Rangie’s X3, GLC rival debuts with 2.0 turbo and 3.0 V6, priced from $284,999 with COE

Text by Carmen Rosso

Singapore  
Range Rover has launched its brand new Velar mid-size SUV (or Sports Utility Vehicle), that has plugged the gap in the Range Rover line-up between the smaller Evoque and the massive Range Rover Sport. In simpler terms, it’s bigger than a BMW X1, but not quite as big as an X5 or X6.

Powering the new SUV is a choice of two engines – both of which come as all-wheel-drive platforms with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The entry-level 250hp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged records a top speed of 217km/h and is good for a century sprint in 6.7-seconds.

The higher spec V6 option gets you a top speed of 250km/h with a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine that delivers 380hp and does the 0 to 100km/h dash in 5.7secs – quick, but not quite a match for the Porsche Macan S, which can do it in 5.4-seconds.

Efficiency figures are 7.6L/100km and 173g/km CO2 for the 2.0-litre, and 9.4L/100km and 214g/km CO2 for the 3.0 V6. The 2.0 gets standard suspension while the 3.0 has adaptive air suspension.

Currently the cars retail at $284,999 and $388,999 with COE respectively.

But it’s not just premium German buyers that Range Rover is targeting. In fact, the brand hopes to nudge existing Evoque owners to upgrade to the Velar – it’s something that’s quite possible given the Evoque is getting long in the tooth, and that its line-up ranges in price from $220,000 to $250,000 with COE.

These petrol-engine variants will very likely be a volume seller for Singapore, since diesels are at a lower advantage when the Vehicle Emissions Scheme comes into play in 2018, though diesel options are available on request.

Fortunately, should you spring for either one of these petrol-powered models; you’ll also get the complete package of safety equipment that include features such as Lane Departure Warning, Driver Condition Monitoring, Roll Stability Control and Blind Spot Monitoring and six airbags.

The new model is based on corporate cousin, the Jaguar F-Pace’s, underpinnings and measures up at a similar size at 4,803mm long, 2,145mm wide and 1,665mm tall.

The styling, which Range Rover expects to be a major drawing point for the car, is sleeker and more coupe-like than the Range Rover Sport, notice the diminished greenhouse and smaller windows, though there are obvious links to its brother model in the head and taillights.  

To further look the part, deployable flushed door handles come as standard

Thankfully, plenty of emphasis is placed on cabin storage with a boot space of 673 litres, whilst leaving ample leg and headroom for rear seat passengers.

Another talking point of the new Velar is its debut of a new infotainment system. Called Touch Pro Duo, and present on all variants of the car, it features two 10-inch touchscreen displays stacked on top of each other.”

There are varying trim and equipment levels mentioned but pricing hasn’t been finalised as yet. The most expensive Velar available is the 3.0 V6 First Edition, which gets all the goodies possible, from laser headlights, the advanced Terrain Response 2 traction management system, and a Meridian 23-speaker 1700W sound system.