When one thinks of Land Rover’s Range Rover line-up, most think of the line-topping Range Rover SUV, despite the presence of the Range Rover Sport, Ranger Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque.
Yet of all of them, it’s the Range Rover Velar that’s not only the most popular Range Rover model, it’s the most popular Land Rover model and with good reason. No other SUV model so perfectly oozes wealth and sophistication in such a perfectly sized package.
And for the 2024 model year, the Velar is getting a makeover for the first time since its introduction for the 2018 model year.
Styling revisions
As you might presume, the 2024 Range Rover doesn’t get wholesale changes; this is a midcycle refresh.
But never fear; its popularity ensures that exterior changes are minimal. So its sumptuous surfaces and soft yet stout stance remain intact. Its design approach having paved the way for the Range Rovers that followed, pioneering a wardrobe that was no longer the result of what the vehicles did. Instead, they reflect Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern’s reductionist design approach, one that remains undiminished with 2024’s updates.
They start with what you’d expect: an updated grille, new lighting front and rear along with a revised front fascia. The bigger change comes once you open the door and climb inside.
A notable tech update
The Range Rover Velar always possessed an interior that was at once sumptuous and stark, like a modern, opulent luxury hotel. Yet the Velar’s functions were spread across two touchscreens.
That changes for 2024, as the new model gets a single 11.4-inch floating curved glass touchscreen that uses latest version of the Range Rover Pivi Pro infotainment system software used elsewhere by Jaguar Land Rover. Thoughtfully, the climate controls are always shown on the sides of the screen, as are those for the Meridian sound system volume and Terrain Response driving modes.
Another helpful feature is the Pre-Drive screen, which provides access to items you want to actuate before driving, such as window defrosters and the optional heated seats. Better yet, Spotify and Amazon Alexa are embedded into the new software, a meaningful convenience.
Land Rover says that 80% of Pviv Pro’s tasks can be performed within two taps of the home screen. Certainly, the new system is easy to use, and ease the essence of luxury. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also standard, as is a new wireless charger in the center console. Best of all, the system can receive over-the-air updates, so your Velar’s tech package is always up-to-date.
It’s augmented by a new trim materials, including three new leather choices. To those who prefer their Velar’s cabin to be leather-free, the Velar can be fitted in a Kvadrat wool blend with Ultrafabrics polyurethane inserts finished with a diamond herringbone perforation. Land Rover says the textile is durable, having undergone UV light testing and the equivalent of 10 years’ worth of abrasion testing.
What’s under the hood
The 2024 Range Rover Velar is offered in two models, the P250, powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine that provides 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, or the P400, with a 3.0-liter inline Ingenium 6-cylinder mild hybrid with 395 hp. and 405 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on both models.
The P400 also comes with a configurable electronic adaptive air suspension that includes a calibration for off-roading.
The 2024 Range Rover Velar is available for ordering, with prices starting at $61,500 for the P250 S, $63,600 for the P250 Dynamic SE, $70,600 for the P400 Dynamic SE, and $84,795 for the P400 Dynamic HSE. Prices do not include a $1,275 destination charge, optional equipment, tax, title, license and retailer fees.
Given its sales figures, the updates should only enhance the 2024 Range Rover Velar’s status as both the most popular Range Rover and most popular Land Rover. Just don’t hate it because it’s beautiful.