The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the fastest Velar ever

Already Land Rover’s most road-focused model, as well as an international design competition winner, the high-velocity Velar gets a parallel makeover to that which transforms the Jaguar F-Pace into a top-of-the-range SVR model. That car is also due to go on sale this year, with cars like the Porsche Macan Turbo in its sights. 

Like the Jag, the new Velar’s Porsche-hunting credentials are centred on fitment of JLR’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 in 550PS (543bhp) form. Backed by 680Nm (502lb ft) of torque from 2,500rpm and driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s the most powerful and fastest Velar yet.

Although larger and equipped more for off-road driving than its F-Pace sister, the new Velar nonetheless blasts from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, just two-tenths behind the Jag. It is impressive given the Land Rover weighs in at over 200kg more. The top speed is an unrestricted 170mph against the F-Pace’s 176mph.

The new Velar is being assembled by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department but, unlike the top F-Pace, eschews SVR badging. Instead it gets the more mainstream SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition name, linking it more closely with the full-size Range Rover.

SVO has had to do quite a lot to turn the mild-mannered Velar into a fire-breathing Porsche beater, but expect a wild scoops-and-spoilers makeover and you will be disappointed. There’s little “go faster” about the look, just a quietly considered finessing of what is Land Rover’s most svelte shape in order to optimise aerodynamics and engine and brake cooling.

At the front, spot the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition by its revised grille and bumper profile, and its larger air inlets. At the back… Well, there can be no missing those quad exhaust pipes. Land Rover promises that a bespoke exhaust system ensures there’s a rumbling V8 soundtrack to match its performance.

Upgrades inside the Velar’s already slick cabin concentrate on new finishes and materials. Aluminium knobs get a classy knurled finish while the twin-stitched, perforated and quilted leather is unique to the model and available in four colour combinations: Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento. The front seats are heated, cooled and feature 20-way adjustment and massage functions as standard.

And the bits you can’t see? There are bigger brakes, lightweight wheels (21 inches as standard or 22 inches as an option) and uprated suspension components, along with a recalibration of all the car’s systems to match the increased performance (the all-wheel-drive, Quickshift transmission, active locking-rear differential, air suspension, adaptive dampers and steering have all been tweaked). The result, says Land Rover SVO managing director Michael van der Sande, is a more focused driving experience but one that doesn’t compromise the Velar’s composure, capability and refinement.

At a base price of £86,120 it’s £11,000 more than the equivalently powered, sportier looking Jaguar F-Pace SVR. It’s also quite a bit more than the (considerably less powerful, six-cylinder) Porsche Macan Turbo.

There is however another way of looking at that Velar price: that it is £150,000 cheaper than SVO’s last Land Rover project, the ill-fated two-door Range Rover SV Coupe which premiered at last year’s Geneva Motor Show and which has now been cancelled.

We’ll take the hot Velar every time. Remember, though, it’s only going to be in the shops for a year…