2023 Range Rover Velar gets subtle updates, better PHEV variant

Land Rover is opening the New Year with a refreshed 2023 Range Rover Velar. First launched around 2017, the Velar sits between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport and features a coupe-like design while still retaining the signature look of the crossover SUV.

Despite already being 6 years old, the Velar still looks suave so the designers opted to keep the changes to a minimum. It now comes with LED Pixel headlights, a redesigned grille inspired by the new-generation Range Rover, as well as a new pair of “super” LED taillights. There's also a new diffuser/skid plate on the rear bumper that adds to the Velar's already sleek looks.

Those who want to get their Range Rover Velar with a new coat of paint will be happy to know Land Rover has added two new hues; Metallic Varesine Blue and Premium Metallic Zadar Gray.

While the exterior only received minor revisions, the changes to the interior of the 2023 Range Rover Velar are more significant. Gone is the dual touchscreen layout from before and has been replaced with a cleaner center console design dominated by an 11.4-inch curved touchscreen infotainment. The new screen now integrates all of the vehicle's in-car functions including the climate control system, negating the need for physical buttons.

Land Rover claims that despite the touchscreen handling all of the Velar's in-car systems, 80% of the tasks can be done with just two taps of the home screen. Moreover, it has more intelligent features such as onboard diagnostics, chassis/powertrain menus, as well as better navigation.

Other amenities present inside the 2023 Range Rover Velar include a 17-speaker surround sound system by Meridian, a cabin air purification system, active noise cancellation that ensures a quiet ride, and a surround-view intelligent camera system that makes for easier parking and maneuvering.

As before, a wide range of gasoline-powered and diesel-driven engines are available for the Range Rover Velar. Starting with the gasoline range, there's the P200 which makes 250 PS and 365 Nm of torque from a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. It's then followed by the P340 which produces 340 PS and 480 Nm of torque via a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo with mild-hybrid tech (MHEV). There's also the P400 which is essentially a boosted P340 and cranks out 400 PS with 550 Nm of torque.

Over to diesel power, there are the D200 and D300 powertrains with MHEV. The former makes 204 PS and 430 Nm thanks to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder while the latter puts out 300 PS and 650 Nm courtesy of a 3.0-liter inline-six.

Last but not least is the P400e which serves as the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. It makes a total system output of 404 PS and 640 Nm. But unlike its predecessor, this one gets a bigger battery rated at 19.2 kWh (the previous was only 13.6 kWh). This gives the PHEV variant an improved electric range of 64 km in the WLTP cycle which is an increase of 11 km compared to the pre-facelift version. Even better is the fact that the battery now supports DC fast charging which means it can be recharged from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes when plugged into a 50 kW charging station.

The 2023 Range Rover Velar is now available in Europe and in the US, with other markets to follow. With that, we can expect the refreshed SUV to make its way to the Philippines either later this year or the next.