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2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Review

Rob Fraser
2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE front

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Overview

Range Rover Velar, designed from a clean sheet, was launched in 2017 and has immediately become a segment leader with its beautiful design and driving dynamics.

Designed to slide between the Range Rover Sport and the urban sensation Evoque, the Velar introduces advanced technologies, a new design philosophy and styling innovation combined with maintaining the heritage of the brand.

There are a number of variants and engine combinations available. Here we road test the P250 SE model.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Exterior

I hope the designers got a big bonus because the Velar design is simply beautiful.

From every angle the Velar maintains a simple elegance matched by few vehicles. While I was never a fan of the squat Evoque design (I know I am amongst the very few that didn’t like it), the Velar is captivating.

The proportions are almost perfect.

Displaying a smooth rounded bonnet and grill contrasted with a sharp silhouette through to the accentuated curve of the rear, everywhere you look the design is sleek, emphasised by super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights and flush deployable door handles

It looks both well-groomed yet muscular and the 21 inch optional alloys facilitate the dual function of filling the wheel arch space and to accentuate the long wheelbase and proportions.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Interior

Look inside Velar’s interior and you will see elegant simplicity, sophistication and refinement. Like the exterior design, the interior is exquisite.

Front electric leather seats are firm and comfortable, yet the squab sits a little high. There is plenty of seat slide for taller drivers, at the expense of rear seat passengers’ leg room.

The suede covered steering wheel (jury is out on the benefit and feel of this) is electronically adjustable for height and reach and has the usual controls on there. The touch control for the MFD sometimes is a little slow to react to touch. Behind are paddle shifts and regular readers know of my dislike of these?

The dash has two clear dials on the outside and a configurable MFD in-between. The ergonomics are spot on for the driver. I love the dial transmission selector, didn’t at first but really do now, however I recently tested a RAM 1500 and it had a similar design but on the dash, which allowed more centre console space.

The centre stack debuts the state-of-the-art Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens for unrivalled functionality and intuitive operation.

I’m not usually a fan of these type of systems, however the Velar system is exceptionally intuitive to use, highly visible and has excellent graphics. I quickly became a fan. The screens also add to the minimalist design

The centre console bin has a two lid arrangement, is a reasonable sixe and houses a 12v plug as well as USB ports. In front there is a covered cup holder as well as an open one and a small bin where you can squeeze your phone in. There could be more centre console storage for small items, but there is a small section behind the lower screen.

Other than that there are convenient storage spots everywhere, including a chilled glove box, door holders, rear cup holders, hanging hooks and grab handles for easy entry exit. Well thought out and placed.

One thing that is pleasing is that visibility, especially through the ‘A’ pillars is better than most other similar vehicles. In fact the overall visibility with the 360 camera system is close to class leading.

Overhead is a large screened roof that doesn’t impede on head room at all and adds to the feeling of space.

The rear seats are sculptured more for two adults and a child. Sitting in them I noticed there was more than enough head and shoulder room and with a normal sized adult in front, I had adequate knee and leg room.

There are AC controls for the four zone AC as well as a couple of smart front seat back pockets, cup holders in a fold down arm rest and a couple of 12V outlets but no USB ports.

The boot is quite large and can accommodate enough luggage for a family trip. The tailgate opens high enough for my 190cm frame to stand comfortably under. Boot volume ranges from 673L to 1731L and has handy hooks for hanging shopping etc. Rear seats fold almost flat in a 60/40 configuration to allow a huge and practical storage area.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Features

Stating the features of the Velar is a perplexing task. Because there are simply so many options and combinations. The list is as long as my leg and often extremely expensive. It is easy to consume $10-$20,000 in options over the purchase price on things that make sense but are expensive.

Some highlight features and options include:-

Options added to this vehicle include:-

 2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Engine and Drivetrain

The Range Rover Velar P250 SE is powered by a 4 Cylinder Si4 petrol engine that produces 184kW @ 5500 rpm of power and a reasonable 365Nm @ 1,500 rpm of torque.

This runs through a smooth and responsive ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox that seemingly is well mated to the engine characteristics. This is a good combination.

Fuel use is minimal, even with a heavy right foot and we got around town about 8.5L/100K on the freeway and around 11.0L/100K around town.

Velar features an efficient, torque on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which provides the optimum torque distribution to suit the conditions, whether dynamic driving on tarmac roads or pulling away on polished ice.

The system is built around a single-speed transfer case featuring a multi-plate wet clutch and a chain drive to the front axle.

Land Rover’s stunning Terrain Response system allows the driver to adjust vehicle settings to suit prevailing surface conditions, with a choice of Eco, Comfort, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, and – on R-Dynamic models or optional on other models– Dynamic mode. Each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, suspension, and stability control systems for optimum traction and composure.

The even more advanced Terrain Response 2, standard on First Edition models and available as an option on all others, also has an automatic setting to make it even simpler for drivers to fully exploit the vehicle’s capability because it automatically selects the best Terrain Response mode for any given surface.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE What is it Like to Drive and AWD capability

Most of my time in the Velar was spent around town and on the freeway, with a modicum of dirt road thrown in. This was probably perfectly representative of potential buyer’s habits.

The P250 engine was ok. I don’t mean that in any derogatory way, it performed everything asked of it without excelling. It is not a sports engine, more a cruiser. If you are after a sports version, choose the P380.

Having said that I never found the P250 wanting or shirking what was asked of it. Steering response was direct.

The chassis dynamics far exceed the engines capacity and selecting the different dynamic options meant that you were extracting the most from the engine.

The true essence of the P250 Velar is that you almost forget you are driving it as it does everything so easily and without fuss. I found myself really enjoying the drive, which was more comfortable than engaging. It just felt relaxing.

It’s quiet, smooth on the road and with the sublime suspension soaking up almost all road irregularities, comfortable and really enjoyable. The engine, transmission combination as mentioned works well together.

It was cold on a couple of days and torrential rain, so the heated seats were pleasantly received. However I would also have appreciated the ability to cool them on hot days.

One thing that was slightly annoying was the need to hold down the recycle button for the A/C to maintain recycling. I had to do this every time I started the engine. My A/C runs 24/7/365 on recycle.

I did manage to do a bit of dirt road driving. Land Rover sorts their suspension better than most for this type of driving. It was simply unfazed by whatever I threw at it. Corrugations and mid corner bumps were dismissed with contempt. And this is on 45 series road tyres. The lightweight body feels tight.

Time prevented me from taking the Velar off road or on the sand this time, or tow anything and to be honest I just can’t see many vehicles doing anything like this. The 2400kg tow rating isn’t too bad, but the 175Kg tow ball rating will limit the practicality.

When tackling particularly challenging terrain, All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) can be programmed to autonomously maintain a suitable crawl speed chosen by the driver. The clever technology allows the driver to concentrate solely on steering the vehicle as they negotiate obstacles, without the distraction of operating the throttle or brake pedals, and can also be used from a standstill to help when pulling away on slippery surfaces.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Dimensions

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Safety

As you would expect the Range Rover Velar has a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating. It’s full of features which include:-

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Fit for Purpose

The Velar is a mid-sized AWD SUV designed for those buyers that want style, luxury and sophisticated dynamics in a prestige vehicle. It give the promise of adventure, more than any other prestige AWD SUV, along with dynamic ride and handling.

As an urban prestige SUV it fits the criteria perfectly.

It will transport 4 passengers in relative comfort and has boot space for an abundance of luggage.

It sits between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. More urban based than the Sport and more practical than the Evoque.

2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE Summary

Range Rover has managed to introduce yet another AWD SUV into the market and challenged for segment leader all in one go.

As I mentioned the Velar is a simply beautiful design.

Here is a prestige AWD SUV that is more capable off road than probably a few 4WD vehicles, yet exudes a grace and charm that few vehicles possess. It is more at home at the Opera or Ski fields and to be honest will be unlikely to even see a dirt road in its life. Yet the promise of real adventure remains.

The Velar is one of those cars that the more you drive it the more it feels like a really comfortable pair of jeans. Put them on and everything just feels right.

There is an awful lot to like about the Velar. It does have, like all vehicles, some weak points, but overall it has so many positive qualities that it absolutely needs to be on the shopping list.

What’s Good:

 What’s Not So Good:

Also look at:

Model: 2019 Range Rover Velar P250 SE

*Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP.

Overall Rating     82/100

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