Range Rover Velar P400e in a practical test

Practical test Range Rover Velar P400e: Saving money in the wrong place

2025-02-24 From Sven Prawitz | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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The plug-in hybrid Velar P400e is luxurious and can drive mostly electrically. However, the small battery and weak charging performance counteract the premium ambitions of the British manufacturer.

The Range Rover Velar P400e.(Image: Sven Prawitz/Vogel Communications Group) — The Range Rover Velar P400e.
(Image: Sven Prawitz/Vogel Communications Group)

The Range Rover Velar has been on the market since 2017. Looking at the registration figures in Germany, the best years were 2018 and 2019. In terms of drive type, diesel clearly dominated in those years. The electrified variants of the Velar could not maintain this momentum after the Covid-induced sales slump.

We had the "P400e" model available for a few days. It's a plug-in hybrid with a turbo gasoline engine (2 liters; 4 cylinders) and a system output of 297 kW (404 hp). The drive provides enough power for a sporty driving style. However, in normal operation, the parameters are tuned in such a way that, together with the comfortable suspension and the eight-speed automatic transmission (ZF), it results in a more relaxed cruising experience.

Contributing to this are the good noise insulation and the large operating range of the electric drive. Up to a speed of 140 km/h (approx. 87 mph), the Velar is driven solely by the electric motor. This remains true even with a slightly deeper press on the pedal, where in other hybrids the combustion engine quickly kicks in. The P400e would be a pure everyday electric car, with the combustion engine only needed for longer distances. This is exactly what some observers believe would help alleviate customers' "range anxiety."

Hybrid drive with limited electric range

Unfortunately, only "would be": Because with just over 19 kWh, the battery is far too small for a vehicle in this segment and the brand's luxury claim. According to the WLTP cycle, the energy content allows for a meager 64 kilometers (approx. 40 miles). JLR states the consumption with a discharged battery as 9.6 l/100 km (combined).

Also, the charging performance is limited and meets neither premium nor luxury standards: At DC charging stations, the maximum output is only 35 kW. The Velar charges from 0 to 80 percent in at best 30 minutes. At a home wallbox (AC), only seven kW is possible. This results in a waiting time of at least 2.5 hours (0-100%).

High-quality ambience with minor limitations

Inside, a new, curved 11.4-inch touchscreen dominates the center console. The "Pivi Pro" infotainment system impresses with intuitive operation and fast response times. Particularly impressive: the "Meridian Surround Sound System" with 16 speakers, subwoofer, and 750 watts of power. Active noise cancellation additionally ensures top-class acoustic comfort.

The workmanship and choice of materials meet high premium standards. The seats offer decent, though not outstanding, lateral support. The space is generous at the front. However, it can be tight in the back—mainly for the head for those over 1.9 m tall (approx. 6 ft) if a panoramic roof is installed.

Safe driving behavior

The Range Rover Velar impressed with its above-average comfortable driving characteristics. We were impressed by both the suspension and the entire drive system, as well as the sound insulation. However, anyone wanting to commute electrically quickly reaches the system limits due to the low battery capacity. Unless the employer offers attractive charging options.

Anyone who opts for the uncommon Velar must spend at least 72,000 euros (diesel mild hybrid, 75.441,60 USD). The P400e from our test starts at just over 83,000 euros (86.967,40 USD). With a panoramic sunroof (2,000 euros or 2.095,60 USD), various technology packages, and the sound system, you quickly reach the 100,000 euro mark (104.780,00 USD). A threshold that is surely exceeded with the highest "Autobiography" trim level.

What else we noticed is described in the photo gallery:

Gallery

Also typical is the horizontal line extending far back between the headlights.(Image: Sven Prawitz/Vogel Communications Group)

The trunk offers plenty of space; the charging cables are neatly stored.(Image: Sven Prawitz/Vogel Communications Group)

Even at the rear, Range Rover sets itself apart from many other SUVs.(Image: Sven Prawitz/Vogel Communications Group)

Gallery with 13 images

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