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Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by kevin89
Hey everyone, I've been following the news about the upcoming Velar EV and I'm pretty intrigued by what Land Rover is doing here. They're positioning it as a sleek electric saloon that's shedding typical SUV characteristics, and honestly, it's a bold move. The design philosophy seems to be moving away from the chunky, boxy aesthetic we've come to expect from Range Rover vehicles.

From what I've seen in the previews, the Velar EV features a more streamlined profile with smoother lines and a lower stance than traditional SUVs. It looks like they're targeting people who want the luxury and prestige of a Range Rover badge but prefer a more car-like driving experience. The interior shots show a minimalist approach with premium materials and cutting-edge tech integration.

What really catches my attention is how they're marketing this. It's not just another electric SUV - they're explicitly calling it a saloon, which signals a significant departure from Range Rover's heritage. The vehicle sits lower, has a sloping roofline, and overall appears much more sedan-like than anything they've released in their electric lineup before.

I'm curious about the performance specs and battery range though. With the electric powertrain, I'm wondering if they've managed to maintain that premium, responsive driving feel that Range Rover owners expect. The thermal efficiency of an EV would also mean better range in cold climates, which is a plus for luxury vehicle owners.

The pricing is something I'm waiting to hear about. Given the premium positioning and the shift toward a more exclusive segment, I'm guessing this won't be cheap. But if the execution is right, it could really shake up the luxury EV market.

What do you all think? Is this the future of Range Rover, or are they abandoning what made the brand great? Would you consider this over a traditional SUV?

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by amelia_clark
I really like where Land Rover is heading with this. The saloon design makes sense for the EV market - better aerodynamics means better range. That sleek look is definitely more modern than the boxy SUVs we've seen.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by anna33
The maintenance cost on these luxury EVs is going to be astronomical. Even though there are fewer moving parts, when something breaks, you're paying premium rates at Land Rover dealerships. I'm worried about long-term ownership costs.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by kevin89
Thanks for the replies everyone! To address the maintenance concern - you're right that luxury brands charge premium rates, but EVs do have fewer wear items. No oil changes, spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc. That should offset some costs. As for the design shift, I see both sides. It's not a traditional Range Rover, but the market is clearly moving this direction.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by daniel73
Has anyone seen the actual battery specifications yet? I'm interested in the real-world range for highway driving. The aerodynamics of a saloon shape should definitely help with efficiency.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by annasmith824
The aerodynamic efficiency of the saloon design is brilliant for EV performance. Lower drag coefficient means better acceleration and range. This actually makes perfect engineering sense.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by rizkypratama800
This is a huge departure from what Range Rover stands for. They built their reputation on rugged capability and SUV design. Turning it into a saloon feels like they're abandoning their core identity just to chase the EV trend.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by olivia.pratama
The interior tech looks absolutely stunning from the leaked images. Land Rover has always been good at combining luxury with practicality, and the minimalist EV approach fits that philosophy well.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by sofia_smith
Does anyone know if they're keeping the all-wheel drive capability? That was always a Range Rover strength. Can't imagine losing that feature even in a saloon format.

Re: Is the new Velar EV actually a Range Rover saloon? Thoughts on the design shift

Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:30 am
by rizkypratama800
Beautiful styling doesn't matter if it abandons the brand's core values. Range Rover's DNA is capability and ruggedness. This could have been marketed as a completely new model line instead of trading on the Range Rover name.