Skip advert
Advertisement

New Range Rover Velar replacement spotted: electric coupe-SUV struts its stuff

This is the first time we’ve spotted a possible all-electric Velar replacement in action

Range Rover is readying its all-electric fleet of cars with an EV version of the full-size Range Rover coming later this year. Joining it will be a sleek coupe-SUV as spied here, which could preview the future of the Velar coupe-SUV model. 

The Range Rover Electric will go on sale later on in 2024 as the firm’s first all-electric car. Following close behind will be this model, caught in prototype form here for the first time. Judging by its dimensions, this test car could be an all-electric mid-size SUV that’ll take the place of the Velar in Range Rover’s line up. 

Rather than use a version of the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform that’ll underpin the full-size Range Rover Electric, the electric Velar replacement will sit on the firm’s new EMA platform. The firm said in 2023 the first car to make use of this technology would be a “medium-size modern luxury SUV” that will go into production in 2025, and will be a “model from the Range Rover family”. After initial plans to make EMA a multi-fuel platform, it was confirmed to be electric-only. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The positioning of the electric Velar will place it directly under the Range Rover Electric as a rival to the new Porsche Macan EV, Maserati Grecale Folgore and the upcoming BMW Neue Klasse SUV.

In terms of design we can immediately see the car has a more rakish appearance than the already pretty sleek Velar. The headlight arrangement looks similar to the current Range Rover’s, along with a prominent grille that we expect will be largely filled-in to enhance aerodynamics. Moving to the side profile, there are bulky wheel arches housing some massive alloy wheels and a sloped windscreen to reduce drag. The section of bodywork behind the third-pillar is merely a decoy, other angles show this to be a more coupe-SUV shape with a pronounced rear shoulder line. A pair of thin rear lights conform to Range Rover’s current design language. 

Given the new car rides on an all-new platform, there’s little in the ways of technical details around, but 800V architecture is expected to allow up to 350kW rapid charging.

Click here to discover the best electric SUVs currently on sale...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024
Best hybrid SUVs - header image
Best cars & vans

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2024

Plenty of SUVs now come with hybrid power, and we’ve picked out the very best buys on today’s market
13 May 2024
Range Rover Electric uncovered as it begins extreme testing in Arctic Circle
Range Rover Electric - front teaser
News

Range Rover Electric uncovered as it begins extreme testing in Arctic Circle

Jaguar Land Rover has revealed the first images of its zero-emissions Range Rover, drifting on a frozen lake at -40 degrees celsius
22 Apr 2024
Ultra-exclusive new Range Rover SV Burford Edition inspired by a quaint Cotswold town
New Range Rover SV Burford Edition - side
News

Ultra-exclusive new Range Rover SV Burford Edition inspired by a quaint Cotswold town

Just 10 examples of the super-limited Burford Edition Range Rover will be available
3 Apr 2024
James Bond’s Range Rover Safari from Octopussy reimagined as an EV by Lunaz
Lunaz Range Rover Classic - front
News

James Bond’s Range Rover Safari from Octopussy reimagined as an EV by Lunaz

Live out your Octopussy dreams with this drop-top 1983 Range Rover Classic, and perhaps a safari suit, too
9 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024