THIS MONTH, OHLALA SPENT A DAY IN THE 2024 RANGE ROVER VELAR, AN EXCEPTIONAL VEHICLE OFFERING JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ONE COULD WANT FROM A PREMIUM SUV.
As connoisseurs of high-end motor vehicles, team OHLALA was delighted when offered the opportunity to test drive the new Range Rover Velar, compliments of the team at Euro Motors.
Not surprisingly, this recent offering from the famous British-born car manufacturer proved to be nothing less than sublime. Showcasing an inspiring new design, luxurious features, modern technology and trademark Range Rover refinement, few cars in the segment can hold a candle to this midsized luxury SUV.
EXTERIOR
The Range Rover Velar has pioneered the brand’s new reductive design philosophy, an approach that is evident in its updated form. It has not, however, taken away from the car’s impressive exterior makeup.
The first features to demand our attention were the freshly designed front grille with a gunmetal metallic finish, the newly introduced Pixel LED Headlights and the jewel-like effect of Signature Daytime Running Lights. This flawless combination ensures a unified and confident front end that announces the arrival of this luxury SUV in ultimate style. We found the satin burnished copper accents on the front air intakes to add a unique touch to the exclusive feel of the vehicle.
From side on, the smooth and sporty exterior design is further highlighted by the slightly sloping roofline, clean body lines, flush door handles and available 22-inch high-performance wheels.
At the rear, we admired how the powerful overhang provides balance while accentuating the Velar’s considerable length. The pronounced kick enhances the muscular stance of the SUV, with the shapely lower bumper emphasising its near-perfect proportions – a feature complemented by cleanly designed hidden tailpipes. New LED taillights provide a further touch of class with their eye-catching 3D appearance and super-red illumination.
INTERIOR
Once inside the Velar, we were struck by the large amount of space on offer, the simple elegance of the design, along with the supportive and comfortable composition of the 20-way heated and cooled massage seats.
The interior of this luxury SUV echoes the reductive design approach of the exterior whilst providing both driver and passengers with everything they may require. We appreciated how the first-class environment of the cabin effortlessly showcases the outstanding craftsmanship capabilities of the brand.
“With luxurious features, modern technology, an inspiring new design and trademark Range Rover refinement, few cars in the segment can hold a candle to this midsized luxury SUV.”
Our model housed the leather-free interior option, with a fresh seat design and new high-end materials featuring a modern diamond herringbone perforation pattern on the door panels, dashboard and centre console armrests.
We were informed that the 2024 Velar is offered in a range of internal colourways, all complemented by a curated choice of details, including Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds and air vents. Technical Light Anodised, Dark Anodised Aluminium or tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer trim finishes are available to further underline the vehicle’s elegance. These options allow owners to customise the interior to suit their tastes and style.
INFOTAINMENT & CONNECTIVITY
The reductive design approach applied to the new Velar is perhaps most effectively showcased by Range Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. This updated version is operated through a single 11.4-inch floating curved glass interface that has been ergonomically positioned to minimise distractions and reflections.
We found this setup to be amongst the most efficient we have ever experienced. All the vehicle’s driving, comfort and convenience features are controlled through this single screen, with 80% of tasks able to be performed within two taps of the home screen. Voice AI capabilities in 24 languages along with wireless updates, further enhance the convenience of this impressive system.
Additional noteworthy internal features include connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, wi-fi, Amazon Alexa, four-zone climate control, a Cabin Air Purification Plus system, Active Road Noise Cancellation technology, and an optional 17-speaker Meridian 3D Surround Sound System, amongst many others.
POWER, PERFORMANCE & SAFETY
The 2024 Velar is offered with a range of engine options. These include no less than four petrol versions, two diesels and an electric hybrid version. We were fortunate enough to test-drive the most potent petrol model, namely the P400. This 3.0-litre, six-cylinder mild-hybrid (MHEV) is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. This efficient combination generates up to 500Nm of torque at 2,000-5,000rpm, enabling the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
As we made our way effortlessly around the country, we were spoilt by the trademark Range Rover ride comfort and refinement. This feature of the Velar is in large part due to the advanced chassis and optional Electronic Air Suspension included in this luxury SUV’s construction. An effective braking system and a full suite of driver assistance and safety features ensure this vehicle is amongst the safest and most dependable cars on the roads today.
For more information or to experience a test drive of your own,
please call Euro Motors on 1746 0460.
@emlandroverbahrain