Jaguar Land Rover unveils class leading, tech-loaded 2017 Velar

The all-new Range Rover Velar has been unveiled on Wednesday in London to plugg a hole in the British off-road SUV line-up. The new sumptuous and highly connected five-seater cabin Velar, according to Jaguar Land Rover, is the most urbanised crossover with a focus on refined driving manners and technologies.

Though the company’s bush-bashing credentials and advanced all-wheel drive system were visible in the car, Velar is supported by electronic driver aids and adaptable air suspension on high-end models.

The Velar is positioned between the entry-level Evoque and Range Rover Sport and is based on the same lightweight architecture that has underpinned the latest models from its sister company Jaguar, including the Leaping Cat’s groundbreaking first SUV, the F-Pace, which the Velar is closely related to.

The carmaker was optimistic that Velar would rival other sporty SUVs, particularly Porsche Macan, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe but, like the F-Pace, also straddles a unique space between the class above in terms of overall size, price and performance, Drive.com reported.

Velar is expected to be available in different variants that will be defined by a choice of six engines across two distinct ranges – the luxury-focused Velar and sportier Velar R-Dynamic – and four levels of standard specifications.

Riding on the same 2874mm wheelbase as the Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar’s rakish style is amplified by its short front overhang and longer rear end while it is complemented by iconic Range Rover design cues such as the floating roof and strong shoulder line.

Its smooth body is showcased by slimline headlights (featuring laser high beams in range-topping variants), flush doorhandles that pop-out of the car and a sloping rear roofline.