The Range Rover Velar has been given an upgrade to keep pace with current trends. But, the changes do not come standard across the range and are only applied on the Velar R-Dynamic variants. It is something to consider before you rush to get one.
Starting inside, the Velar’s most noticeable change is the new gear shifter that replaces the rotary knob that rises every time you turn the SUV on. The steering wheel is also new, with integrated smart buttons and a hands-on wheel detection feature.
The Velar’s Driver Assistance Systems is now hooked up to a 3D Surround Camera. This gives the driver a three-dimensional view around the Velar to make it easier negotiating terrains. The display shows the 3D perspective view plan from above and ClearSight Ground View.
Jaguar Land Rover’s all-new infotainment system, the Pivi Pro, makes its way into the Velar. Taking inspiration from the latest mobile devices, Pivi Pro allows drivers to customise the display information. It also allows two smartphones to connect, so there’s no need to swap connections. The Velar’s Meridian Sound System now has the Active Road Noise Cancellation (ARNC) feature. JLR says that the system works like “a pair of high-end noise cancellation headphones”.
Also making its way to the Velar in 2021 is the Electronic Air Suspension with an automatic access height. With this, the Velar’s height changes quickly to adapt to the terrain to keep all four wheels on the ground. Its size can be altered +/-50mm by using the touchscreen, key fob or control buttons in the loadspace area. This makes loading heavy objects easier. The air suspension can also drop down by 10mm to improve aerodynamic drag when cruising above 105kph.
Another piece of helpful tech is Velar’s Wade Sensing. Using ultrasonic sensors on the side mirrors, the system alerts the driver when the water level reaches the vehicle’s maximum wading depth.
No changes to the powertrain. The 2.0-litre engine produces 249PS and 365Nm, and it is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Power goes to all four wheels enhances with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.
The 2021 Range Rover Velar 2.0L R-Dynamic is priced at RM612,207.74, inclusive of the sales tax waiver. This isn’t too bad, considering you’ll be driving an SUV that successfully makes you feel underdressed all the time.
We’ve driven the pre-updated Velar; our thoughts here.