There’s no shortage of choice regarding luxury large SUVs, so can the Range Rover Velar stand out from the pack?
2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400
Despite the number of BMW X5s and Audi Q8s on the road, the origin of the luxury SUV lies in another brand – Range Rover.
Originally launching in the 1970s, the first Range Rover blended the utilitarian, go-anywhere, adventurous attitude of Land Rover with higher levels of interior refinement and opulence.
In the here and now, the brand’s portfolio is as diversified as ever, with the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and fifth-generation Range Rover – a smart move given the market’s insatiable appetite for SUVs. But there is also the Velar, slotting in above the Evoque but below the Range Rover in the line-up as a large luxury SUV designed to take the fight right to those aforementioned German rivals.
Let’s see if the British take on a popular market segment has the goods to hang with the big dogs.
How much is a Range Rover Velar?
The 2025 Range Rover Velar line-up counts seven variants in its ranks, with options for petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
On test, we have the Autobiography P400 – the flagship that sits above all other Velar variants regardless of engine option.
Priced at $156,370 before on-road costs, the Velar Autobiography P400 slots in neatly underneath the M and Audi Sport versions of the BMW X5 and Audi Q8, but above their respective next rungs down.
For proper context, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI S Line quattro is $143,415, while the SQ8 is $178,815, and the BMW X5 xDrive 40i and M60i are positioned at $138,900 and $172,900 respectively.
The Velar P400’s performance also splits the middle between those perceived rivals, with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, that outputs 294kW/550Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
But what will likely attract customers more than potent performance is the list of equipment.
As standard, buyers get a leather-clad interior, 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, metal pedals, dual-zone climate control, and a powered tailgate.
However, buyers who want a comparable car to the Velar we have on test must shell out an additional $9440 for some options.
On this car, there is the black exterior pack ($1680), tow hitch receiver ($1000), configurable dynamics ($940), black roof rails ($940), privacy glass ($890), illuminated metal front treadplates ($700), reduced section spare wheel ($530), rear-seat remote release levers ($300), unique interior colour combination ($890), and the cold climate pack ($1820) that bundles a heated steering wheel, rear seats and windscreen.
I understand the appeal of customisation, especially on a luxury model, but some of these options should really be standard fare, especially if you are spending more than $150,000 on a brand-new car.
Notably, the privacy glass and rear-seat remote release levers should come at no extra cost given they are included on models at a third of the price, while it can also be argued the cold climate pack and blacked-out exterior bits should also be standard.
However, also keep in mind these additions will only add around $9500 (or 6 per cent) to the price, so in the grand scheme of things, if you are shopping in this price band, what’s a little more?
| Key details | 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 |
| Price | $156,370 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Ostuni Pearl White |
| Options | Cold climate pack – $1820 – Heated steering wheel – Heated rear seats – Heated windscreen Black exterior pack – $1680 Tow hitch receiver – $1000 Configurable dynamics – $940 Black roof rails – $940 Privacy glass – $940 Deep garnet/Ebony perforated Windsor leather seats – $700 Illuminated metal front treadplates – $640 Reduced section spare wheel – $530 Rear seat remote release levers – $300 |
| Price as tested | $165,810 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $185,680 |
| Rivals | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
Range Rover Velar best deals
Land Rover isn’t currently offering Range Rover Velar-specific offers, but does have offers available on the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport, alongside available finance offers across the range. Find new and used Range Rover Velars for sale at Drive Marketplace.
Find your nearest Land Rover dealer here to check out the Range Rover Velar in the metal.
If you’re looking for more pricing, specifications, and the latest offers on the Range Rover Velar range, click here.
How big is a Range Rover Velar?
Measuring 4797mm long, 2041mm wide, 1678mm tall and with a 2874mm wheelbase, the Velar sits comfortably in the large SUV category, which means it affords plenty of space for its five occupants.
The front seats have ample room and storage compartments to empty pockets, including door pockets that will take a large bottle, a deep underarm storage cubby, wireless smartphone charger, and cupholders.
There is also more than enough variability in the electronically adjustable front seat to find an appropriate driving position, and despite its sporting potential, the seats in the Velar are soft and cosseting, designed for comfort rather than corner-hugging bolstering.
The rear seats of the Velar are also spacious and comfortable, offering heaps of leg, head, and shoulder room for adults in the outboard seats.
The middle position in the second row is also useable for grown-ups, but the base is a little narrower and backrest not as sculpted, resulting in a more compromised seat.
However, without anyone there, it allows access to a fold-down armrest with two cupholders, while rear occupants also have access to a door pocket, air vents, and back-seat map pockets.
Opening the boot also reveals a capacious cargo capacity, with a 748-litre rating with all five seats in place. Folding the second row expands the volume to 1811L.
What all this means is that the Velar is more than up to the task for the daily family carry, such as a pram, nappy bag, groceries and more, and will even come in handy for trips to the Bunnings or Ikea on the weekends.
For the adventurous types, the Velar will also be able to accommodate camping gear and plenty of weekend bags for four adult occupants too.
| 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 748L seats up 1811L seats folded |
| Length | 4797mm |
| Width | 2041mm |
| Height | 1678mm |
| Wheelbase | 2874mm |
Does the Range Rover Velar have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Inside, the updated Velar scores an 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which replaces the pre-updated car’s 10-inch unit. There is functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which works well on a screen this size.
For those that don’t want to pair their phones, there is also in-built satellite navigation, as well as digital radio.
All in all, the infotainment system works well, and it’s appreciated that Land Rover has not gone too overboard with massive screens everywhere like some rivals. What’s there is functional and neat, while not overbearing and complicated.
The Velar also has connected services, called InControl Connectivity, with features such as Wi-Fi hotspotting, select app control via the infotainment screen, and security tracking.
Owners can also pair their car through the app, which allows functionality such as remote locking and unlocking.
Take it from me, if you own a Velar, do this lest you lose your keys and have no way but an Uber to get home.
Is the Range Rover Velar a safe car?
The current facelifted Range Rover Velar is unrated by ANCAP; however, the previous version was awarded a maximum five-star rating from testing in 2017.
With ANCAP implementing expiration dates for its rating system, that five-star score came to an end at the end of 2023.
However, the new and old cars are significantly similar, with the updated model distinguished by headlights, grille and rear bumper.
The safety rating, though, does not carry over.
MORE: Every new car stripped of its safety rating from today
| 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 | |
| ANCAP rating | Unrated |
What safety technology does the Range Rover Velar have?
Despite not having a current ANCAP safety rating, the 2025 Range Rover Velar is still well equipped with a wide array of safety features.
With autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring, lane-keep assist, a surround-view monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, the Velar keeps pace with other luxury family SUVs on the safety spec sheet.
There are also six airbags, as well as tyre pressure monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
A nice-to-have feature rarely seen in other models, however, is the brake pad wear indicator, which can alert owners when the crucial component is in need of replacement.
In my time with the car, I found none of the advanced safety systems to be intrusive or annoying, and all functioned as expected.
| At a glance | 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 | |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes pedestrian detection |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | |
| Blind Spot Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Alert and assist functions |
| Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist |
| Road Sign Recognition | Yes | Includes speed limit assist |
| Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes fatigue monitor |
| Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front and rear sensors, surround-view monitor |
How much does the Range Rover Velar cost to service?
Like all new Range Rover products, the Velar comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance over that period.
This matches luxury marque assurance periods like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but falls short of mainstream offerings from Nissan, Kia, Mitsubishi, and MG.
The Velar does not have a fixed maintenance schedule. Instead, the vehicle takes into account distance travelled and driving conditions to determine when the next service is due.
Servicing costs will then vary depending on what is required, but Range Rover does offer a five-year, prepaid service plan for some transparency.
In the Velar P400, this covers five years/102,000km, or 20,400km annually, for a $2450 asking price.
This makes the Velar much more affordable to keep on the road than other luxury rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and it also has a longer distance period between services.
In fact, over that first 102,000km of ownership, the Velar costs about as much as a Toyota Kluger ($2568 to 105,000km) to service.
To insure the Velar, it will cost $3372 per annum based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | Condition based |
| Servicing costs | $2450 (5-year service plan) |
Is the Range Rover Velar fuel-efficient?
The official combined fuel consumption figure for the Range Rover Velar P400 is 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, but I found the car to be thirstier at 11.1L/100km.
This could be due to a heavy right foot, or because it was primarily used in inner-city conditions (in which it returns 12.1L/100km), but the slightly high fuel average is expected.
The 2025 Range Rover Velar is also equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to help keep fuel useage lower for such a large engine.
However, the powertrain takes premium 95RON petrol, making it more expensive to fill at the bowser.
| Fuel efficiency | 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 9.1L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 11.1L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 83L |
What is the Range Rover Velar like to drive?
As a premium large SUV offering, the Range Rover Velar needs to tick the boxes of comfort, performance, and opulence, and succeeds in spades here.
The Velar performs effortlessly thanks to that 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, with a smooth torque curve and delivery that keeps occupants from jostling about.
There is still a punch, it’s just subdued and refined in a way you’d expect out of a luxury vehicle, rather than being theatrical like you would see in a hot hatch or full-fat performance model.
Peak power of 294kW comes in at a heady 5500rpm, but honestly you likely will not want to rev this car all the way out as it introduces intrusive engine noise.
Maximum torque of 550Nm is available from just 2000rpm, which helps propel the Velar effortlessly, so the eight-speed automatic will try and keep the revs in this range, which works well for a car of this calibre.
The dynamics are also very good for a large SUV, with not much pitch and roll in corners, but this is not a sports car. You can still have a bit of fun, and the Velar is a willing partner in fast and tight corners, but setting a new lap record isn’t what this car is about.
Think of it more as a grand tourer – being comfortable and fast in equal measure, and able to cruise over long distances supremely well.
To this end, the seats are great, feeling plush and comfortable without fatiguing passengers over time.
My favourite feature inside, however, is the steering wheel that is covered in a soft leather and the stitching hidden to make it look like all one piece. It’s nice to hold and nice to look at, and with it being the number-one most interacted with component for the driver, this is crucial.
Ride comfort is also very good thanks to the air suspension, but the large-diameter wheels can make things firm over bumps at speed.
Another positive about the Velar, though, is that it stands out in a crowd, especially among the sea of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi models you see everywhere.
There are different interpretations of luxury, with Germany straying towards sportiness, and South Korea emphasising comfort, but the British form of luxury – or Range Rover – blends the two in equal measure.
The Velar is also backed by genuine off-road capability, able and willing to tackle some gnarly terrain so long as the owner is brave enough.
In fact, there are three separate off-road driving modes, including Sand, Grass/Gravel/Snow, and Mud Ruts, which can tweak the suspension and powertrain set-up to suit particular slippery conditions.
Overall, this Range Rover blends its elements together in a cohesive and appealing package, and all of this is wrapped in the bodywork of the gorgeous Velar – one of the best-looking SUVs on the market.
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| Key details | 2025 Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 |
| Engine | 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 294kW at 5500rpm |
| Torque | 550Nm at 2000–5000rpm |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 8-speed torque converter automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 149.8kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2016kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Payload | 654kg |
| Tow rating | 2500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 11.9m |
How much weight can a Range Rover Velar tow?
As a premium SUV that isn’t afraid to get off the well-travelled path, the Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 has a fairly moderate twoing capacity.
It is rated to haul a 2500kg braked load, which is just under the 2700kg of a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. And because its 550Nm torque figure is available early on, it should feel effortless with a boat, caravan, or motorbikes behind it.
Unbraked towing is rated at 750kg, while the 654kg payload capacity is more than enough for families or even five full-sized adults.
Should I buy a Range Rover Velar?
The Range Rover Velar offers up an appealing blend of performance and luxury, while looking damn good to boot.
Adventurous families are catered for with the bevy of off-road-specific driving options, while even those who prefer the catwalk over a hike will also be happy with the premium appointments and comfort on offer.
Price-wise, it might not be the best value out there, but at least servicing is much more affordable than rivals.
As such, the Range Rover Velar delivers solidly across the board, with a broad appeal for most motorists looking for a premium family chariot.
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