Next range Rover Velar Could Turn Out Quite Good Looking After All…
We’ve been seeing spy shots and illustrations of the next-generation Range Rover Velar for over a year now. The more we see the more we can tell the next-generation Velar will be very different from the current car. These new illustrations from Autocar show a design that almost looks like a sedan.
The upcoming model is expected to ride on JLR’s new EMA (Electrified Modular Architecture) platform. This next-generation architecture will also be used on several future electric vehicles from the brand, including upcoming EV versions of the Discovery Sport and Evoque. That means the new Velar won’t simply be an electric variant of the current SUV.
After about 9 years on sale, the current Velar is clearly approaching the end of its lifecycle, although, just like my beloved Aunt Faye, it still looks remarkably fresh and quite attractive (at least to some.)
Recent prototypes of the next-generation Velar reveal significantly narrower side windows and a noticeably higher beltline compared to today’s model. The greenhouse looks tighter and more compressed, creating a stronger coupe-like profile. Interestingly, that design direction feels somewhat similar to the upcoming Jaguar “00” electric sedan, though not quite as radical. If the proportions seen in the spy shots are accurate, the new Velar could end up looking very different from its predecessor.
Right now, the Velar starts at around $62,000, which isn’t unreasonable for a luxury SUV wearing the Range Rover badge. However, the fully electric replacement will almost certainly cost more. New EV platforms, large battery packs, and additional technology typically push prices higher. A starting price closer to $75,000 would not be surprising, especially if Range Rover positions the EV as a more premium, tech-focused model. One that would also go against recent Porsche EVs.
Sales numbers suggest the Velar could use a fresh start indeed. The SUV had a strong 1st year, selling more than 17,000 units in 2018. Since then, demand has steadily cooled. Sales dropped to under 6000 units, a sharp decline for a model that once helped redefine modern Range Rover design. Even the 2023 facelift, which introduced updated lighting, revised infotainment, and subtle styling tweaks, wasn’t enough to reverse the trend. That’s not entirely surprising.
However, if the strange proportions hinted at by the latest spy shots are real, the final design could end up looking a little awkward instead of elegant. The illustrations above really show a best case scenario compared to the actual spy shots.