Rover Range Rover Velar has four trim levels. The trims are further divided according to their engine options. The Velar gets advanced and luxurious features with higher trim levels. From limited features on the base trim, you have premium features on the top-end trims. Also, you get optional packages to avail as per your choice, and that's why the price ranges between $49,900 and $74,500. 

Which trim should you buy?

If you want to enjoy a true luxury SUV, you should go for the R-Dynamic SE trim. The well-packed Velar R-Dynamic SE gets trim-specific exterior styling and massive 20-inch alloys. The cabin is equipped with advanced tech and multiple displays for Touch Pro navigation and infotainment. There's optional 4-zone climate control for you. Moreover, you have premium perforated grained leather and suede cloth upholstery inside the cabin. For your comfort, you have 10-way front seat adjustments and memory settings. With the infotainment, you also get a Meridian sound system with 17 speakers.

The 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offers multiple engines with trim levels. The base trim is equipped with a Turbocharged I-4 cylinder engine. This 2.0L motor outputs 247 hp @ 5,500 RPM and 269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200 RPM. There's a fuel-efficient turbo diesel engine that has a power output of 180hp with 317 lb-ft of torque. The S and R Dynamic SE trims get a powerful V6 engine. It takes the performance beyond 300 horses with 340 hp of power and 332-pound feet of torque.

When it comes to the range-topping R Dynamic HSE trim, it has an extra 40 hp with the V6 engine. Both V6 engines have similar torque output. All the engines are mated to an 8-Speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD system. The base Velar reaches 60 MPH from a standstill in just 6.4 seconds with 14.6 seconds for the quarter-mile. The 340 hp V6 takes 5.7 seconds with 14.2 seconds quarter mile. The most powerful 380 hp Velar does it in 5.3 seconds with 14.0 seconds in the quarter-mile run. 

As compared to rivals, the Velar is a promising newcomer in the class. The BMW X5 outputs maximum power with its base 6 cylinder engine. Still, the Velar gives close competition to its power-packed rivals. Also, we have multiple engine options which to choose from. With its 380 hp V6, the Land Rover Velar is faster than certain rivals such as the XC90 and the GLE 350. The German precision in BMW X5 steps ahead with its performance-oriented V8 version. To match such rivals, we'll be getting a rumored 550 hp V8 with the upcoming 2020 MY.

How does the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar handle?

Being a massive and boxy SUV, the Velar still handles better than most of the other Land Rover SUVs. The speed-sensing steering wheel adjusts ratios according to speed to balance oversteer. The Velar holds its ground corners with its independent suspension. To give you a comfortable ride, the auto-leveling adaptive suspension stabilizes the SUV. Also, the adaptive suspension gives the Velar amazing off-roading capabilities with higher departure and approach angles. The overall handling of the Velar isn't up to the mark, yet it is satisfactory for Land Rover's image.

Braking Performance

The 2019 Range Rover Velar has four-wheel ABS brakes with front and rear ventilated discs. With that, you get brake assistance, electronic brake-force distribution, hill descent control, and hill hold control. With its 12.8-inch brake rotors both at the front and back, the Velar can stop within a distance of 120 feet from a speed of 60 MPH. For a 4,217 pound SUV, this braking performance is good enough. 

The Land Rover Velar has the smallest brake rotors, that's why it takes a greater distance to stop. The BMW X5 is both a hefty and sporty SUV and stops quickly even after weighing a lot more. On the other hand, we have the Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 that need a similar distance of 118 feet to stop from 60 MPH. 

The 247 hp 4-cylinder won't disappoint you in front of other SUVs with their decent fuel economy. With 21 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined 24 MPG, you have 448 miles of maximum range. You can pick the 180 hp 4-cylinder diesel to get 26 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and a combined 28 MPG. When you pick the 340 hp V6, the fuel economy drops to 18 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and a combined 20 MPG. The power-packed 380 hp V6 offers a similar mileage. To curb the difference, Land Rover offers a bigger 21.6-gallon tank with the V6 powered trims. That's how even the powerful Velar can go beyond 500 miles.

In terms of base engines, the Volvo XC90 is the most fuel-efficient SUV as it offers a combined mileage of 24 mpg. The Range Rover Velar takes the second spot as it is the lightest SUV. The GLE 350 has the biggest fuel tank to deliver the highest range. Even the V6 powered Velar with their 21.6-gallon tank couldn't take it down. Let's hope LR offers a bigger fuel tank as standard from next year.

The Land Rover Velar is the new addition to the luxury SUV lineup. Just like its exterior, we'll be getting a desirable cabin wrapped in premium leather upholstery with metal-look and piano black accents. With premium color options, the Velar has a massive cabin with great road visibility dedicated to the driver's focus and comfort. If you keep aside the lavish design, the Velar gets the most advanced cabin ever in a Land Rover. The Velar is equipped with the latest dual-screen infotainment setup that takes most of the space at the center while the remaining is occupied by the controls. The massive leather steering wheel gets a touch controller for the all-digital gauge display. The metal-look accents highlight all the functions of the dash including the steering.

The seats are wrapped with Luxtec and suede leather as standard, while the Perforated Grained leather is available from the S trim. The R-Dynamic HSE trim is designed with high-end Windsor leather trim. The front bucket seats have 10-way adjustable front seats as standard, while the top-end trim gets heated/cooled 20-way adjustable seats with a massage function. The rear seat is a 40-20-40 split power reclining bench seat with a fold forward seatback. 

For the best cabin experience, the Velar is loaded with lots of convenience features such as auto tilt-away steering, adjustable head restraints, driver-seat memory settings, front and rear armrests with cup holders, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with rear separate ducts and controls, 1st and 2nd-row panoramic sunroof, and an auto-dimming heated rearview mirror. The optional package adds adaptive cruise control and 4-zone climate control.

No doubt, the Land Rover Velar offers a well-equipped luxury cabin as compared with its rivals. There's comfortable seating space for up to 5 people inside the cabin. It is close enough to the German brands in terms of quality. The cabin is one of the most advanced with next-level dashboard technology. When it comes to front-seat comfort, the rivals are still ahead. Behind its second row, you have a massive 34.4 cubic feet of space, not as practical as the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Premium leather upholstery
• Three dashboard displays
• 20-way cooled/heated seats with massage function
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
• Four-zone climate control

What's there to keep you entertained?

With the 2019 Velar, Land Rover has introduced an exquisite dual-display infotainment setup, the Touch Pro Duo. The massive 10-inch touchscreens are conveniently placed for the driver's perspective. With the dual-screen, you can listen to your favorite music and navigate to your destination all at once without much hassle. The Touch Pro infotainment now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well. There's Bluetooth wireless and audio connectivity with dual USB tethering for audio and charging. For weather and news, you have the AM/FM radio subscription.

You can connect to the internet through the Pro Services 4G WiFi hotspot. For music, you get standard 11 Meridian speakers while the higher trims get 17 Meridian speakers with a subwoofer. The Touch Pro navigation system comes with a real-time traffic display, turn-by-turn navigation directions, and voice commands. There's an all-digital gauge cluster that displays analog speed and RPM gauges with driver assistance alerts, safety alerts, parking instructions, 4WD instructions, and vehicle animation for the ease of the driver. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• Touch Pro Duo
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM radio
• Pro Services 4G WiFi hotspot
• Touch Pro navigation system
• Meridian surround sound speakers

Land Rover follows a signature design profile with its SUVs. The Velar, on the other hand, seems a bit ahead in the class with the meanest design and dynamics. As LR calls it the Avant-Garde SUV, the all-new Velar looks phenomenal. It shares its platform with the Jaguar F-Pace, but it is comparatively bigger in terms of size, while the F-Pace is lighter as well. The front fascia of the Velar is designed with a massive aerodynamic bumper paired with a blacked-out diffuser. You have LED fog lamps with air ducts, while the sharp LED headlamps and DRLs are placed alongside the signature grille. The massive hood eliminates the wheel arches and slopes down to the grille with the "Range Rover" logo.

To give it a sporty appearance, the top of the cabin is finished in the dark theme, while the roofline meets the rear window spoiler at the back. The beltline looks huge with flush door handles and huge wheel arches. You have sleek LED taillamps integrated with the "Range Rover" Narvik lettering to remind the followers who is leading the path. The exterior can be customized with premium color options, and the R-Dynamic black exterior package gives distinct black styling to the whole exterior. There's another package that adds copper exterior accents to the Velar. The huge tires are wrapped around a massive alloy that varies with the trim from 18-inch alloys to 21-inch satin dark grey alloys.

For its design and boxy dynamics, the Range Rover Velar looks much better than any other SUV in its class. It is preferred over the curvy rivals for its unique styling. The Velar takes design to a whole other level with its R-Dynamic exterior package. With the 21-inch wheels, the Velar is the most charming SUV. As it is a crossover SUV, it is the lightest in its class. Also, the Velar is comparatively smaller than other SUVs. Also, the wheelbase is shorter to give it the thrills of a sporty SUV. With its 8.4-inch ground clearance, the Velar is an off-road capable SUV. However, the rivals are much taller. Some of the standout exterior features are as follows: 

• LED headlamps with DRLs
• Range Rover lettering
• R-Dynamic exterior package
• Rear window spoiler
• Cooper exterior accents
• 21-inch satin dark grey alloys

The solid build quality of Land Rover SUVs makes them long-lasting. The Range Rover Velar is designed with a focus on performance and safety. With a rigid platform borrowed from Jaguar, the Velar has a toughened structure that won't make noise even if you take it for extreme off-roading. As it is a luxury SUV, it has not been crash-tested by the IIHS and the NHTSA.

With a good amount of technology for your ease and convenience, there's a lot of safety features available with the 2019 Range Rover Velar. The standard safety includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a backup camera. The higher trims add adaptive cruise control and a Blindspot monitor. Some of the standout safety features are as follows:

• Forward collision mitigation with rear traffic sensing
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blindspot monitor

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2019 Volvo XC90

By introducing the Range Rover Velar, Land Rover has raised the bar in the luxury SUV class. As compared with the Volvo XC90, the Velar delivers better performance, features, and an unmatchable luxury experience. The XC90 is more of a practical SUV with better space, safety, and reliability. If you want a loaded luxury SUV, the Velar should be your pick. However, if you want an SUV that sticks around, the XC90 is a clear choice.

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2019 BMW X5

The Velar is the most aerodynamic a Land Rover could get without losing its actual design and charm. When compared with the BMW X5, the Range Rover Velar offers better luxury and options as well as multiple trims and engines. The X5 is a sporty SUV with its one-of-a-kind performance and handling. Choosing between the two isn't easy as the Velar is a sophisticated luxury SUV and the BMW X5 is a full package at a higher price.

2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

Land Rover is trying its best to match the level of Mercedes in terms of luxury comfort. Also, with its multiple displays, the Velar is taking interior cues from the top-end Mercedes SUVs. As the lord of the SUVs, Land Rover dominates the class with its road presence and options. The GLE 350 is the entry-level trim of the GLE-Class where you get better practicality, performance, luxury, and an unbeatable driving experience.

Land Rover has grown a lot in the past few decades. As the company shifted its focus from off-road capable SUVs to high-end luxury SUVs, the brand grew huge around the world. The Velar was introduced as a standout SUV. It was a whole new approach of LR towards the SUV industry with better technology, luxury, and comfort, keeping alive the capable SUV image. With the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, you can travel around the city, in the countryside, and even enjoy your holidays. If you know what package and options will suit you, then the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is the best luxury SUV you can own.