Velar R-Dynamic Black Edition launched
Mid-sized Range Rover gets the midnight treatment and extra standard kit for £56,995
While the idea of a mostly road-biased Land Rover might be blasphemous to some, the two-year-old Velar has proved to be a valuable asset in Land Rover’s portfolio. Which is probably not surprising when you consider the model’s sleek good looks in the right (high level) spec. Hence the announcement of a new limited-run version in the UK called the R-Dynamic Black Edition.
On sale from £56,995 and based on the best-selling D180 variant, the 500-run of Black Editions will each wear an exterior finished in black (see what they did there?), tinted windows and a 21-inch wheels finished in the same shade. There’s also a standard fit panoramic glass roof to lighten things up inside, while buyers can choose from Santorini Black or Eiger Grey for the paintwork. Inside, the plush, dark theme continues with perforated leather with an Ebony Morzine headlining and heated steering wheel.
The Velar’s party piece, that all-digital cabin infotainment, remains unchanged, as does the D180 engine, JLR’s 180hp Ingenium diesel four-pot and the eight-speed auto it works in conjunction with. The Black Edition chassis gets comfort-enhancing adaptive dynamics technology as standard (pretty much essential with those alloys) and, of course, despite being unashamedly road-focussed, the Velar is still unafraid of the mucky stuff thanks to Land Rover’s proven all-wheel drive technology.
Don’t expect the earth to tilt on its axis with announcement of the Black Edition - but do expect the firm to shift all 500 examples before you can say ‘craving’. The combination of fuel-sipping engine and better-looking exterior is perennially high on half the nation’s shopping list, and Land Rover’s limited-edition Velar is entirely primed to fit the bill.
Search for a Range Rover Velar here
Most are interested in the comfort, the toys, how it looks, what it costs to buy/run and the performance, as long as it can get out of its own way, they aren't bothered.
8.5 to sixty, ok its not a great benchmark but it indicates it has the pace of a 80s hot hatch, coupled with a modern auto it will just maximise the available torque and never feel lacking for most owners. People have a budget to work to, am sure many would go large on spec and engine if they could but have to make compromises, or really don't care. A four cyl diesel isn't super premium but expect it will be well insulated.
Trouble is, as petrolheads, nothing short of the SVR version will ever do, then we would want it remapped, its a big SUV, how fast do you need it to accelerate ?
I do like the Velar, good looking thing, even my mum who isn't remotely into cars keeps going on about them, so JLR are doing something right.
Anyway, I'm enjoying it so far as it's very practical and not as large as you'd think it is in terms of length or width. I would love a go in the SVAutobiography with the 5.0l 550hp supercharged V8 and deluxe leather interior just to see how luxurious you can spec out this car.
I think people see it not as £400 odd, but maybe they have to have a car anyway, a Mondeo/Insignia is £300 odd, for an extra £100 you get something desirable.
These versions are for that market.
On the basis that my 150bhp is enough for our use, I see no reason why I wouldn't be happy with 180. Bonus in that the DPF position on the Velar means it doesn't suffer like the other models according to the dealer briefing in the Summer either.
Not that I'll be going the JLR route ever again, but nice looking thing and I'm sure it will be very popular.
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