Velar base model
Discussion
Hi all,
I have to get a new company car, as my current one is getting to the end of its lease. I have the choice between a few mid spec’d SUV such as X3, Q5 or GLC. All come w small Diesel engines, leather seats, reasonable option package without being top notch.
The list also offers the basic velar - d180 - with 18” wheels, Luxtek seats...
I totally ruled the X3 out as it is downright ugly imho, and I think the glc isn’t far behind the x3 in terms of poor looks.
Hence my choice has come down to the Q5 or the lowest spec Velar.
I am sure LR won’t be selling much if any base model, so it is hard for me to gauge what it looks/feels like in the flesh, as none of the dealers I called stocked any d180 w suede seats.
Have you guys ever seen or better - do own one? From the LR website, there are virtually no differences to the exterior between the 45k and the 62k trim bar the wheels size. Inside the cabin the seats also appear to be the main cosmetic difference, along side the digital speedo dash display (w/o mentioning electric seats that I have no use for). Do you find the idea of a bare base velar an acceptable trade off in order to own a gorgeous car?
Adding a little extra ££ out of pocket for an upgraded model is NOT an option offered by my company, nor can I take a lump sum instead.
I am not worried about resale, as the car is leased by the company and is returned in 36months.
I am not bothered by the performance (or lack of) of the car, as I also own a Ferrari as a week end toy.
So - what do you think? Base velar vs new Q5 S line 2.0 Tdi?
I have to get a new company car, as my current one is getting to the end of its lease. I have the choice between a few mid spec’d SUV such as X3, Q5 or GLC. All come w small Diesel engines, leather seats, reasonable option package without being top notch.
The list also offers the basic velar - d180 - with 18” wheels, Luxtek seats...
I totally ruled the X3 out as it is downright ugly imho, and I think the glc isn’t far behind the x3 in terms of poor looks.
Hence my choice has come down to the Q5 or the lowest spec Velar.
I am sure LR won’t be selling much if any base model, so it is hard for me to gauge what it looks/feels like in the flesh, as none of the dealers I called stocked any d180 w suede seats.
Have you guys ever seen or better - do own one? From the LR website, there are virtually no differences to the exterior between the 45k and the 62k trim bar the wheels size. Inside the cabin the seats also appear to be the main cosmetic difference, along side the digital speedo dash display (w/o mentioning electric seats that I have no use for). Do you find the idea of a bare base velar an acceptable trade off in order to own a gorgeous car?
Adding a little extra ££ out of pocket for an upgraded model is NOT an option offered by my company, nor can I take a lump sum instead.
I am not worried about resale, as the car is leased by the company and is returned in 36months.
I am not bothered by the performance (or lack of) of the car, as I also own a Ferrari as a week end toy.
So - what do you think? Base velar vs new Q5 S line 2.0 Tdi?
Only you can answer that one and the main question is can you live with the whale on stilts look on the standard wheels.
Personally I’d go for it and buy a nice set of aftermarket wheels and tyres and store the originals. You can always flog the aftermarket set after the 36 months. Also if there’s no privacy glass I’d have a tint film applied but then I’m a saddo.
Personally I’d go for it and buy a nice set of aftermarket wheels and tyres and store the originals. You can always flog the aftermarket set after the 36 months. Also if there’s no privacy glass I’d have a tint film applied but then I’m a saddo.
Looking on the configurator the basic wheels are absolutely horrific, (a JLR trait I noticed when looking into leasing an XF the other week) but for me the seats look fine. Ok they're not the lovely stitched leather pews but they look decent enough.
The only other problem is the colour. The only free colour is billy basic white. Every other colour is a cost option, so if your allowance affords a decent colour option then I'd follow the advice above and try and pick up some decent wheels online and spec a colour, any colour.
The only other problem is the colour. The only free colour is billy basic white. Every other colour is a cost option, so if your allowance affords a decent colour option then I'd follow the advice above and try and pick up some decent wheels online and spec a colour, any colour.
Does the base model still give you heated seats, nav, bluetooth, spotify integration etc etc. If you are loosing those things, I would get something else.
Worth noting that JLR infotainment has a pretty poor reputation. I've read of 1 minute boot up times, which is ridiculous really.
Worth noting that JLR infotainment has a pretty poor reputation. I've read of 1 minute boot up times, which is ridiculous really.
bakerstreet said:
Does the base model still give you heated seats, nav, bluetooth, spotify integration etc etc. If you are loosing those things, I would get something else.
Worth noting that JLR infotainment has a pretty poor reputation. I've read of 1 minute boot up times, which is ridiculous really.
The older one was awful - slow, pixelated rubbish. Missus has just swapped her 12 plate Evoque for a new one with the upgraded media setup. Light years ahead and actually feels like one that should be in a car that costs close to £50kWorth noting that JLR infotainment has a pretty poor reputation. I've read of 1 minute boot up times, which is ridiculous really.
Mate just picked up a base model on a lease deal, it is really nice imho.
His is black which was a no cost option and personally I think there is something rather cool with the basic wheels, nice to see some wheels on an SUV with some rubber on them.
Also really like the interior, so much nicer than black leather anyway, sure I would have a light colour interior personally, but do like that suede.
His is black which was a no cost option and personally I think there is something rather cool with the basic wheels, nice to see some wheels on an SUV with some rubber on them.
Also really like the interior, so much nicer than black leather anyway, sure I would have a light colour interior personally, but do like that suede.
Thanks for the replies.
I do think the front of the X3 looks quite nice, they butchered the back... even the d1 looks better in the back which is a shame. I used to own an X5 and it was a great machine... design has grown ina direction I don’t fancy anymore.
Re. Base velar that your mate picked up, I agree black looks the best, and excel the wheels it looks as good as the more luxurious trims... I do not love the shape of the spokes on the 19” and much prefer the 18”... even though the 20” are much much appropriate for the car. Great to hear your feedback on the suede seats. I do have 2 small kids with 2 family base isofix, and a lot of projectiles being thrown around; so I can see how a nice leather would get marked and ruined by the baby seats in the back too (they sure did on my current Touareg)
I do think the front of the X3 looks quite nice, they butchered the back... even the d1 looks better in the back which is a shame. I used to own an X5 and it was a great machine... design has grown ina direction I don’t fancy anymore.
Re. Base velar that your mate picked up, I agree black looks the best, and excel the wheels it looks as good as the more luxurious trims... I do not love the shape of the spokes on the 19” and much prefer the 18”... even though the 20” are much much appropriate for the car. Great to hear your feedback on the suede seats. I do have 2 small kids with 2 family base isofix, and a lot of projectiles being thrown around; so I can see how a nice leather would get marked and ruined by the baby seats in the back too (they sure did on my current Touareg)
Ended up getting a killer deal on the Velar S for an extra £30 a month over the base 180.
Order is being delayed another 3months (placed the order 3 months ago being told it would only take 3months).... considering cancelling the order and getting another car instead that’d be available now
Good luck with your car search
Order is being delayed another 3months (placed the order 3 months ago being told it would only take 3months).... considering cancelling the order and getting another car instead that’d be available now
Good luck with your car search
gizlaroc said:
Mate just picked up a base model on a lease deal, it is really nice imho.
His is black which was a no cost option and personally I think there is something rather cool with the basic wheels, nice to see some wheels on an SUV with some rubber on them.
Also really like the interior, so much nicer than black leather anyway, sure I would have a light colour interior personally, but do like that suede.
I really like the idea of a base spec. Those small wheels are awful on a Jag but somehow as you say look kind of cool in a Velar.His is black which was a no cost option and personally I think there is something rather cool with the basic wheels, nice to see some wheels on an SUV with some rubber on them.
Also really like the interior, so much nicer than black leather anyway, sure I would have a light colour interior personally, but do like that suede.
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