2026 Range Rover Velar Launch: Redesigned and Refined at AED 299,000
Hamza Khan·10 May 2026·8 min read
The Velar's second generation arrives with a completely new interior, expanded electrification options and significantly improved rear seat space. UAE launch pricing from AED 299,000.
Land Rover has addressed the original Velar's most-cited weakness for UAE buyers — rear seat space — with the second-generation model. The wheelbase extends by 80 mm, translating to a meaningful improvement in rear legroom for a car that many UAE buyers use as a couple's premium daily driver and weekend country-road explorer.
Quick-Take Overview
Design & Exterior
The second-generation Velar's flush door handles, aerobrake-integrated spoiler and signature LED daytime running lights remain. The 2026 model adds a new front grille incorporating slim LED units above the familiar horizontal design. Three new colours: Verdant Green, Varesine Blue and Lantau Blue are available.
The side profile becomes cleaner with the 80 mm wheelbase extension — the Velar's proportions improve with the longer body. 21-inch alloys are standard on SE and above.
Interior & Technology
The redesigned interior is the launch headline. The new Pivi Pro second-generation system runs a significantly faster processor — menu navigation that previously required 3–4 taps is now 1–2. The 11.4-inch curved touchscreen is now sharper and more responsive.
Rear seat improvement: 920 mm of legroom (up from 840 mm in the first-gen Velar) now places it ahead of the GLC and level with the BMW X5. This was the most-cited reason for UAE buyers to choose the GLC over the Velar — it has now been resolved.
New: ventilated rear seats standard on SE and above (AED 4,900 previously optional). Essential for UAE summer conditions — their standard inclusion is a specific UAE-feedback response from Land Rover.
Powertrain & Performance
| Variant | Power | Range / Economy | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P250 SE | 249 hp | 10.8 L/100 km | 299,000 |
| P400 SE | 400 hp | 11.9 L/100 km | 379,000 |
| P400e (PHEV) | 404 hp | 97 km EV range | 399,000 |
The P400e PHEV at AED 399,000 is the most interesting: 97 km of electric range covers almost all Dubai daily driving on electricity alone. UAE EV incentives (zero registration fees, 25% Salik discount) apply.
Pricing & Trim Guide
| Trim | Price (AED) | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| P250 SE | 299,000 | Pivi Pro, 21-inch alloys, air suspension |
| P400 SE | 379,000 | P400 engine, Black Pack, Meridian audio |
| P400e PHEV | 399,000 | Full hybrid, all SE features |
| Autobiography | 489,000 | Full luxury specification |
Verdict
The second-generation Velar resolves the two main criticisms of its predecessor: rear seat space and infotainment responsiveness. The result is a genuinely rounded premium mid-size SUV that now competes head-to-head with the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLC on practicality while maintaining the Velar's advantage in exterior design.
Recommended: Velar P400e PHEV HSE in Lantau Blue.