{"id":119000,"date":"2023-09-16T11:49:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T11:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/?p=119000"},"modified":"2023-09-16T11:49:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T11:49:44","slug":"range-rover-velar-vs-volvo-xc60-2023-twin-test-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/auto-news\/range-rover-velar-vs-volvo-xc60-2023-twin-test-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Range Rover Velar vs Volvo XC60: 2023 twin test review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Can the updated Range Rover Velar beat the Volvo XC60 in PHEV guise?<\/h2>\n


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If you\u2019re after a premium SUV, then the German marques largely have you covered. Whether it\u2019s BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Porsche, there\u2019s a high-end machine that delivers performance, luxury and refinement in spades.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But two of the most stylish alternatives actually hail from elsewhere. The Range Rover Velar wowed with its concept-car looks when it arrived in 2017, and six years on, it still turns heads. For 2023 it\u2019s been treated to some updates, so we\u2019re keen to see if it has raised its game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Against it here is the Volvo XC60. The stylish Swede seems to get better with age; the last time we subjected a plug-in hybrid variant to a group test, it saw off the Audi Q5. Plus the PHEV powertrain has been updated since then, so it should provide a stern test for the Velar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic SE<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 PHEV AWD Ultimate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Price:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a368,860<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a367,780<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Powertrain:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2.0-litre 4cyl petrol\/1x e-motor, 398bhp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2.0-litre 4cyl petrol\/1x e-motor, 448bhp<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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0-62mph:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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5.1 seconds<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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4.9 seconds<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Test efficiency:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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30.6mpg\/6.7mpl<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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40.2mpg\/8.8mpl<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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CO2:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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40g\/km<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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24g\/km<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Annual VED:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a3560<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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\u00a3560<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Range Rover Velar<\/h2>\n

Prices for the revised Velar kick off from \u00a354,105, but our test car comes in the higher-specced Dynamic SE trim, and gets the most complex (and priciest) powertrain in the form of the P400e plug-in hybrid. It costs \u00a368,860, but our car\u2019s total is \u00a377,095 with options.<\/p>\n

Tech highlights\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The updates to the Velar line-up are mainly cosmetic, with the most significant upgrades coming to the in-car tech that we\u2019ll cover in the infotainment section. From the outside, the easiest way to spot the latest car from its predecessor is at the front, where there is a new grille pattern.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beyond this and a mildly reprofiled lower edge to the rear bumper, the Velar retains the same show-stopping looks that have proven to be a hit with buyers so far.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mechanically it remains largely the same as before. The P400e model we have here will be the pick of the range for company car users, because its combination of a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 141bhp electric motor results in CO2 emissions, based on the official WLTP measure, of 40g\/km. A 15.4kWh (usable) battery gives an official range of 38 miles between charges.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With the two energy sources combined, the four-wheel-drive Velar isn\u2019t short of potency; 398bhp and 640Nm enable it to sprint from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. That\u2019s an impressive number for a car that weighs in at 2.3 tonnes.<\/p>\n

Safety:<\/strong> When it was assessed by Euro NCAP, the Velar scored a maximum five stars. But that was back in 2017, which means the validity of the rating expires this year. All models get lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking, while Dynamic SE models and above add the likes of blind-spot monitoring and rear-traffic alert.<\/p>\n

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On the road<\/h2>\n

The Velar is a very accomplished SUV in terms of its road manners and comfort, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain isn\u2019t the strongest option, either in the range or when compared with rivals.<\/p>\n

Around town: <\/strong>The ability to drive in electric mode contributes to a car that is very quiet and free of vibration at low speeds. The ride comfort is controlled yet forgiving, but the electric motor shuffles through gearbox ratios, which adds a slightly clunky response as you accelerate gently.<\/p>\n


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Ownership<\/h2>\n

While the exterior changes are subtle, the Velar\u2019s interior redesign is more extensive. The wide-ranging updates are driven by the introduction of the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which has an enlarged screen that takes up more space on the dashboard.<\/p>\n

An upshot of this is that the previous slick climate functions, which mixed multifunction rotary dials with other buttons, have now been ditched in favour of on-screen controls.<\/p>\n

The cabin takes the brand\u2019s \u2018reductive\u2019 design philosophy to extremes, with the gear selector and hazard switch the only physical controls on the entire centre section of the dashboard.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We\u2019d rather see a few more buttons, not only for usability but also because the bare pieces of plastic trim don\u2019t really give the impression of a luxurious environment. That\u2019s a shame, because apart from those slightly underwhelming materials, the cabin feels well finished and sturdy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The seats are supportive, though, and the high driving position gives a commanding view of the road ahead.\u00a0 In our latest Driver Power customer-satisfaction rankings, Land Rover took a respectable 14th place out of 31 brands. However, 42 per cent of owners experienced a fault in the first year of ownership, with half of those suffering from electrical niggles and almost a fifth noting engine problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Storage:<\/strong> The interior reshuffle has opened up a little extra storage space in the dashboard, but many of the areas are largely similar to those in the pre-facelift Velar. The door bins are fairly deep, but not as wide as the XC60\u2019s, the glovebox is a generous size, and there\u2019s a central storage bin that, while reasonably deep, isn\u2019t too wide.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As a result, it\u2019s a bit of a squeeze to fit a large smartphone inside \u2013 especially if you choose to plug it into one of the USB sockets. There\u2019s also a 12-volt socket in the same cubby.<\/p>\n

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Practicality<\/h2>\n

The PHEV powertrain doesn\u2019t compromise what is an impressively roomy SUV.<\/p>\n

Rear Space:<\/strong> Kneeroom is very impressive in the back of the Velar, with two six-foot occupants able to get comfortable easily. However, while the cabin is wide, giving great elbow room, the rear bench is set up for two rather than three. The centre seat is quite slim, the backrest is hard, and the central tunnel is quite high. The outer seats are nicely sculpted, though, so this is a very comfortable car for two rear passengers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Boot:<\/strong> At 503 litres, the load bay has plenty of room. The area is almost perfectly square, and the large boot opening makes it easy to stack items inside. Four hooks enable things to be tied down securely, while a sturdy load-lip protector means there\u2019s little need to worry about causing damage when lifting heavy luggage in.<\/p>\n

What to buy?<\/h2>\n

Which engine and trim we\u2019d choose<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n