The Range Rover Velar is receiving a significant facelift for 2023, aimed at boosting its appeal for the final few years of its life cycle. Since its launch in 2017, the Velar has undergone several mechanical updates, including the addition of a plug-in hybrid option. This round of updates, however, is much more visible and extensive and could help position the Velar as a more integral part of the Land Rover lineup.
One of the biggest highlights of the 2023 Velar is the substantial upgrade to the Velar P400e plug-in hybrid. Thanks to an increase in battery capacity from 13.6kWh to 19.2kWh, the Velar P400e can now travel 40 miles on electric power, compared to 33 miles previously. The Velar P400e can also be charged at speeds of up to 50kW, making it one of the fastest-charging PHEVs on the market. The Velar P400e combines a 296bhp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 141bhp electric motor in the gearbox, delivering 398bhp and 472 lb-ft of torque. This powerful combination allows the Velar P400e to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.
The Velar also features a variety of other engine options, including a 248bhp Velar P250 with a four-cylinder petrol engine, a 202bhp four-pot diesel with mild-hybrid assistance, and a pair of straight-sixes – one petrol and one diesel – with 395bhp and 296bhp respectively. The limited-run, 5.0-litre V8-powered SVAutobiography will not return for 2023.
On the outside, the 2023 Velar features new LED light designs at the front and back, a new front grille design, and a reshaped rear bumper. The interior is also receiving a substantial upgrade, with a new cockpit arrangement that brings the Velar in line with its larger Range Rover and Range Rover Sport siblings. The centrepiece of the new cockpit is a new 11.4-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen that runs the latest generation of JLR’s Pivi Pro infotainment system. According to Land Rover, around 80% of all tasks can be carried out within two taps of the screen, and the new 2023 iteration of Pivi Pro also includes permanently visible climate and audio controls, a new ‘pre-drive’ panel for frequently used features, and Amazon Alexa voice control functionality.
Under the new touchscreen is a minimalistic new center console with a hidden storage cubby and wireless phone charger. Land Rover has plans to have six pure-EVs in its lineup by 2026, but it remains to be seen what will become of the mid-sized Velar after this generation, as its siblings transition to one of two new EV-compatible architectures – the EMA for the smaller Disco Sport and Evoque or the MLA for the larger 4x4s.
Images: https://media.landrover.com/en-us/news/2022/04/range-rover-velar-adds-desirable-hst-edition-model-year-2023
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