Words and Exterior Photos by Atif Kazmi for Por Homme
Paris played host to this year’s Rugby World Cup with England making a tremendous rally that had them competing and going home with a medal. But they weren’t the only Brits in town as Paris also welcomed its country’s first Range Rover House. The intimate showcase creates a white glove experiences in places that are of interest to clients. The first was at Pebble Beach last year and since then, the luxury brand’s launched seventeen Range Rover House experiences globally. With so much excitement in the city known for its love for luxury, design, and art, coming here to test drive the refreshed 2024 Range Rover Velar just made good sense.
Range Rover Velar’s Influence on Brand’s Design Philosophy
Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America, mentioned to us in Paris that, “Range Rover is about setting the direction for life’s leaders, clients that expect the best and take leadership positions at whatever field they’re in. As a result, it is about design, it is about sophistication, and the epitome of luxury.” Much of what we love about the current Range Rover brand we experienced first with the Range Rover Velar when it was introduced in 2017. Eberhardt touched on this, mentioning that, “Velar really started that new design philosophy which is very much focused on minimalistic, reductive design. It’s really difficult to get to a point where you’re not asking anymore where you can add a line if there’s no line left to be taken away. That’s what Velar started. Whether it’s the flushed door handles, the flushed glazing, whether it’s the expressive front end. And you see that in the new Range Rover, you see it in the Range Rover Sport. In a way, it set the design philosophy for the Range Rover brand.”
2024 Range Rover Velar’s Exterior Design
The 2024 Range Rover Velar continues on this journey. Its distinctive design and luxurious features continue to shine while combining elegance and advanced technology with a driving experience that’s both sophisticated and refined.
The 2024 Range Rover Velar boasts a tailored exterior design that perfectly complements its compact shape. Its not as tall as a Range Rover Sport but it packs a punch when it comes to detail. The recent styling refresh introduces a new grille design, updated lighting elements, a reworked rear bumper, and darker exterior trim pieces. These enhancements contribute to the SUV’s presence on the road. Range Rover’s liking Velar’s formula so if it’s not broken, chances are it wasn’t fixed in this refresh. Highlights we’ve loved over the years include the Velar’s characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline, and flush deployable door handles. The vehicle’s distinctive headlights, with a jewel-like appearance and optimized visibility, add a touch of technical sophistication. With the new lower rear bumper and dark accents, the Velar maintains its muscular stance, making it instantly recognizable as a Range Rover.
Interior Images courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
Interior Design of Velar Leads with Cleaner Lines and Materials
Inside the Velar, the design philosophy follows a reductive approach, focusing on clean lines and bold forms. The centerpiece of the interior is the 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment display, seamlessly integrated into the center console. This intuitive interface allows for immediate control of key vehicle functions. The Velar pioneers a leather-free cabin option, featuring materials like Kvadrat wool blends and polyurethane textile. We spent some time with JLR’s design team, including Arvinder Singh Powar who focuses on Colour and Materials. He walked us through elements inspired by bespoke tailoring, with each material providing a modern aesthetic and enhanced tactility. The interior is further adorned with new leather colorways, including Cloud, Raven Blue, and Deep Garnet, complemented by Moonlight Chrome details. Configurable Cabin Lighting offers a choice of 30 interior colors, creating a personalized and inviting atmosphere.
2024 Range Rover Velar Driving Experience
The Velar offers a range of powertrains to suit various preferences. The base engine, the P250, is a 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, providing a genteel yet authoritative performance. For those seeking more power, the P400 model features a 395-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild-hybrid technology. The latter delivers robust acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The Velar’s handling is characterized by a well-managed ride, with models equipped with air suspension capable of adjusting their ride height for dynamic moves on-road or enhanced off-road dexterity. As we ventured out of Paris and coasted through the French countryside, we experienced the Velar’s pleasantries. It’s not the fastest SUV in its class but it doesn’t need to be. The quiet cabin, complemented by an active noise cancellation system, contributes to a serene and comfortable driving environment. The Range Rover Velar excels in providing a balanced and confident driving experience, catering to those who value both luxury and capability.
2024 Range Rover Velar Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Range Rover Velar is available in different trims, including P250 S, P250 Dynamic SE, P400 Dynamic SE, and P400 Dynamic HSE. Pricing starts at $61,500 for the base Velar P250 S and goes up to $84,795 for the top-of-the-line Velar P400 Dynamic HSE. For those considering additional features, the P250 Dynamic SE trim is recommended, featuring 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a Meridian premium stereo system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional packages, such as the Dynamic Handling package, further enhance the driving experience with features like an adjustable suspension system and All Terrain Progress Control.
The 2024 Range Rover Velar continues to be an impressive package for customers looking to enter into a luxury SUV. Its refinements captivate and continue to make the Velar a perfect blend of form meets function. See more of it in the gallery and visit the Land Rover website for more information.
