The Range Rover family now as a sportier HST option to tempt Velar buyers.
Don’t expect SVR levels of savagery, but the Range Rover Velar HST ‘is all about performance’, says Land Rover. The slightly naughty HST can be specified with either petrol or diesel drivetrains – both mild-hybrids with straight-six turbocharged Ingenium engines.
Quick enough then? The D300 is a 2996cc diesel delivering 296bhp@4000rpm, reaching 60mph in 6.1 seconds. The P400 is a 2995cc petrol developing 395bhp at 5500-6500rpm, reaching 60mph in 5.2 seconds. Impressive, but not as rapid as the P400e plug-in hybrid.
Maximum towing capacity for both drivetrains is 2500kg, while Adaptive Dynamics and Electronic Air Suspension should help keep the vehicle comfortable and planted.
As for the design, the HST is based on the R-Dynamic version of the Velar. In the cabin there are some subtle but tangible tweaks; the headlining and steering wheel are both trimmed in Black Suedecloth – dark perhaps, if it weren’t for the sliding panoramic glass fitted to the black contrast roof.
Outside, the stealthy theme continues. The HST gets 21in split-spoke black alloys, Black Pack, and a new colour option: Arroios Grey.
The Arroios name derives from an area of the Portugese capital Lisbon. It follows Land Rover’s tradition of naming colours after faraway places – Stornoway Grey after the Hebridean town, Indus Silver after major river which springs from Tibet, Ligurian Black after the coastal region of northern Italy…
The Velar is the third member of the Range Rover family to receive an HST spec level, after the Range Rover Sport and Evoque.
Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, says: ‘The new Range Rover Velar HST offers a combination of carefully curated design enhancements and chassis features; to add to its breadth of capability, without compromising its trademark refinement and comfort.’
The return of the 'Edition'
At the same time as the HST, Land Rover has relaunched the premium edition called (confusingly) Edition, which takes the R-Dynamic SE as its starting point. To that already upmarket spec are added 20in Gloss Black alloys, sliding panoramic roof, privacy glass and a Black Pack. Edition buyers also get a Park Assist Pack, Online Pack, Driver Assist Pack… (six-pack not included).
Range Rover Velar availability
The Velar HST is available in the UK from £69,865 (D300) and £73,815 (P400). The base model starts at £46,565 (D200).
Most Range Rover Velars have a 6-9 month waiting list due to global supply chain difficulties (view availabilities here).
At the time of writing, Land Rover has not announced the current waiting list for the Velar HST.