The Range Rover Velar has always been the stylish one in the family, but its next generation could take that idea much further than anyone expected. According to fresh reports from the UK, JLR is preparing a completely new Velar with a dramatic design shift, moving away from the familiar SUV shape toward something sleeker, lower, and far more futuristic.
Everything We Know So Far
Jaguar Land Rover is preparing to launch a new wave of models in 2026, and the upcoming Velar is expected to be one of the most important names in that plan.
Instead of following the traditional SUV formula, the new Velar is reportedly being developed as a low, elegant crossover that blends the comfort of a luxury sedan with the higher driving position buyers still want from a Range Rover. It is a bold move, but one that could help the Velar stand apart from the Evoque and Range Rover Sport.
The powertrain story is just as interesting. JLR had originally planned for the new EMA platform to be electric-only, but the company has now adjusted its strategy. The next Velar is expected to offer advanced hybrid gasoline power alongside fully electric versions, giving customers more choice in markets where charging infrastructure is still not ideal.
A Sleeker Velar Without A Rear Window
The next Velar is expected to be one of the final models shaped under the influence of former JLR design chief Gerry McGovern, and it looks set to move far away from the classic upright Land Rover profile.
Instead, the SUV will reportedly feature a sharp fastback roofline, a smoother body, and a more aerodynamic shape inspired by luxury liftback models such as the Polestar 4.
The most controversial detail is the possible removal of the rear window altogether. Prototype images suggest the new Velar may rely on a digital rear-view camera instead of traditional rear glass. This is not just for show. Removing the rear window can help open up more space in the back and improve headroom for rear passengers, while also giving the car a cleaner and more futuristic tail design.
Hybrid Power Joins The Electric Plan
The EMA platform was first intended to support fully electric models only, including the new Velar and the upcoming Defender Sport. But with demand for premium EVs slowing in some regions, JLR has chosen a more flexible path.
The updated platform will now support both electric and hybrid powertrains. The hybrid setup is expected to be a completely new system developed by JLR, rather than a simple update of its current gasoline engines. That should make the new Velar more appealing in markets where long-distance driving and charging access remain major concerns.
The official reveal is expected within the next six months.
Technology To Challenge Premium Rivals
The electric version of the new Velar is expected to come with serious hardware. It should use an 800-volt architecture capable of ultra-fast charging at more than 300 kW, similar to the technology planned for the larger Range Rover Electric.
Long-range versions could also offer up to around 800 km, or 500 miles, on a single charge thanks to new battery packs produced in the UK by Tata Group.
JLR is also investing around £500 million in its Halewood factory to prepare it for the new generation of flexible production. This will allow the plant to build both the Velar and Defender Sport on the same line, whether they come with electric or hybrid powertrains.
ArabGT Opinion
Turning the Velar into a sleek sedan-style crossover is a brave move, but it might be exactly what the model needs. The current luxury SUV market is crowded, and the Velar has to offer something different if it wants to stay relevant.
The decision to offer hybrid power is also a smart one. Many buyers like the idea of an electric Range Rover, but they are not all ready to depend completely on charging stations, especially in hot climates or on long-distance journeys. A hybrid version could give them the design and technology of the future without the range anxiety that still comes with EV ownership in many markets.
If JLR gets the formula right, the next Velar could return as one of the most stylish and interesting luxury crossovers in its class.
Would you choose this bold new Velar with its rear-window-free design and hybrid power, or would you rather see it stay closer to the classic SUV shape?
