Expert opinion
If you thought the second-gen Range Rover Sport was a bit too upright and non, well, sporty, the Velar could be the solution. Named for the original pre-production versions of the very first Range Rover back in 1969, the Velar actually looks to a much more modern phenomenon for its inspiration – the coupe SUV. Think of it then as a cross between a full-fat Range Rover and a BMW X6. There is a wide (and slightly confusing) choice of engines, from a humble 180hp turbodiesel to a rowdy 550hp supercharged 5.0-litre V8. There’s even a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid in the form of the latest P400e. Not all of these powertrains were available for very long, though, so you’ll need to do a bit of research to find the right one for you. Regardless of motive power, the Velar is a stylish and luxurious way to get around, with pleasingly minimalist lines both inside and out. In a world where SUV design (and weirder vehicle design in general) is delivering ever-fussier, more bling-soaked models to telegraph luxury, the Velar’s understated restraint and right-sized mission statement are all the more impressive.