Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a mid-sized luxury SUV under Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) Land Rover brand. Making its global debut in 2017, the model is slotted between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. The name "Velar" traces back to the 1969 Range Rover prototype code name, meaning "veil" or "to conceal." The Chinese-market version is fully imported (CBU) and distributed by Jaguar Land Rover China, with the 2026 model year facelift currently on sale.

Model Overview

Positioned as a mid-sized luxury SUV, the Velar takes minimalist design aesthetics and all-terrain capability as its core selling propositions, earning the moniker of the "most beautiful Land Rover." The 2026 Velar line-up comprises 4 variants, with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM568,000 to RM788,000. The variant line-up and pricing are as follows: 250PS S at RM568,000, 250PS Dynamic SE at RM638,000, 250PS AB (Autobiography) at RM688,000, and 400PS AB (Autobiography) at RM788,000. Additionally, the brand introduced a limited-time promotional campaign that brought entry prices down to the RM378,000 to RM518,000 bracket for select variants. Built as a five-seater, the vehicle measures 4,811 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,684 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,874 mm.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Velar embodies the pinnacle of the Range Rover family's minimalist design ethos. The signature floating roof, clamshell bonnet, and flush deployable door handles collectively create a highly distinctive silhouette. Three definitive Range Rover character lines—the rising beltline, elegant shoulder line, and tapering roofline—run along the bodyside, while short front overhangs and a long rear overhang deliver a sleek, dynamic stance reminiscent of a luxury yacht. The 2026 model introduces two premium exterior colours: "Batumi Gold" from the flagship Range Rover and "Giola Green" from the Range Rover Sport. The 250PS Dynamic SE and higher trims further feature Graphite Atlas exterior accents for a deeper, more aggressive aesthetic. Wheel choices range across four sizes from 19 to 22 inches. Premium LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA) are standard across the range.

Inside, the Velar’s cabin is anchored around clean, reductionist styling, dominated by a floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen. Physical switchgear on the centre console has been drastically reduced, retaining only an elegant electronic gear selector. The 2026 update sees a comprehensive uplift in cabin materials—Windsor leather upholstery now extends to the upper door casings and centre console fascia; the 250PS AB variant takes this further with full leather coverage across the centre armrest, console sides, and steering wheel, complemented by a suedecloth headlining. For eco-conscious buyers, non-leather sustainable textile options co-developed with Danish textile specialist Kvadrat remain available. Premium cabin ambient lighting and a Cabin Air Purification Plus system are also fitted.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2026 Velar is available with two engine choices. The 250PS variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine (PT204), putting out 184 kW (250 PS) and 365 Nm of torque. The 400PS model gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged and electric-supercharged inline-six petrol engine (PT306) paired with a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, delivering 294 kW (400 PS) and 550 Nm of torque. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. On the performance front, the 400PS completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds. Combined fuel consumption under the WLTC cycle is rated at around 9.54 L/100 km for the 250PS and 9.6 L/100 km for the 400PS. RON 95 petrol is required across the board.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by Land Rover's lightweight aluminium-intensive architecture, the Velar features a flat underfloor and aluminium suspension links at both axles, significantly cutting unsprung weight for sharper handling and ride comfort. Suspension hardware comprises a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup. The 250PS AB and 400PS AB trims are equipped with Electronic Air Suspension offering a 40 mm height adjustment range; the 400PS AB further benefits from dual-chamber air suspension to refine ride dynamics and body control.

For the driveline, the Velar features a standard permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system utilising a multi-plate clutch centre differential. Off-road capabilities are bolstered on the 250PS AB and above with Terrain Response® 2. It boasts up to 251 mm of ground clearance, a 24° approach angle, a 26° departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 650 mm. Standard off-road aids also include Hill Descent Control (HDC), All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Cabin & Equipment

On the tech front, all Velar variants come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.4-inch floating central touchscreen. Running the InControl OS 2.0 infotainment system, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife smartphone integration.

Standard comfort amenities across the range include a sliding panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-start, a wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air-con vents. The 250PS AB and higher grades add Windsor leather upholstery with 20-way power-adjustable front seats complete with heating, ventilation, massage, and memory settings. Audio duties in the 250PS Dynamic SE and above are handled by a premium Meridian™ Surround Sound System. Luggage capacity stands at 568 litres for 250PS models (552 litres for the 400PS), expandable to between 2,550 and 2,670 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Velar offers a comprehensive active safety and driver assistance package on par with segment benchmarks, featuring an L2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Key features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Driver Condition Monitor. For ease of manoeuvring, a 3D Surround Camera System, Park Assist, and front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard across all variants. Passive safety is anchored by 6 airbags (including a driver's knee airbag). Additional active features include Wade Sensing, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Trailer Stability Assist.

Market Performance & Summary

Since its launch in 2017, the Range Rover Velar has gained global acclaim for its avant-garde styling, frequently cited as one of the best-looking SUVs in the world. In China, the Velar recorded sales of 1,390 units in May 2026. Nevertheless, the model has faced market headwinds—despite strong initial reception driven by its aesthetics, long-term sales momentum softened amidst past reliability concerns and intense competition from rising new energy vehicles (NEVs). Consequently, dealerships have offered hefty discounts, with street prices dropping to as low as the RM360,000 mark.

Motoring media observations highlight that the Velar’s main strengths lie in its superior off-road clearance figures and generous deployment of premium cabin materials. Its aluminium chassis architecture, dedicated off-road hardware, and wellness-oriented cabin give it a distinctive edge. However, its brand premium and resale value remain trailing behind established German rivals like the Porsche Macan; meanwhile, when stacked against high-tech domestic NEV offerings like the AITO M9, it faces an uphill battle in in-car smart features and running costs. Historical consumer perceptions regarding Land Rover's electronic system reliability also remain a point of hesitation. As a yearly model update, the 2026 Velar hones its positioning as a style-conscious luxury SUV through detail refinements; yet against the backdrop of an aggressive smart cockpit race, its relatively conservative infotainment evolution may temper its appeal among tech-driven buyers.