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Land Rover has introduced the fourth member of the Range Rover family.

Called the Range Rover Velar, the midsize luxury SUV aims to deliver new levels of refinement, elegance and technology to the segment. The model will slot between the existing Evoque and Range Rover Sport offerings, riding on a 113.15-inch wheelbase to offer a 34.4-cubic feet luggage compartment. Like all Range Rover vehicles, the Velar offers exceptional capability on a variety of surfaces, terrains and weather conditions. The standard coil springs offer 8.38 inches of ground clearance, while the optional four-corner air suspension gives 9.88 inches.

Land Rover says the Range Rover Velar was 'created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture' and represents the next chapter of the automaker’s success story. Its design is the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced, and helping contribute to its coefficient of drag of only 0.32Cd are flush deployable door handles.

The cabin houses a new Land Rover Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens that integrate seamlessly into the cabin architecture to reduce the complexity of the dash. Unique to the segment is a premium textile seat material that is available as an optional alternative to leather.

In the U.S., the Range Rover Velar will launch with several powertrain offerings, with the base model equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 247 horsepower. There is also a four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine offering 180 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque, while at the top of the range is the powerful supercharged V6 gasoline engine with 380 hp. All engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics. Along with the three different powertrains, buyers can choose from four specifications including Standard, S, SE or HSE.

At launch is a special First Edition model available exclusively in one of three colors: Corris Grey, Silicon Silver or Flux Silver. It will be limited to approximately 500 units in the U.S. with a starting price of $90,295 and is powered solely by the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. Extra features that come standard on the First Edition model include full-extended leather interior, copper weave carbon fiber trim finisher, perforated Windsor leather seats finished in two-tone Light Oyster/Ebony, special 22-inch Split-Spoke wheels with diamond-turned finish and a 1,600-watt Meridian Signature Sound System.

Read more about the Range Rover Velar Heads to the US Later This Year With $50,895 Price Tag at AutoGuide.com.

 

[jabba1900]

Some will say it looks too much like a Ford Explorer, but I think it looks fabulous. Not too sure about the all touch control setup, though. I like the chunky knobs and responsive buttons in our DS.

 

[Guest]

I am in love (of course it doesn't hurt that it is the same color combo as my DS)!


This looks like a terrific hybrid between the DS and RR Sport. I have been lusting after the RR Sport (likely my next car after the DS). But, I think I have changed my mind! I know some will eschew all the tech - I happen to like tech (I know, I know - more distractions, more stuff to break - what can I say).


Can't wait for one to hit my local dealer so I can see in person!

 

[petcha]

I'm a big fan too. However, I don't think I could justify the price, with the 380 hp engine plus a bunch of tech it easily gets over 80k. You can fully load an F-Pace for a little over 70k, same engine, very similar dimensions plus their killer warranty and included service. However, this is a gorgeous range rover

 

[webbrowan]

I agree with you, MGLarry, that it does look stunning regardless of just how much other people might be commenting that it looks pretty much similar to that other make and model. I think it looks more robust though and sleek with the bigger structure which is really neat for a heavy power vehicle.