Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic HSE (2023) Review
Consumers who are sitting on the proverbial fence when it comes to alternative energy vehicles don't have many choices, there is ICE, hybrid, and full electric, but what if none of these appeal to you? A plug-in hybrid may just be the best solution. We test the PHEV Range Rover Velar
In this article:
Hybrid Luxury
After an initial rush to get with the program, it would seem that the EV push that so many had hoped would put an end to fossil fuel-engined cars has begun to lose its steam. EV is not dead and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere but the global push to get them into the market appears to have stalled. Major OEMs have pulled back their EV targets, governments have pushed back their electrification schedules, and consumers in general just haven't adopted the tech in the droves that environmentalists had hoped for. EVs have been in the news for all the wrong reasons as of late, fires, tech failure, the furor over how batteries are made, resale value, and the overall impact these vehicles have on the planet. In short, it would seem that the bulk of consumers want to have the benefits of an electric car but do not want to let go of petrol just yet.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Range Rover Velar
Enter the plug-in hybrid, a vehicle that has the benefits of both worlds. You have the benefit of a chargeable battery and electric drivetrain for the short distance trips to the shops and idling away your time in traffic and then the petrol engine for those longer trips, doing away with range anxiety. The reality here is that if you want a luxury SUV you are looking at a price tag exceeding the 1 million rand mark, so why not take the plunge and get behind the wheel of a plug-in hybrid that has the best of all worlds? The Range Rover Velar P400e easily becomes the solution here ticking all the boxes.
Styling
When you first see the Velar it doesn't seem like much has changed and one would be forgiven for thinking that. The only hint that there is a different drive train under the skin is the second fuel flap which houses the EV plug point. There are no blue or green colour tinges to hint at its status, no special wheel design or low profile body panels, just the stylish Range Rover design we've all become used to.
The Velar does get a new grille design and new Pixel LED Headlights with jewel-like effect signature DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) upfront. At the rear there is a new lower bumper that hides the exhaust tips and above that, new LED taillights with an eye-catching 3D appearance and super-red illumination. They are complemented by a full-length high-level stop-lamp and bold Ranger Rover lettering in gloss black across the tailgate.
The Velar is a handsome vehicle with proportions that bely its capabilities as an overlanding machine. Its sleek body-lines are attractive and give one a sense that the Velar would not only be at home in leafy suburbs but crossing a vast savannah.
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Space & Interior
The interior of the Velar has received the biggest upgrade with new tech, new materials, and a new layout. The new Velar interior offers a leather-free cabin option, with new seat designs and materials. The leather-free option combines wool from Danish textile experts Kvadrat with Ultrafabrics polyurethane textile inserts, featuring a new diamond Herringbone perforation pattern. These are available in four new leather colorways: Cloud, Caraway, Raven Blue, and as we had it in our test unit, Deep Garnet. Trim panels were in a beautiful tactile Shadow Grey Ash wood veneer and Moonlight Chrome on the steering wheel, centre console surrounds, and air vents
With this being a Range Rover, space is not a problem and all occupants can enjoy maximum legroom, shoulder room, and headroom while the massive boot can swallow 673l of luggage that can be expanded to over 1700l by dropping the rear seats.
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Comfort & Convenience
Taking centre stage in the new Velar is the latest evolution of Range Rover’s Pivi Pro 6 infotainment system featuring a single 11.4-inch floating curved glass interface that is ergonomically positioned higher and within easier reach, to help minimise distraction and reflections. Controls for the climate, seating, and audio volume are always visible at each side of the screen via new sidebars, featuring multi-functional sliding controls on either side. These virtual buttons are always visible and provide immediate access to frequently used items, including individual temperature controls for the front occupants, audio volume, and Terrain Response® modes.
Pivi Pro6 supports effortless smartphone connectivity with Wireless Apple CarPlay™2. Wireless Android Auto® and up to three devices can be charged simultaneously from the 3 USB charge points. The Range Rover Velar minimises road noise with pioneering Active Road Noise Cancellation technology which senses external frequencies and automatically processes an anti-noise through the vehicle's audio system, reducing overall interior noise levels by a minimum of 4dB meaning you get a rather quiet ride when you arent pumping your favorite playlist through the Meridian Audio 3D Surround Sound System, which drives music playback through 17 speakers and a 750W amplifier.
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Performance
This is where things get interesting, as the P400e has two separate drive systems the traditional 2.0l turbo petrol engine that delivers 221kW and 400Nm and the electric system that delivers 116kW and 275Nm. Each system is capable of operating independently or when combined delivers a mind-blowing 297kW and 640Nm.
When it comes to performance the Velar P400e can accelerate from 0-100km in a scant 5 seconds and can go on to a limited top speed of 209km/h with power going to all four wheels through a slick shifting 8 speed auto transmission
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Fuel Economy
The P400e is one of very few plug-in electric hybrid vehicles capable of rapid DC charging, with a 0-80 percent charge possible in as little as 30 minutes using a 50kW DC charger. At home, it can charge from 0-100 percent using a 7kW AC charger in around two and a half hours.
When in full electric mode you can drive 58km and travel up to 140km/h. Driving on the petrol engine system alone will return 8.7l/100km of fuel consumption while cruising with the hybrid system will see those numbers plummet to low 5l/100km.
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Safety
The Range Rover Velar P400e benefits from all the latest Range Rover safety features ranging from the standard fare of ABS, EBA, TSC, and 6 airbags to a full complement of driver assistance systems such as lane departure, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
ISOfix is standard in the rear seats as are a host of other features ranging from tyre pressure monitoring and fatigue alerts to a full 360-degree camera system. All of this means that the Velar scores a favourable 5-star Euro NCAP rating with 93% Adult Occupant Safety Rating, 85% Child Occupant Safety Rating and a 74% Pedestrian Safety Rating.
Tips for driving in the rain or bad weather
Price
There are currently only two P400e derivatives with the HSE model being the highest spec you can get.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic SE | R 2 093 300 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic HSE | R 2 202 700 |
Competitors
While the standard fare Velar calls the Audi Q7, BMW X4, Mercedes GLC Coupé and Porsche Macan its rivals, the P400e model reigns alone with its plug-in hybrid drive with no major competitors locally to challenge its rule.
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Verdict
The Velar in standard guise is not overly special in a market flooded with luxury 4x4 SUVs but the addition of its plug-in hybrid system makes this the one to have. Being able to do the school run, nip to the shops, and even commute to the office without the petrol engine even starting up is a godsend for those looking to save fuel and the planet, and having the petrol engine allows you to take those longer trips with no range anxiety. The fact that this hybrid is also DC-compatible for fast charging on the public infrastructure is just another point in its arsenal. The initial purchase price may be steep but you can be assured of its resale value as consumers still suspiciously eye full electric vehicles. We believe that this is the perfect solution for our local market.
