“2020 Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition Test Drive”
New Performance and Luxury level Trim Added to Velar Lineup
OVERVIEW
Range Rover has added a one year only trim level expansion to its Velar lineup. It’s the 2020 Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition, which may be the longest handle on record for a motor vehicle. Speaking of handles, this special limited edition Range rover features pop-out door handles that are flush when not in use. Other distinctions for this model include the fact that it is powered by a very healthy supercharged V-8 engine rather than being moved by a 4-cylinder or a V-6 as with other Velar models and it rides one inch higher than its stablemates.
DISTINCTIVE EXTERIOR STYLE
The 2020 Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition is a formidable midsize, 5-seat SUV that falls between the Evoque and the Sport in the Range Rover lineup. It represents a new perspective on glamour, elegance and modernity, while displaying an unquestionable DNA link to the marque’s pedigree. The Velar’s design is revolutionary rather than evolutionary. The Velar borrows from the Jaguar F-Pace’s form revealing: a long hood, a sloping roofline, and highly pronounced and open wheel arches, so in many ways, the 2020 Range Rover Velar bears similarities to the Jaguar F-Pace, which it shares its structure and powertrains with.
The exterior displays a new front bumper with larger air intakes to feed the supercharged V8 engine while also helping to cool the uprated braking system. A new grille and lower side moldings combine with a revised rear bumper featuring integrated quad exhaust finishers. The exterior changes also include a transmission tunnel under tray designed to smooth airflow under the vehicle, assisting the fastest Velar in the range in cutting through the air more efficiently.
INTERIOR AMBIENCE
Moving into the plush cabin, special touches extend to the unique sports steering wheel, featuring a specially contoured rim and tactile aluminum gearshift paddles. Within the center console, the rotary gear selector and circular control dials for the InControl Touch Pro Duo™ infotainment system all feature a sophisticated knurled finish3. An optional carbon fiber pack for the interior adds a more contemporary feel to the cabin, with a distinctive steel weave, while sports pedals and illuminated metal treadplates with ‘Range Rover’ script finish the look.
Everything has been designed and crafted to promote a relaxed feeling. The twin sliding armrests that operate separately, aid in maximizing comfort.
A rich selection of quality materials, including premium textiles, expertly constructed. The elevated position of the Sports Command Driving Position, enables extended vision down the road, while viewing surroundings with greater clarity promote control regardless of conditions or traffic. The option of Configurable Ambient Interior Lighting in a choice of ten colors helps to create the right mood. The optional sliding panoramic or fixed panoramic roof fills the cabin with natural light, pulling the outside in. Oddly, a cloth interior costs more than on with leather.
CONNECTIVITY AND INFOTAINMENT
Individual SV elements include the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display that features a bespoke SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition start-up screen and unique ‘digitally knurled’ dials for an expertly handcrafted sense and finish to the digital experience. The new infotainment system is intuitive, sharp, and alluring, and points to the fact that automakers don’t necessarily need to look to Apple or Android to create desirable infotainment user interfaces.
POWERFUL PROPULSION
Powering the 2020 Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Edition is a are three sources inspired by Jaguar The base engine is a 5.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged gas V-8 engine. Motive force is geared through an SV (Special Vehicle) tuned ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters to the 4WD-Torque on Demand Borg Warner AHT1400 Transfer Case, Terrain Response® and Active Rear Differential.
PERFORMANCE
The 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 delivers 550 horsepower in a range from 6,000 to 6,500 rpm, awhile developing 502 pound feet of torque from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm. A romp from 0-60 mph may be accomplished in a mere 4.3 seconds with a top speed capability (electronically limited) of 10 mph. Maximum towing capacity is 5,291 pounds.
The handling attributes are sporty in nature, especially with sport steering activated, which generates more energy through the wheel, although some non-proponents will likely feel that it’s somewhat artificial.
AS TESTED
My 2020 Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition featured an Indius Silver metallic finish with a Narvik Black roof, while the interior was executed in combinations of Ebony and Pimiento. The base sticker read $90,790., while optional fare along with the destination and delivery fee bumped the final tally to $94,655. Extras included the Drover Assist Pack, Head-Up display, configurable ambient interior lighting, All-Terrain Progress Control and Terrain Response 2 with Dynamic Program.
THE FINAL TAKE
The 2020 Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition might well be thought of as a new benchmark for the iconic luxury midsize SUV crowd. It establishes a new heightened level for the way that SUVs should look outside and feel on the inside.
Every Velar comes with Land Rover capability, meaning that they can go virtually anywhere, although in reality, they probably won’t. Yes, there will be some owners who will push it to its limits, but most will not.
Switchgear and controls are highly intuitive with some valuable redundancy. The nerve center for Land Rover’s terrain management system toggles between Dynamic or sport, ECO, Comfort and off-road modes including Grass, Gravel and snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. Each separate icon has its own illustration that serves as a setting reminder, and is further configurable when used with the optional air suspension system. There are a host of available seating configurations.
The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is without a doubt, one of the finest SUVs in the Land Rover family and perhaps the best in its segment considering price, content and capability. It is indeed gorgeous, elegant, loaded with technology and highly capable in terms of performance both on and off-road. What’s not to like?
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition
Base Price: $90,790.
Price as Tested: $94,655
Engine Type and Size: 5.0-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged gas V-8
Horsepower (bhp): 550 @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 502 @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
Transmission: SV tuned ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic with aluminum paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / 4WD-Torque on Demand Borg Warner AHT1400 Transfer Case, Terrain Response® and Active Rear Differential, Optional Terrain Response® 2.
Suspension: Front -Double Wishbone w/ Air Springs.
Rear – Integral Link w/ Coil Springs, Optional Air Springs.
Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel discs – Front: Four Piston Fixed Caliper w/ Two-Piece Ventilated Disc. Rear: Single Piston Sliding Caliper w/ Two-Piece Ventilated Disc / ABS, BA, TC, and ESC.
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season 265/45 R21 108Y mounted on 5-“U”-shaped Black Painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 113.1 inches
Length Overall: 189.2 inches
Width: 84.4 inches–mirrors out/80.4” mirrors in.
Height: 67.5 inches
Approach Angle: 27.5 degrees in off-road height
Departure Angle: 29.1 degrees in off-road height
Ramp Breakover Angle: 21.8 degrees in off-road height
Max Wading Depth: 25.6 inches in off-road height
Ground Clearance: 9.9 inches in off-road height
Front overhang: 33.0 inches
Raer Overhang: 43.1 inches
Curb Weight: 4,595 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.1 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 21.7 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 15 mpg city/20-mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: From 0.35
0 – 60 mph: 4.3 seconds – Top speed=170 mph.
# # #
