REVIEW | Range Rover Velar Dynamic HSE PHEV
At first glance, the Range Rover Velar doesn’t seem like the most obvious choice when you’re shopping around the R2.0 million mark.
It doesn’t have the grand stature of the full-size Range Rover, nor the shouty intentions of a German performance SUV. But give it a moment, and this particular Velar – the Dynamic HSE PHEV in Santorini Black – starts to make sense.
For starters, it’s genuinely beautiful. The Velar has always been the design darling of the Range Rover family, with flush door handles, elegant proportions, and a profile that’s both sporty and sophisticated. This model goes a step further with the Black Exterior Pack – darkened grille, badging, and trim details that give the Velar a brooding, upmarket attitude.
Paired with 21-inch Satin Dark Grey wheels and a sliding panoramic roof, this Velar looks every bit the part of a modern luxury SUV, even before you step inside.
And stepping inside is an event in itself. This car has the optional Cloud and Ebony Windsor leather interior, complemented by Shadow Grey Ash veneer. It’s a cabin that feels calm and expensive, without being overly flashy. But it’s the features list that justifies the premium here. You’re getting a top-shelf Meridian Signature Sound System with 22 speakers and 1300 W of power – yes, 22.
You’re also treated to 20-way massage front seats with memory function, a head-up display, 3D surround cameras, park assist, and even Wade Sensing for those rare moments you find yourself fording a river on the way to Woolworths.
But the biggest talking point is what’s under the skin. The Velar Dynamic HSE PHEV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 297 kW and a whopping 640 Nm of torque. That means a 0 – 100 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds. It’s quick – but in that refined, quietly confident way that Range Rovers do so well. And because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you also get an all-electric range of around 69 km, which is more than enough for most daily commutes. Plug it in overnight and skip the petrol station entirely for short trips.
Land Rover claims just 2.2 L/100 km on the combined cycle, though as with all PHEVs, your real-world results will depend on how often you charge and how hard you drive. The 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system feel perfectly calibrated for luxury rather than outright aggression, which is what makes the Velar such a pleasure to drive daily.
Of course, this isn’t a bargain-basement SUV. The final price here, including all the bells and whistles, is R2 315 507. That’s not cheap by any measure, but what you’re paying for is a deeply considered, beautifully crafted luxury SUV that prioritises comfort, technology, and efficiency without trying to outgun its rivals at every corner.
The Velar’s uniqueness lies in its blend of modernity and restraint. It’s a luxury SUV that makes you feel good about owning it – not just because of the badge or the performance stats, but because of how cleverly it’s been put together. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it quietly commands respect. And in a world of ever-louder competitors, that kind of confidence is refreshing.
Price: R2 202 700
