2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Review

Selling price In the Vietnamese market, Range Rover Velar is imported completely from England and distributed with 4 main versions:

Version	Selling price (billion VND)
Velar	4,339
Velar 2.0 R-Dynamic S	4,709
Velar 2.0 R-Dynamic SE	5,190
Velar 3.0 R-Dynamic SE	6,290

With this price, the main competitors of Velar will be BMW X5/X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE/GLE Coupe and Lexus RX. These are all famous luxury car lines, which have affirmed their names not only in Vietnam but also globally. Exterior When launched, Land Rover called Velar "The avant-garde Range Rover" - the pioneering Range Rover. Indeed, the design of Velar is the premise, playing a role in shaping the common DNA of the entire SUV line-up of the British brand. The Velar is not as small as the Evoque, nor as large and massive as the Sport. As a result, many experts consider the Velar to be the most suitable model for Land Rover designers to express their ideas. The familiar square and masculine shape of the Range Rover product line is still the main element in the Velar's design. However, the overall impression of the car now has a smoother, less cut and somewhat more elegant impression.

The 2023 Range Rover Velar has overall dimensions (length x width x height) of 4,803 x 1,930 x 1,665 (mm), a wheelbase of 2,784 mm and a wading depth of 650 (mm). To put it simply, this water level is enough to obscure the license plate and almost reach the lower edge of the car's grille.

The Velar model in this article is equipped with an optional Electronic Air Suspension system that can raise the ground clearance to a maximum of 251 (mm) and a minimum of 213 (mm) when using the chassis lift mode. However, from the 2023 generation, this system has been refined by Land Rover to ensure stability, significantly reducing the floating feeling of the previous generation but still retaining comfort. During the Saigon - Vung Tau journey of the evaluation team, Velar felt comfortable and smooth throughout the journey but did not cause a feeling of motion sickness or fatigue, or swaying. At the front, the inverted trapezoidal grille with the characteristic chain-link graphics of the Range Rover line is still retained on the Velar. Symmetrically placed on both sides are the headlights with L-shaped LED graphics. This continues to be a detail belonging to the brand's DNA. On the Velar, this cluster of lights is a high-end Matrix Laser LED, providing a range of up to 550m. This is a very impressive parameter compared to the average range of about 200 - 300m on standard LED systems. However, according to information from Land Rover, the maximum range is only activated at speeds above 80km/h and when no lights from other vehicles are detected on the road.

A highlight detail for the 2023 Velar is the two large air intakes with 2 bars creating the image of a pair of sharp claws. Land Rover also deliberately arranged these two air intakes low, leaving a large gap with the lighting section right above. This helps create an elegant, seamless and "clean" impression for the front of the car, especially when viewed from a 3/4 angle.

On the body, the black painted pillars are also a characteristic feature on Land Rover models. This detail makes the hood look like it is floating extremely unique, especially when customers choose bright exterior colors.

The retractable door handles and electric side steps are details that clearly show the technology and luxury of the Velar. When customers open the car door, the height will automatically be lowered by 40 mm, making it easier to get in/out of the car. The hidden design above not only contributes to the aesthetic factor (maintaining the overall smoothness), but also contributes to increasing the aerodynamics of the Velar when moving at high speed. Wheel design is also an important factor to complete the aesthetic value of a luxury car. Range Rover Velar offers customers many wheel options with sizes up to 22” and sporty 2-tone finishes.

Moving to the rear, the rear of the car is designed with square lines that are very typical of the British car company. The LED taillights have a "U" shape and are connected by a glossy black cover for a seamless, sophisticated look. At the same time, it helps the Velar 2023 to be wider than it actually is when viewed from behind. Interior Stepping into the cabin, users will be greeted by an interior lighting system with up to 10 options. Next are dozens of modern features that are enough to satisfy technology enthusiasts. With a wheelbase of 2,874 mm, the cabin of the Velar 2023 is not only spacious but also airy thanks to the Panorama sunroof option priced at up to 121 million VND.

Sitting in the driver's seat, if you have ever seen the previous generation of Velar, you will notice two major changes in the 2023 generation. First, the steering wheel design is completely renewed, creating a more modern and premium impression. The typical retractable gear knob of Jaguar Land Rover is also replaced by an electronic gear lever with a traditional straight-line configuration. These are two highly appreciated changes on the 2023 Range Rover Velar, contributing to enhancing the modern and luxurious impression of the mid-size crossover.

Customers will be immediately attracted by the system of 2 vertical central screens that replace all mechanical buttons. Put your hands on the steering wheel, the buttons will automatically light up, bringing a technological and futuristic experience. Right behind the steering wheel is the speedometer cluster using a 12.3-inch LCD screen. Comes with 3 display modes: Dual Dial, Single Dial and Extended.

The cabin of the 2023 Velar still maintains the advantages of the previous generation with excellent soundproofing thanks to the use of noise-proof windshield and aerodynamic chassis design. Thanks to that, the driver always feels leisurely, quiet and comfortable when driving the Land Rover crossover.

The Velar's Sport Command Driving Position seat design is also an important factor, helping to connect the driver and the car. This seat is rated at a good level, ensuring comfort for the driver and the passenger sitting next to it when traveling long distances. The car in this review has front seats equipped with a position memory system, ventilation, 14-way adjustment and electric folding rear seats for 109 million VND.

In terms of visibility, Velar has not been highly appreciated by customers because of its thick A-pillar, which somewhat limits the driver's visibility, especially when entering crowded intersections.

In the back row, the attractive tail design has somewhat affected the overall space. The legroom in the back row is only reasonable and sufficient because if the seat is set too far back, passengers will easily rub their heads against the ceiling and lose some luggage space.

The Velar's luggage space has a capacity of 568L. This is partly due to the fact that the second row of seats is not too far back. This is an ideal capacity, ensuring that all 5 passengers of the car have space to store things for long trips . If more space is still needed, users can fold the rear seats in a 40:20:40 ratio. Operation & safety The Velar model in this article uses a Si4, 2.0L engine with a turbocharger system for 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, maximum torque of 365N/m from 1,200 to 4,500 rpm combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission for a maximum speed of 217 km/h, acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The vehicle is equipped with a full-time 4-wheel drive system with Intelligent Active Driveline (IDD), and applies familiar Land Rover offroad support technologies such as All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), Terrain Response 2, the 2nd generation Adaptive Terrain System and Active Rear Locking Differential. One unfortunate point about equipment is that in this new generation, due to the global semiconductor chip crisis, the new Velar models will no longer have the option of a 360-degree panoramic camera. In terms of operation, the Velar's steering wheel is adjusted to be comfortable but still brings a feeling of confidence and excitement when driving. In addition, as mentioned, the car's electronically controlled air suspension system has been refined by Land Rover, minimizing the floating and easy-to-sickness condition of the previous generation. Thanks to that, the car gives the impression of a more stable and solid operation but still retains the smooth and comfortable factor typical of "air suspension".

In addition, a special feature that often inherits the DNA of the Range Rover family is the ability to wade and off-road. According to the manufacturer, Velar can wade up to 650 mm - very suitable for road conditions in Vietnam. In addition, the off-road capability of Velar 2023 is also highly appreciated thanks to support systems such as:

• Active rear differential lock.
• The electronic air suspension can lower up to 40 mm, helping the vehicle adapt quickly to complex terrain.
• Terrain Response optimizes the engine, transmission, center differential and chassis when off-roading.

Overall assessment With many innovations in design, Velar has now become a pioneer model for the entire line-up, contributing to expanding the customer base, bringing Range Rover models to more ages and tastes, instead of just being limited by masculinity and angularity.

The car's amenities can easily please the most demanding customers, besides, a series of off-road support features are also an advantage of this model compared to its competitors (although few people want to take a luxury car worth more than 5 billion to "plow" in such extreme conditions). This is truly the perfect choice for customers who love British luxury cars, wanting to find a car larger than Evoque but cheaper than Rover Sport.

According to Otofun