Since its debut more than 50 years ago, Land Rover has become synonymous with off-road adventures and exploring the great outdoors. But increasingly, what’s happening within the interiors of these sleek SUVs also has the potential to get the adrenaline pumping — especially with the debut of the 2021 Range Rover Velar.
First introduced in 2017, the Velar brims with state-of-the-art technology that creates an intuitive digital experience for both passenger and driver — which was a key objective in development, according to Nick Rogers, executive vice president of engineering at Jaguar Land Rover. “A guiding principle in developing the Range Rover Velar was concentration on the essentials,” Mr. Rogers says. “By doing away with all superfluous items, we have emphatically emphasized simplicity and beauty. We followed this philosophy when we set out to transform the digital experience.”
This transformation brings with it an array of thoughtful features that will appeal to whomever is lucky enough to experience the Velar, from the TikTok-obsessed teens in the backseat to the music aficionado riding shotgun to the person behind the wheel. Consider the new Pivi and Pivi Pro information systems, for starters: Equipped with two 10-inch touchscreens and a newly designed interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Pivi pairs with the Meridian sound system, offering unparalleled performance and audio quality. (Spotify fans in particular will appreciate how, for the first time, the streaming service is integrated directly into the Velar’s menu.) The “Software Over-The-Air” system is equipped with dual modem and dual eSIM to enable seamless software updates, while two cell phones can now be connected simultaneously via Bluetooth, with six total USB plugs throughout the interior.
All that enhanced connectivity doesn’t necessitate a steep learning curve, as the Velar’s menu is easier than ever to navigate. Mr. Rogers notes that Land Rover designers worked to flatten and streamline the menu structure, allowing users to access 90 percent of all important operations with just one or two taps from the start screen, which is not only convenient for all passengers but also helps reduce distractions for the driver.
The enhancements don’t stop there. The 2021 Velar features top-of-the-line active noise cancellation for low-frequency road noise, the kind of which can cause driver fatigue (especially on long summer road trips). A 360-degree bird’s-eye camera now comes standard on all Velar models, making easy work of maneuvering in tight parking spots and low-ceilinged parking garages. The vehicle also comes with a second-generation, wearable Activity Key that enables remote locking/unlocking and remote start seamlessly.
Finally, the Velar’s air purification system, an industry-leading feature when it was introduced in 2017, has been upgraded and enhanced. Available as an option, the system blocks particulate matter, fine dust, allergens, pollen, and even odors from the vehicle interior when activated and can be monitored and controlled via the Velar’s touchscreen.
Yet another reason passengers will breathe (and ride) easy in the 2021 Velar.