by A Radically New Range Rover Velar is Expected
The next generation of the Range Rover Velar is already on the horizon, and it will differ radically from the current model. The most significant change is that the car will become exclusively electric, meaning a complete departure from internal combustion engines for this lineup. Furthermore, the very concept of the body will change. Land Rover is abandoning the traditional SUV silhouette in favor of a lower, more grounded profile that resembles a high-riding sedan or a fastback.
Main expected innovations of the new generation:
New Design and First Images
Recently published renderings created by Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa provide an idea of the car’s possible appearance. They show that the new model will retain some recognizable features of the current one, but overall will receive a silhouette closer to a fastback, akin to the Volvo ES90.
We’ll have to wait and see if the second-generation Velar will look exactly like this when it reaches production, but if it does, it will certainly stand out.
The front end will remain easily recognizable as a Range Rover thanks to the slim LED headlights and the relatively small upper grille. However, the body itself will be noticeably lower. Such a change might be controversial for a model like the Land Rover Defender, but is unlikely to worry most Velar buyers, who rarely venture off paved roads. Thus, the shift to a more streamlined, road-oriented profile may be quite logical.
Technical Features and Rear End
The most interesting design element will likely be the car’s rear end. As spy photos have shown, it will have a short and stubby trunk lid, as well as a steeply raked rear window, which looks quite unusual. The renderings also show slim LED rear lights and a darkened lower bumper.
What Will Be Under the Hood?
The technical foundation of the new Velar will be the Electric Modular Architecture (EMA). The model may debut with a 117 kWh battery pack planned for the full-size Range Rover Electric, although the use of a slightly smaller unit is not ruled out. Engineers will face the task of providing the new electric vehicle with sufficient range and performance to worthily replace the previous ICE model.
The Velar’s transition to exclusively electric propulsion is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s global strategy. This indicates that the brand sees the future precisely in electric vehicles, even for models traditionally associated with a certain style, not just off-road capability. The design change to a lower and more sporty one emphasizes this reorientation from an SUV to a luxury urban and touring vehicle. The success of this concept will depend on how successfully the new, bold appearance can be combined with the practicality, comfort, and technical characteristics expected by premium segment buyers.
