The Range Rover lineup can be a bit mystifying to the average layperson. At the top is the flagship Range Rover, the main character of the brand with all the luxurious trimmings that can rival even the most expensive limousines out there.

Then just below that is the Range Rover Sport, which, as the name implies, is a sportier version of the full fat Range Rover. At the lower end, you have the entry-level Range Rover Evoque, which is a smaller and trendier car that targets younger buyers.

Somewhere in between though is the Range Rover Velar, which is kind of a mid-range model that's positioned oddly within the lineup. It has now received a very minor update, but is it enough to help it stand out from the pack?

What is the Range Rover Velar?

Based on its dimensions and price positioning, the Velar sits between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport in the brand's lineup.

It's a rather unique product though, in that it doesn't seem to have a straightforward direct competitor in the market. To use BMW's numbered lineup as a comparison, the Evoque goes up against the smaller-sized BMW X3, while the larger Range Rover and Range Rover Sport fights against the higher-end X5 and X6 models respectively.

While logic would thus dictate that the Range Rover Velar would compete with the BMW X4, it's not such a straightforward case here, as the Velar is a significantly larger car. It does truly defy classification, but maybe one can think of it as a bigger and more luxurious version of the Evoque.

The Range Rover Velar was first launched in 2017, and it received a mid-life facelift in late 2023. When that facelifted model was introduced to Singapore in 2024, it received a road tax-friendly 2.0-litre engine with 250hp and 365Nm of torque, perhaps with a view to broaden its appeal among buyers here.

One year on, however, and that engine has been replaced by a 3.0-litre inline six engine with 400hp and 550Nm of torque. Again, it's a move that seemingly defies logic, as a larger engine would usually be more expensive. But it turns out that it was somewhat enforced on the brand, as tightening emissions standards meant that the 2.0-litre engine was no longer a viable option.

What's new on the Range Rover Velar?

Other than the new engine, the car is essentially the same as the facelifted version from 2024.

With the bigger engine, the brand's local dealer, Wearnes Automotive, has also moved to consolidate the car's standard equipment. There's only one trim level available now, the S, which comes with a whole host of features previously only offered on the top-spec Dynamic HSE variant.

These include air suspension, 22-inch wheels, a 3D surround camera and a Meridian premium sound system.

The facelift last year brought fairly substantial changes though, such as a slightly revised grille and new LED headlights on the outside. The interior also received a major redesign, with a new minimalist look which replaced the previous dual-screen setup with a single 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

As a result, you get a very clean-looking dashboard, with few physical controls, and a new gear selector in place of the previous rotary knob. It does feel a bit odd and needs some getting used to, but the brand is simply following the trend of minimalism in modern interior design now.

How does the Range Rover Velar drive?

Having not driven the 2.0-litre version, it's hard for me to personally make a comparison. But objectively speaking, 400hp is a fairly substantial output from the new 3.0-litre engine, so the latest Velar is certainly no slouch while on the move.

One of the key characteristics of a straight-six engine though is smoothness, and the new Range Rover Velar certainly lives up to that standard. It picks up speed in a very linear and effective fashion, and it even makes a nice, though slightly muted, noise while you're at it.

The standard air suspension also gives the Range Rover Velar a plush ride quality to go along with its effortless power, and while the car is probably not the most agile to push around corners, it maintains its balance pretty well for such a large SUV.

Is the new Range Rover Velar worth buying?

Well, it's certainly not cheap, for starters. Tested in this form, the Range Rover Velar 3.0 S is priced at $316,888 without COE. Tack on a 100 grand COE and you're looking at well over $400,000 to put this car on the road.

That said, the Velar does have plenty to offer. The new 3.0-litre engine especially is quite a sweet unit, and it probably feels more suited to a car of its size, even accounting for the fact that it comes as a result of stricter emissions regulations and also costs more to tax and run.

It's not really something that makes much logical sense to the everyman, but the Velar has never been about fitting in with the masses anyway. It's a car that attracts those who want something different and unique, and viewed in that light, the latest version is very much in keeping with its character and personality.

ben.chia@asiaone.com

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