A New Model with a Striking Design

The Range Rover "Velar" was unveiled in London on March 1, 2017. This new generation is the fourth Range Rover model. Its most distinctive feature is its smooth styling.

A hallmark of British Range Rovers has been their pioneering of new segments within the SUV market. This is evident in theEvoque" and, indeed, the Velar.

The Velar will join the lineup as a model positioned between the "Range Rover Sport" and the "Range Rover Evoque."

The Velar's press event for journalists was held with almost no prior image release. The name "Velar," derived from the Latin word for "to conceal," was reportedly the nickname for the first Range Rover prototypes created in the 1960s.

According to documentation, the original Range Rover also surprised onlookers with its innovative style when it was unveiled in 1970.

In that sense, the Velar has a right to be a member of the Range Rover family. It is particularly close to the Evoque in terms of its innovative design.

Its platform is shared exclusively within the Range Rover family with Jaguar'sF-Pace. Engines include a 2-liter 4-cylinder and a 3-liter 6-cylinder, available in gasoline and diesel variants. This is combined with an AWD system (similar to the F-Pace).

"If I had to express the design theme of this car in one word, it would be reductionism," stated Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer, at the press event.

The styling is, as the concept suggests, remarkably clean. It is novel in its near absence of protrusions, composed of beautiful, porcelain-like curves and simple lines.

The interior is similarly innovative.

An Interior of Meticulous Detail

The Range Rover Velar "adopts a new approach to luxury," according to the press materials provided by Land Rover.

Its styling is the antithesis of the bulky or rugged. That is what is new. While the Jaguar F-Type was somewhat influenced by Jaguar's sedan and coupe images, the Velar presents an entirely new look.

Despite its not-insignificant length of 4.8 meters, its balanced proportions give it an almost compact impression.

The door handles are flush with the body panels, a sophisticated touch. They even present themselves with a switch press, likely to enhance the owner's pride.

Another feature that would surely delight owners is the interior. In the Velar, switches are almost entirely absent.

The center dash panel features a deep black finish reminiscent of a high-end audio amplifier, with only two large and two small cylindrical dials arranged there.

However, upon touch, the monitor springs to life as if imbued with sentience. Touch controls are used to operate vehicle settings, climate control, and infotainment.

Even the controls for the driver assistance systems on the left and right spokes of the steering wheel are seamlessly integrated, activating when your thumb touches the area.

The seats are also exceptionally well-crafted. They are upholstered in a wool-blend material co-developed with the premium textile manufacturer Kvadrat.

"We have succeeded in developing a premium fabric comparable to leather," stated Amy Frascella, Chief Designer for Interiors, proudly at the press conference.

Sales in Europe are set to begin in early autumn 2017. Its debut in Japan will likely be at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, with sales planned for 2018.

In its home market, it will be offered with gasoline engines: a 2-liter 4-cylinder producing 250ps and a 3-liter V6 producing 380ps. Additionally, there will be diesel engines: a 2-liter 4-cylinder in 180ps and 240ps variants, and a 3-liter V6 producing 300ps.

Jaguar Land Rover Japan indicates that the V6 will be introduced first in Japan, followed by the 4-cylinder models. Diesel variants are also planned for introduction. Pricing is expected to start in the 6 million yen range.