Review: Range Rover Velar 2.0L P250 SE R-Dynamic

Launched in Malaysia last year, the Range Rover Velar was developed to fill the gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. 

Offered in three variants in Malaysia, the Velar is offered here with two powertrain options – a 2.0L Ingenium aluminium engine producing 250 PS and 365 Nm, and a much more powerful 3.0L Ingenium aluminium engine which kicks out 380 PS and 450 Nm of torque.

Priced between RM529,800 and RM723,000, the Velar has gone through some minor updates for the model year 2019, which include the addition of new graphics in the infotainment system, as well as the inclusion of Apple CarPlay system.

Besides these two updates, things remain pretty much unchanged since the model made its Malaysian debut.

So, in order to find out what it has to offer, and how it fares against its competitors like the Porsche Macan and the Jaguar F-Pace, which also happens to be the Velar’s sibling which shares the same underpinnings, we took the Velar for a spin.

The variant which we tested was the Velar 2.0L P250 SE R-Dynamic, which is priced at RM555,471 on the road without insurance.

Among the notable features on the Velar P250 SE R-Dynamic includes:

• 20-inch 10 spoke 'Style 1032' wheels with Satin Dark Grey finish
• Matrix LED headlights with Signature Daytime Running Lights
• Powered gesture tailgate
• Auto-dimming, power fold, heated door mirrors with approach lights
• Perforated grained leather seats with Suede cloth bolsters
• 10-way seats with driver memory (including rear armrest and power recline)
• Smartphone Pack
• Meridian™ Surround Sound System 825W with 17 speakers
• Navigation Pro
• Interactive Driver Display
• Rear View Camera
• Drive Pack
• Park Pack  

Powering the Velar 2.0L P250SE R-Dynamic here is a 2.0-litre Ingenium aluminium engine which produces 250 PS and 365 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics. Thanks to the powertrain, the Velar P250 is able to do the century sprint in 6.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 217 km/h.

Our Rating

• Design: 4.5/5 – Definitely one of the best looking SUVs in the market
• Driving Dynamics: 3/5 – Excellent for daily use, but not as athletic as the Macan
• Comfort: 4/5 – Seats, upholstery, and trims are made of premium materials
• Convenience: 4/5 – Features like the powered boot and the button to fold the rear seats make it very family friendly.
• Space: 4/5 – There’s ample space for 5 occupants, and a big boot.

Ups & Downs

• Plus: Gorgeous design, plenty of storage space, luxurious interior, excellent off-road abilities
• Minus: 2.0L engine can be noisy at times, no Android Auto yet, Touch Pro Duo system takes time to get used to

Verdict

The Range Rover Velar appeals for those who want something that is bigger than the Evoque, but smaller and cheaper than the Range Rover Sport. If performance and athleticism is your priority, the Velar falls short behind its closest competitor, Porsche Macan. However, if sheer presence and practicality is what you’re looking for in this price range, the Velar will tickle you at the right spots.