New spy shots suggest the replacement for the Range Rover Velar is taking a radical new shape, morphing into a high-riding sedan that could ditch its rear window entirely.
The upcoming model, expected to debut within six months, will be the first Jaguar Land Rover product built on the EMA platform.
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Originally designed for electric powertrains, the architecture will now also accommodate hybrids.
JLR confirmed last week that the EMA platform supports hybrid setups, though specific powertrain details remain under wraps.
Autocar reports the platform will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture.
The electric variant will rival the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, and Volvo EX60, but its profile is expected to be closer to the low-slung Polestar 4.
Battery capacity is unconfirmed, but up to 100 kWh is speculated to stay competitive.
Design and Name Changes
The design was penned by Gerry McGovern before he left JLR.
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The shift from a traditional SUV shape allows the Velar to compete with electric sedans like the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, alongside their SUV equivalents.
There is speculation that the new model may not retain the Velar name, as JLR works to distinguish its Discovery, Range Rover, Defender, and Jaguar brand families.
Like the Polestar 4 and the new Jaguar Type 01, the Velar could go without a rear window, relying entirely on a rear-view camera.
This would free up rear headroom and eliminate the bulky header rail required for a glass pane.
JLR needs the new Velar to succeed.
It will be the first all-new model under PB Balaji, who also serves as CFO of Tata Motors.
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The Velar is expected to sell in higher volumes than the full-size Range Rover and Defender, thanks to a more accessible price point.
