Land Rover Range Rover Velar SUV 2.0 P400e R-Dynamic 5dr Auto Owner Review

The comfort, toys & ride quality are sublime. And, of course, everyone even slightly interested in a Velar will know how good they look. In my opinion, the slightly different R-Dynamic bodywork trim looks more purposeful than the standard.

To add to the purposeful looks, my colour choice was metallic black over dark grey, with the "black pack" (I wasn't keen on the copper accents which come as standard) and black privacy glass. I also went for the P400e model, the plug-in hybrid, to satisfy my right foot without feeling guilty as to the emissions of a large engine whilst city-driving.

The PHEV setup actually works perfectly for my useage - I can drive most of my daily commute in utter comfort, luxury and silence (my electric-only range has settled to appx 46kms/29miles). But, also, the immediate surge of power when putting the right foot down is simply intoxicating. I am still getting used to the acceleration which will easily leave most sporty-looking cars standing, despite there being no drama nor noise.

It's practical too - I can very easily fit my wife (we're both over 6ft), two toddlers and a couple of weeks of luggage in there, although I must admit to being a little protective over all of the gorgeous off-white leather in the back. I strongly recommend the panoramic roof option and a light interior, because it can otherwise feel quite dark, especially in the back where the size of windows are really quite small.

Two small negatives of note though.

1) the technology is really impressive but I am still trying to work out how to use some of it... but I guess this goes for many new cars these days!
2) within minutes of taking the car out of the showroom for the first time, a serious electrical gremlin struck which caused the entire car to shut-down on the motorway without giving me time to pull aside (it turned-out to be a faulty transmission box module). The dealership took about 3 weeks to fix this, but I am pleased that there has been no other faults to date.

Overall, I've been seriously impressed with this car so far, although I don't know yet whether I'll be comfortable in keeping it too long once the manufacturers warranty has expired!