Range Rover Velar HSE 2017 review: snapshot

Sitting above the SE, and underneath the limited-run First Edition, the Range Rover Velar HSE is powered by a line-up of six different engines; three turbo-diesels, ranging from the four-cylinder D180 (132kW/430Nm) to the 3.0-litre D300 V6 (221kW/700Nm), as well as a trio of petrol units, from the turbocharged P250 (184kW/365Nm) to the supercharged 3.0-litre P380 V6.

All are mated to an eight-speed, torque-converter auto with drive going to all wheels through a single-speed transfer box managed by Land Rover’s ‘Intelligent Driveline Dynamics’ (IDD), allowing easy shifts between on- and off-road modes.

The level of standard equipment across the range is high, including a gesture-controlled power tailgate, 18-inch alloy rims, LED head and tail-lights, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors, electronically controlled eight-way adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, keyless entry and start, voice controls, a tailgate spoiler, the dual-screen 'Touch Pro Duo' multimedia system and flush handles that emerge from each door.

Explore the 2017 Range Rover Velar range

• Range Rover Velar S 2017 review: snapshot
• Range Rover Velar 2017 review
• Range Rover Velar SE 2017 review: snapshot
• Range Rover Velar HSE 2017 review: snapshot
• Range Rover Velar 2018 review: SE R-Dynamic D300
• Range Rover Velar 2018 review: SE R-Dynamic D240
• Range Rover Velar SE R-Dynamic P380 2018 review

Go all-in on the HSE and you’ll be rolling on 21-inch wheels, piercing the darkness with matrix LED headlights, while the 20-way adjustable front seats are heated, cooled and have a massage function.

Chrome highlights are sprinkled around the cabin, too, while adaptive cruise is added, as is an electrically adjustable steering column. The R-Dynamic bodystyle (branded treadplates, leather steering wheel with chrome bezel, unique bumpers front and rear, front fog lights, plus a range of special materials and finishes) adds another $6000 to the price.

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle ranges from a low of 5.4L/100km for the D180 four-cylinder diesel, to 9.4L/100km for the P380 petrol V6.