The Next Range Rover Velar Could Look More Like a Sedan and Lose Its Rear Window

The Range Rover Velar is getting a dramatic makeover, and early spy photos suggest it’s trading its traditional SUV silhouette for something sleeker. The new model, expected to arrive in both all-electric and hybrid versions, is already deep in testing and could debut within the next six months.

It marks a bold departure from the current Velar, moving closer to a high-riding sedan shape that echoes the controversial Polestar 4.

This will be the first vehicle built on Jaguar Land Rover’s new EMA platform, originally designed exclusively for electric powertrains. JLR recently confirmed the platform will also accommodate hybrids, though specific details remain under wraps. The electric variant is set to take on the BMW iX3, Mercedes GLC EQ, and Volvo EX60, and sources suggest it may feature an 800-volt electrical system.

While battery capacity hasn’t been disclosed, analysts expect it could reach up to 100 kWh to stay competitive.

The design was penned by Gerry McGovern before his departure from JLR, and the company hasn’t explained why it’s abandoning the current Velar’s upright SUV stance. The shift could allow the Velar to compete with electric sedans like the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, alongside their SUV counterparts.

Rumors also suggest the model may drop the Velar name entirely as JLR reorganizes its brands into distinct families. Another possibility: like the Polestar 4, the new Velar could ditch its rear window entirely, relying on a camera system to free up rear headroom and reduce structural bulk.

With a more accessible price point than the full-size Range Rover or Defender, this model is critical for JLR’s next chapter.