Land Rover has announced the 2023 Range Rover Velar, the latest version of its luxury SUV. For the new model year, the vehicle has received upgrades to its interior and featured technologies, as well as its PHEV powertrain.
Leading these upgrades is Pivi Pro – JLR’s infotainment system – which in the new Velar is comprised of an 11.4-in curved glass central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display. Integrated into the center console, the touchscreen is ergonomically positioned towards the driver to minimize distracted driving while reducing the risk of distracting reflections. The display is also compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, providing further flexibility. Behind the wheel, the Velar’s TFT driver display offers a similar three-panel layout to the center screen. It is likewise customizable – allowing the driver to configure the display’s layout with their own selection of key vehicle information.
At either side of the central screen are new sidebars which feature always-visible controls for frequently used vehicle functions – such as the individual temperature controls for the front occupants, audio volume, and Terrain Response modes. The user can also configure the sidebar to offer shortcuts to in-vehicle applications, such as Pivi Pro’s media and navigation apps, as well as the vehicle cameras and window demisters.
Many of the new Velar’s connectivity features are enabled by its twin eSIM technology and cloud-based architecture. This combination supports a large ecosystem of integrated apps, including music streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer, that work directly within Pivi Pro. Similarly, an integrated Alexa assistant allows for several of the vehicle’s settings and features to be controlled with natural voice commands and can be activated through the ‘Alexa’ voice command or the touchscreen’s Alexa button. Also integrated is what3words, which allows users to accurately, and precisely, view a location after entering a three-word address. A similar address can likewise be generated for the vehicle’s own location in the event that the user gets into an accident and needs to inform first responders of their exact location.
These features and more can be updated by wireless over-the-air updates, which can be issued to 80% of the vehicle’s ECUs (encompassing Pivi Pro, the vehicle’s navigation and mapping systems, on-board diagnosis, as well as the chassis and powertrain) without the need to visit the dealership. An optional Data Plan provides further connectivity through in-vehicle Wi-Fi for the front and rear passengers alike.
Further along the Velar’s interior are a suite of technologies that work to promote passenger comfort and wellbeing – such as its Active Road Noise cancellation system. This feature senses external sound frequencies, which are then processed through an anti-noise system and cancelled out before entering the vehicle. The interior also offers three USB-C sockets for charging electronic devices, in addition to a Wireless Device Charging area accessible in the center console’s new stowage area. Through the Land Rover Remote smartphone app for iOS and Android, select information and functionality can be accessed remotely. Owners of the Velar PHEV, for example, can use the app to view its charge status, estimated charging time, and activate its pre-conditioning system before entering the vehicle.
In addition to petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid options, the Velar also offers a PHEV option built on JLR’s P400e powertrain. Pairing a 105-kW electric motor with the Ingenium petrol engine, P400e benefits from the Velar’s upgraded 19.2 kW battery pack. Together, this setup provides the SUV with an all-electric driving range of up to 40 miles (64 km) – which Land Rover claims is ideal for short urban trips. For longer journeys, the PHEV provides a combined real-world petrol and electric range of 425 miles (684 km). The PHEV setup further enables a maximum power rating of 398 hp (297 kW) with 472 lb-ft (640 Nm) of torque – and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds (with 0 – 100 km/h achieved in 5.4 seconds). On electric power alone, the Velar can travel at a maximum speed of 87 mph (140 km/h), with this limit increasing to 130 mph (209 km/h) when adding the Ingenium engine.
When charging the PHEV’s battery pack, users can do so on both AC and DC. On a 7 kW AC charger for the home, a full recharge takes around 2.5 hours. While its maximum charging capacity on DC is unknown, Land Rover estimates that charging the Velar from 0 to 80% on a public charger will take less than 30 minutes.
