Range Rover Velar P380 HSE R Dynamic – Almost perfect

By Lawrence Minnie

It is not often that I become completely enamoured with a vehicle, but the P380 HSE Velar from Range Rover absolutely deserves the praise that I am about to heap upon it. We’ll get to the disappointing part later.

The Velar was met with acclaim worldwide and is well-deserving of the compliments showered upon it by the motoring press. It is an elegant and sophisticated creation, with luxury and technology all rolled into one very neat bundle, so let’s begin with the most revered aspect of this ultra-premium SUV; the engine and drivetrain.

Power hungry

Out test vehicle was powered by the 3.0-litre supercharged petrol engine. It delivers 280kW to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and a very intelligent Terrain Response 2 AWD system.

The Velar became instantly likeable from the first startup, handling city traffic and highway speeds with rarely any indication that the environment had changed. It carried itself like a debutante, wafting through a ballroom, only stopping every now and again to wave its fan seductively.

To say that the Velar is powerful is an understatement. It may not have as much power output or torque as its F-Pace cousin, but the way it delivers it is absolutely astounding. The caveat, though, is that the Velar is thirsty, very thirsty.

With reasonable driving the Velar returned roughly 11l/100km after a week of mixed driving, but punching the accelerator would see that number skyrocket to 16 l/100km. I will admit that it was absolutely worth it, every time.

Our test model was also fitted with Range Rover’s Configurable Dynamics system which lets you select specific chassis and powertrain settings to suit your preferred driving style, with gearbox mapping, steering and suspension configurations that allow you to tackle just about anything, from snow and ice to sand and rocks, and even the race-track.

The power and transfer systems may have played a big role in the drivability of the Velar, but it was the styling and levels of luxury that sealed the deal.

Gucci, Armani? No: JLR!

The Velar is gorgeous inside and out. It is well-proportioned, styled to perfection with lines and detailing in all the right places.

On the outside our test mule had been fitted with the R Dynamic black pack, which entails the blacking out of many of the trim pieces and adding a few spoilers. When set against the eye-wateringly beautiful Firenze Red body colour, with 21-inch Blade style wheels in gloss black, you get an achingly stunning (and rather menacing-looking) machine.

The Velar’s interior is resplendent in a perforated, creamy, off-white Windsor leather, which Range Rover has dubbed Light Oyster, and when you look more closely, the perforations actually make up a pattern of small Union Jack flags.

This supple leather is then paired with real brushed aluminium and black leather for touch surfaces, and all other areas are finished off in Range Rover’s version of an Alcantara-esque material called Morzine. It all comes together and makes for a super luxurious feel. But then we get to the computer interface…

Technology strikes again

The Velar is fitted with no fewer than five screens: One in the binnacle for the driver, one in the centre console for navigation and media, one just below that for the terrain response system and interior convenience control, and one in each headrest for the rear passengers to play media.

For the first few days the system operated flawlessly, and then, without warning, the centre screen began to flicker and glitch, and the system would randomly reboot. Interior functionality would also reset or resume without it being turned on.

More worryingly, the Terrain Response system that controls the air suspension also seemed to have a mind of its own, with the suspension lowering itself while sitting in traffic, without any input from myself.

This had me concerned enough to approach a local Jaguar Land Rover dealership to question their tech staff as to possible causes. Unfortunately, they were unable to help, as they were just as dumbfounded as I was. Assured that the vehicle and myself were in no danger, I continued my week with the vehicle, with the system working flawlessly, and then glitching again randomly. I also contacted another journalist who had a Velar on test, and he had no such issues.

Final thoughts

Did this taint the experience? Yes. But has it changed my opinion of the Velar? No.

I would like to believe that this was an isolated case, and because I have yet to hear of another JLR vehicle experiencing this type of software glitch, I am going to say that the Range Rover Velar P380 HSE R Dynamic is still the best car I’ve driven in the last 6 months.

The Velar is a car that has been assembled near-perfectly with the right driving dynamics, style, luxury and functionality.

All this luxury and performance doesn’t come cheap and our test vehicle, with all its options, comes in at R 1 513 800. That is quite a lot of hard-earned cash, but it is absolutely worth every penny, if its technology doesn’t let you down.

Price and warranty 

Base price                            R 1 356 900.00

With Options                      R 1 513 800.00

R Dynamic Pack

Climate Pack

On / Off Road Pack

Cabin Ionization System

Interior Lighting Pack

8” Rear Entertainment Pack

Includes a 5-year / 100 000km Care Plan and Roadside 

Assistance