Land Rover's New Velar Swaps V8 Growl for Electric Power | Carscoops

      The exterior design of the all-electric Range Rover Velar will closely resemble that of the ICE model.

      The Velar EV may incorporate some technology from the full-size Range Rover. With a pair of electric motors, it could potentially outperform the supercharged V8.

      Land Rover is not anticipated to unveil the new Velar until next year.

      The market for luxurious all-electric SUVs is expanding, and with brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi already offering several models, Jaguar Land Rover must respond. In addition to developing an electric version of the full-sized Range Rover, they are also revamping the smaller Range Rover Velar, which is currently undergoing testing at the Nurburgring.

      Although this prototype is camouflaged, it's evident that the overall shape of the Velar EV will closely mirror the existing ICE version. Considering the current model's attractive design, Land Rover has wisely opted to maintain much of its aesthetic.

      Consequently, the front end bears a strong resemblance to the current model, featuring slim headlights and black sections where the front grille and air intakes are located on the combustion-engine version of the Velar.

      It remains uncertain whether Land Rover will implement any significant modifications to the SUV’s front. Since electric vehicles don't require an engine cooling system, a conventional grille and large air intakes are generally unnecessary; however, the prototype indicates that some form of grille will persist, likely as a solid black panel. A small forward-facing camera is situated at the center, which is utilized by the vehicle's safety and driver-assist technologies.

      There are also some intriguing features on the rear section of the prototype, with noticeable design elements around the C- and D-pillars, though we anticipate a more polished rear design for the final production model.

      Regarding the powertrain, details remain sparse. The larger Range Rover EV is expected to have a significant 117 kWh battery pack, but that would be too large for the more compact Velar. Instead, a battery capacity between 85 – 100 kWh seems more feasible.

      It is also reasonable to assume that it will be equipped with two electric motors for all-wheel drive. There is even a chance that it could surpass the current SVAutobiography Dynamic, which features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 542 hp and 502 lb-ft (681 Nm).