2027 Range Rover Velar.
We’ve been seeing spy shots of the next-generation Range Rover Velar for well over a year now. And most of those early prototypes were wrapped in extremely heavy camouflage. Thick cladding, fake panels, and confusing light signatures did a great job of hiding what was underneath. But lately, something has changed.
The most recent test vehicles appear to be wearing much lighter covers. And those thinner disguises are starting to reveal a shape that looks… unusual. In some angles, the new SUV almost resembles a lifted sedan rather than a traditional mid-size luxury crossover.
The upcoming Range Rover Velar EV is rumored to ride on JLR’s new EMA (Electrified Modular Architecture) platform. This new architecture is expected to underpin several future electric models, including EV versions of the Discovery Sport and Evoque. That means the Velar won’t just be an electrified version of the current model, but part of a broader strategic shift toward a more unified and dedicated EV lineup.
After more than eight years on the market, the current Velar is clearly nearing the end of its lifecycle. Although still looking very good. When it debuted, it made headlines with its minimalist interior, flush door handles, and sleek profile. It felt fresh and modern, even within the already stylish Range Rover lineup. However, time moves quickly in the luxury SUV segment. The prototypes of the next generation reveal much narrower side windows and a higher beltline than the outgoing model. Interestingly, that design direction feels oddly similar to the upcoming Jaguar “00” Sedan EV, though not quite as extreme. The greenhouse appears tighter, giving the vehicle a more dramatic, coupe-like silhouette.
Right now, the Velar starts at around $62,000, which isn’t outrageous for a luxury SUV wearing a Range Rover badge. Still, the EV version will almost certainly command a premium. Battery costs, new platform development, and added technology typically push prices upward. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the electric Velar approach or even exceed the $75,000 mark, depending on trim levels and performance variants. The big question is whether customers will see enough value in the redesign to justify that jump.
Sales numbers tell a clear story. The Velar had a strong launch year, moving more than 17,000 units in 2018. Since then, demand has steadily cooled. Last year, sales dropped to just 6,370 units. That’s a pretty dramatic decline for a model that once seemed like a design icon. Even the modest mid-cycle refresh for 2023, featuring updated lighting, revised infotainment, and subtle exterior tweaks, wasn’t enough to bring it back into the spotlight. In today’s market, where buyers are flooded with compelling EV options, standing still simply isn’t enough.
There is definitely space for a beautifully styled mid-size luxury EV that isn’t trying to look overly futuristic or polarizing. Not everyone wants something as ugly as a BMW iX, and not every buyer is ready to stretch to Porsche money. A sleek, well-proportioned electric Velar could fill that gap perfectly. However, if the strange proportions suggested by the latest spy shots are accurate, the final product could end up looking awkward rather than elegant.
The illustration circulating online shows a worst-case scenario: a tall body with a sedan-like roofline, a pinched glasshouse, and slightly ungainly rear proportions. Aerodynamics are critical for EV range, but there’s a fine line between efficient and odd-looking. Let’s hope the camouflage is still playing tricks on us, and that the final design blends innovation with the understated sophistication that originally made the Velar stand out.