2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE

2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. (Courtesy of netcarshow.com)
2/15/2018
Updated:
2/15/2018

The Range Rover Velar is a new introduction into the Land Rover lineup. Velar sits between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. Its pedigree depicts glamor, modernity, and elegance—playing its role as part of the Land Rover DNA bloodline.

The Velar R-Dynamic adds a bunch of go-fast and look-good items to the regular Velar. The HSE package has more specifications than either the base, S, SE, or R-Dynamic SE trims.

The R-Dynamic HSE has three different engines to choose from. The manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing for the model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine is $69,100. But optional equipment packages, like the Climate Package ($870) with four-zone climate control, surround camera system ($820), and SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio ($615), can quickly add up.

The Velar engine is packed with power and great responsiveness. The diesel engine above can put down 180 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. Even with all that power, this model of the Velar has a fuel economy of 26-mpg city and 30-mpg highway.

The eight-speed automatic transmission with satin chrome gear shift paddles, along with the intelligent permanent Land Rover Four Wheel Drive with intelligent driveline dynamics, aids that performance.

Each time I drive a Land Rover, I am amazed at the abundance of standard comfort items as well as those that assist performance.

Whether it is the 20-way (18-way power, 2-way manual) cooled massage front seats with driver and passenger memory, the 40/20/40-split folding back seat, or the power gesture tailgate, Land Rover is known for its utmost care for occupants. All this makes for some extreme-quality ownership experiences.

The interior of the 2018 Range Rover Velar. (Courtesy of netcarshow.com)
The interior of the 2018 Range Rover Velar. (Courtesy of netcarshow.com)

The Velar’s interior is a sanctuary—calm, wrapped in elegance, and promoted by state-of-the-art technology.

The flush deployable door handles on the outside heighten the anticipation of what’s inside as you approach. Connectivity and information are the important attributes for a luxury vehicle.

Land Rover InControl service suite is a standard feature in the HSE that connects your vehicle and links you to the outside world. Safety functions like stolen vehicle locator, SOS emergency call, vehicle status check, beep/flash (help locate your car), and remote lock/unlock are all parts of this remote connectivity package.

The InControl infotainment system delivers a wealth of entertainment and information. This is made possible with the new standard 10-inch dual high-definition touchscreen.

You may view information quickly while simultaneously interacting with additional features. For example, you can use the Navigation System in the upper screen while playing media on the lower screen. You can even have direct access to cabin and seat temperature controls through the multi-functional dynamic dials. But I must admit, I prefer knobs over push buttons or press symbols.

The Velar comes with an outstanding eight-speaker sound system that has superb acoustic range, and it has four audio system options for you to choose from.

In its construction, 82 percent of Velar is aluminum. The vehicle is engineered such that it uses more sustainable materials, produces less waste, and consumes fewer natural resources. In fact, it is 85 percent recyclable/re-usable and 95 percent recoverable at the end of the vehicle’s life cycle.

Advanced aerodynamics and streamlined design have been carefully optimized to make this Land Rover one of the most attractive vehicles on the road. An example of this form-with-function design is the rear spoiler with integrated slots to direct air flow over the tailgate, which minimizes rear-windshield soiling while providing additional down-force with reduced drag.

Rear-view camera and blind-spot assists, lane keep assist, emergency braking, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive speed limit and adaptive cruise control are some of the technologies that make driving the 2018 Range Rover Velar more safe and exciting.

Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 6-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Perforation Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile 24-Hour Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]