Source: Motorpress /Land Rover South Africa
Velar: The new Range Rover Velar features pioneering new technology and hybrid electrification, continuing Range Rover’s 50-year history of innovation Electric: The Plug-In Hybrid Range Rover Velar ‘P400e’ offers customers impressive all-electric range of 53km* and CO2 emissions of 49g/km* for more efficient
All-Terrain: Range Rover’s unrivalled all-wheel drive capability on every terrain, with new in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines with air suspension as standard.
Refined: The interior is a calm sanctuary, with new Pivi infotainment, Active Road Noise Cancellation** for quieter and more serene journeys, and new Cabin Air Filtration for healthier, cleaner air inside
Pretoria, 23 September 2020 – The Range Rover Velar is now even more desirable, sustainable and intelligent with the introduction of an electric plug-in hybrid option, advanced new infotainment technology and elegant new design features.
The mid-size luxury SUV, which sits between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the family line-up, offers customers the perfect balance of design and technology – now with electric power. The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder P400e plug-in hybrid offers a smooth and refined drive, producing a combined 297kW and 640Nm of torque from its 221kW petrol engine and 76kW electric motor, with an impressive 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. A 17.1Wh lithium-ion battery, located under the boot floor, can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes†† using a fast DC charge point, or 1 hour 40 minutes using a standard 7kW wallbox.
With zero tailpipe emissions in electric mode, an impressive real-world all-electric range of 53km*, fuel economy as low as 2.2 litres/100km* and CO2 emissions from just 49g/km*, the Range Rover Velar is now even more sustainable by design.
A new family of 3.0-litre straight-six Ingenium engines is also introduced to the Range Rover Velar for the first time. The latest generation of petrol and diesel straight-six engines, developed in-house, will be available in South Africa as P340 petrol and D300 diesel all-wheel drive variants, each fitted with air suspension as standard for signature Range Rover comfort.
The new P340 straight-six engine generates 250kW 480Nm torque and features a twin scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL), for refined performance. The D300 diesel delivers 221kW and 650Nm torque, while offering 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds and fuel economy as low as 7.4litres/100km.
Additionally, a next generation four-cylinder Ingenium D200 with 147kW is introduced on the Range Rover Velar, offering more power than the 132kW engine it replaces.
Velar features a reductive design, emphasised with beautifully integrated digital screens that are now fitted with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi and Pivi Pro. The intelligent and intuitive system, offered as Pivi ProΔfrom an S-specification pack, transforms the digital experience inside Velar.
Pivi is designed around ease of use, with a simple interface reducing the number of interactions to enhance safety. Crisp new graphics and super-fast responsiveness are enabled with a new electrical architecture under the surface, ensuring the screens and navigation system are ready to go in seconds, thanks also to a dedicated power source.
Customers can access software updates ‘over-the-air’ reducing the need to visit a retailer. An embedded data connection means customers have access to the latest maps, apps and vehicle software modules with updates scheduled via the touchscreen at a time to suit them. Streaming music and media has never been simpler with Bluetooth connectivity for two phones at once available for the first time.
The experience inside the Range Rover Velar is now an even calmer sanctuary with the addition of Active Road Noise Cancellation**. The intelligent technology works like a pair of high-end noise cancellation headphones, constantly monitoring vibrations from the road surface and calculating the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by the occupants.
The effect is subtle, but the minimum reduction of 4 decibels ensures an even more refined and calming interior space. The system is even able to adjust the level and position of sounds played into the cabin based on the number of passengers and their position inside the vehicle by using the seatbelt sensors. This advanced system delivers a more serene experience inside Velar, even reducing driver tiredness, which can be brought about by extended exposure to low-frequency sound on long journeys.
A new Cabin Air Filtration system enhances the relaxing and clean sanctuary inside Velar, reducing levels of harmful particulates, pollen and even odours. The new system – introduced in addition to the existing Cabin Air Ionisation feature – filters out fine particulate matter, allergens, pollen and even strong smells. Activated via a ‘Purify’ button in the lower touchscreen, it is capable of filtering ultrafine particulates (up to and even below PM2.5). Drivers and passengers can be assured the air they breathe inside the Range Rover Velar is cleaner than the air outside.
Also available is the new second-generation wearable Activity Key, which can totally replace the traditional key fob when necessary. The water-resistant and shock-proof wrist device now incorporates an LCD watch and allows customers to start, stop, lock and unlock the vehicle, with no need to take a traditional key fob out with them.
Additional new design features introduced on Velar include a new steering wheel design which has integrated smart buttons ready to receive the latest ADAS software updates over-the-air. A tactile new Drive Selector also replaces the rotary gear selector.
The ‘Range Rover Velar Edition’ provides even more customer choice and features a combination of exterior and interior upgrades. Based on the R-Dynamic SE specification, enhancements include a black contrast roof and matching 20-inch black alloy wheels, for sophisticated presence. The distinctive new special edition model is available exclusively in Lantau Bronze metallic paint, as well as the new Hakuba Silver, Santorini Black or Eiger Grey.
The New Range Rover Velar will be introduced in South Africa in the first half of next year with pricing to be made available closer to the time.
*All emissions, fuel economy and EV-only range figures are EU–WLTP (TEL) Combined
** Standard on vehicles fitted with Meridian sound systems
†† Charge time possible with 50kW & 100kW DC Rapid charger (actual charge into the vehicle will be limited to 32kW). Actual charge times may vary according to environmental conditions and available charging installation
Δ Pivi Pro available as standard on S, SE and HSE models