2021 Range Rover Velar First Look: Velar-ian Steal
The 2021 Velar features updated tech and stickers for a mere $600 more than last year.
The Land Rover Range Rover Velar offers potent power, eye-catching looks, and a luxurious interior—the last item marred only with a glitchy, slow infotainment system. It's good, then, that's one area Land Rover promises will improve with its 2021 Velar updates, which include an improved multimedia system and new mild-hybrid powertrains.
Velar customers are able to choose three engine options. The first one—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 247 horsepower—carries over from last year. Then there are two new 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder "mild-hybrid" options, one making 335 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and the other 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. Both use an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger. Previously, the Velar offered a non-hybridized V-6 in 340- and 380-hp strengths.
Inside, Range Rover added noise-cancellation technology for a quieter cabin. As is typical, the tech monitors road vibrations and determines the precise sound wave needed to cancel out noises entering the interior. This system can also adjust the level and position of sounds coming into the cabin based on the number of passengers and their positioning inside the vehicle.
There are also a host of tech upgrades, including the aforementioned new infotainment system that runs on a new electrical architecture. Dubbed Pivi Pro, the setup promises better graphics and improved responsiveness for the SUV's two 10.0-inch touchscreens. A dedicated data connection for over-the-air updates will keep the system up to date without drivers having to visit the dealership. There's also an additional data connection available to occupants, and two devices can be connected to the car's Bluetooth system at any given time.
Other interior goodies include a new three-dimensional surround-view camera to help drivers while parking and a new cabin air-filtration system. A new gear stalk replaces the rotary shift knob on the center console. The steering wheel is also redesigned. Automakers are finding creative alternatives to key fobs lately, and Range Rover's answer is a wristwatch. This second-generation device allows drivers to start, stop, lock, and unlock the vehicle.
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Prices for the 2021 Range Rover Velar start at $58,050—up $600 from the 2020 model. Getting a six-cylinder Velar is more expensive this year, as well. If you opt for the 335-hp six-cylinder, prices jump to $65,050, an increase from $63,350. The more potent six-cylinder model starts at $78,050. What price fashion?
Four-Cylinder
Velar S: $58,050
Velar R-Dynamic S: $60,050
Six-Cylinder
Velar S (335 hp): $65,050
Velar R-Dynamic S (335 hp): $67,050
Velar R-Dynamic HSE (395 hp): $78,050
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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