Range Rover Velar teased as missing link between Evoque and Sport

RANGE Rover has teased its upcoming Velar SUV ahead of its global debut at the beginning of March, and its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show later that month. Set to become the fourth model in the British marque’s line-up, the Velar also takes Range Rover into new territory: that of SUV ‘coupes’.

But as these teaser images show, the Velar’s rump won’t be nearly as tapered as those of existing SUV-based fastbacks like the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, BMW X6 and the upcoming Audi Q8. Instead, Velar’s silhouette appears to be more Macan-like thanks to shallow-raked tailgate glass while the roofline is truncated but doesn’t sport an aggressive slope.

Designed to sit between the entry-level Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, the Velar is expected to be built atop the Jaguar F-Pace’s all-alloy architecture. That means a longitudinal powertrain layout and handling-focused suspension geometry, with plenty of aluminium suspension bits to keep weight down and road-holding up.

Range Rover is keeping details close to its chest for now, but powertrains are expected to largely mimic those offered by the F-Pace, with 3.0-litre turbo diesel and petrol V6s and 2.0-litre turbo diesel inline fours. However, an SVR-badged flagship with V8 power – most likely supercharged – could eventuate down the track as well.

We only get a decent look at its rear end for now, but it’s clear that Range Rover is making design a key USP of the Velar. The roof is almost entirely glass and the tail lamp graphic is slim and wide, unlike other existing Range Rover models. The ‘Range Rover’ script spans the full width between those twin-element tail lamp clusters, and a pronounced ledge separates the side sheetmetal from the turret and glasshouse.

Other neat touches include the sculpted air channels that direct air flowing over the roof under the tailgate-mounted spoiler ‑ a neat piece of aero and one that should help keep the rear glass clear in dusty or wet conditions. When the covers get lifted on March 1, we should be greeted by a fairly handsome vehicle.

Until then, though, this is our best look yet at Range Rover’s shapely newcomer. Stay tuned, all will be revealed next week.