The new definition of luxury? Range Rover Velar FULL REVIEW - Autogefühl
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- In today’s Autogefühl's episode, we present you the all-new Range Rover Velar. As always we cover exterior, interior, engines and driving experience.
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Autogefühl is your no. 1 resource for in-depth car reviews and your no. 1 community to discuss cars.” Each year we present you 150 cars from every segment and from a wide range of brands. If you have any suggestion, just write a comment or contact us on our other socials. Even if you have further remarks, just let us know.
I am from France, and I love "Autogefühl" videos. Unfortunately, I do not speak or understand German, but this young man speaks english perfectly, and I understand about 90% of what he says. He is elegant, serious, charming, and passionate. It is a real pleasure to listen to him describing with impartiality german, english, italian or french cars. Congratulations !
Merci beaucoup!!
What a fine review, Thomas! The seats look so damn good! Thanks again for all your effort regarding that very special topic in all those years. People like you are making the difference out there. You’re a great guy! 👌
+Till Samenstrøm thx so much !!
velar is the best range rover and I agree with you about animal leather great test by the way
way to go!
@Abdullah Brandon hahahahhaha just give my password here don’t steal my time at least
I can't believe Autogefuhl has so few subscribers! I love Thomas so much, he has the perfect balance of his own opinions and an objectivity. Wonderful content, keep it up guys!
Thanks and please help by sharing and recommending :)
You are the best trust me 👌
I was thinking of buying an F Pace but the interior left me cold. In the end I bought a 240 HSE Dynamic Velar nearly new. The air suspension is great and although I would have preferred a 6 cylinder diesel, the 4 cylinder diesel is surprisingly refined. This car wafts you along in supreme comfort.
Hey sir
How was the relatability?
Any serious problems ?
We're so accustomed to leather-wrapped interiors that we find ourselves learning how to appreciate other materials, which by the way, can be as aesthetically pleasant and stimulating as leather. It's pleasing to know that this has become a global trend. Well done 👍 🔥 🔥
way to go !
I think it's where the mic/cam is positioned. I have the same car (but HSE) and my wipers are not noisy at all.
I've been waiting for your review of the Velar - excellent as always - well worth the wait, thank you Thomas
enjoy !
Hands down one of the most beautiful interiors on the market today
Thumbs up to Thomas for reviewing in the rain. Great review
Working in Thailand, every day I watch the news and also your reviews. Twice your reviews have influenced the cars I bought to great satisfaction. keep reviewing, please and thankyou.
awesome!
What did you buy?
Fantastic review again Thomas. We know you're a Jaguar person, but you'd still go for a Velar! You were rightly taken by the interior fabrics! But a top-spec Macan S 3.0 V6 petrol with all Alcantra interior inc steering wheel (and proper switches on the console!) is £65k. An equivalent Velar 3.0 V6 petrol with "the wool interior" is £82k. (The "wool interior" option on a Velar SE is £4,125! Phew!) I have no money, so I'll stick with my Honda. Love your reviews.
hehe yeah =)
Bruh... 82K! Man - 4K for the textile manufacturer Kvadrat's option... far out...
Beauty and comfort are all that matter to me with my car. This is breathtaking. It wont sell in large numbers but thats a good thing. This colour really suits it. Great reviews as always Thomas !
+richl 🙏🙏
Excellent review! That blue color looks great in the rain.
Excellent review of a beautiful and very expensive car!
At last, my most desirable combination. Quality fabric with heating. So logical and natural! And for final touch with cooling. It convinced me. I hope that other car producers will follow too.
+Gorazd Leben 👌
Congrats, great review. I love the design of this car.
yet Again Thomas u give us all the Details ....v-thankfull :)
+Victoor Eric 🙏🙏
Waiting for my New Velar D180 HSE RDyanmic on 30th of September. So excited.
That premium living room like textile looks really great, maybe it's a first time I see such great textile in a car. And also that combination of touch and physical controls looks also great, I think it's a good compromise of boths.
Great Review. As always, an Autogefuhl 'Full Review' gives you more detail than if you visited the showroom! And his driving impressions perhaps tell us much more than a short test drive round the block with a nervous salesperson in the passenger seat, putting us off, and talking BS! Great stuff Thomas. That test car of yours: too expensive for me!
+gordon bennett 🙏🙏
The reason I prefer leather is because its a natural material which not only looks good but its a safe, healthy product and I am also concerned with all the chemicals used in fabric couches and no doubt car seats. The other reason I generally don't particularly like material seats is because I like to have my dog in the car and there is nothing worse than how fur weaves itself into the fibres of the seats and is very difficult to remove, it also stains quite easily with mud and the like. I do like leather but I don't mind faux leather as an option. I agree however that its a good thing to have the option of the fabric seats for those who want it.
The amount of chemicals being used is way way higher in animal skin leather. People with contact allergies to chemicals cannot even touch steering wheels with animal skin leather. That's why suppliers like Continental produce a special leatherette that has a special eco-proof and allergy label. So it is exactly the other way around as you might expect. Animal leather is very very far from being a "natural" product. If it would be natural, it would stink and rot. Having the dog in the car, best is a high-grade leatherette then. Think about it: Would you put your dog's skin in the car? If not, why putting someone else's skin in a car. Leather is nothing different from fur. Leather is fur without hair.
Your beginning presentation is really gooooood👍🏾 and it becomes your signature to your channel. Very nice.
love to hear that :)
"door handles" now where have I seen those before ? hope they are top quality long lasting, do they chop small fingers off as well?
It is time when people realize that luxury is not in leather interior's and people should stop encouraging companies for leather interior's.
yes!
I think most of the case companies use leather not just for the luxury but also for the durability. Do you think the interior of this same car remains like this after few years?
@@Dr.Ijaz_ab There are leatherette grades which are more durable than the animal based one. It depends on the quality grad you use. The most expensive leather overall is a leatherette (used for Yachts)
Maybe they could offer a "deep synth bass" as an upgrade for the blinker noise.
That would be much closer in character for the Velar:))
Excellent video, as always - and what a beautiful interior!!!
I still prefer the fake leather. Fabric can get stained and dirty. It also doesn't look as good.
Thomas, you're really making me consider a shade of blue for my next automobile. I'm partial to navy blue because it's my favorite color. This blue on the Velar is handsome.
=)
Fantastic review and congratulations on a auto exec confirming the importance of humane production means. I also want to thank you for a rare mention of brake feel. You really do listen to your fans. Great Job Thomas, never stop doing what you do
a pleasure!
I watched this after your XC90 review. Must say it seems like the road/wind noise here is way less. And the V6 very pleasing (albeit thirsty). Both have nice interiors, this a little more special, the other more practical and cheaper to fully spec.
I knew we could count on you to finally see this stunning interior. I've watched dozens of reviews and every single one had the windsor leather. Only the written press like Car and Driver spoke about it in details. Thanks for showing it to us!
I really like the size of this Rover, but the engine choices in North America are terrible. The V4 is underpowered, and the V6 is an unrefined dinosaur, and not in a good way. Hopefully they will give another engine choice in a year or two, and then it would be a dream SUV for me. Well, a 3 year rental, because reliability on those scares me!
you re welcome !
When I arrive at home my first is dinner, second is watch Autogefühl reviews. Thank you Thomas, Thank you Autogefühl. Just wonder some reviews performed by Thomas alone I think am I correct?
Enjoy my friend!
On launches and events we re always travelling as a team. At home I also sometimes perform as a VJ ;-)
Thanks 👍🏻 really was excellent review..
Hey Thomas!!!
About the rear door closing so strongly...
On every Range Rover/Land Rover there are 2 strips along each side of the hatch, they almost look/act as a thin weather stripping however they are actually safety strips that with the least amount of pressure will cause the door to open. Open any hatch and feel down either side and try it - another land rover feature that the majority of people do not know about...
Paul.
New subscriber of yours Thomas.. I must say this is the best Range Rover Velar review so far.. you are very calm and knowledgeable about the car. I test drove the P250 and the P380 with my wife and I must say the P380 drives magically with the air suspension that comes with the V6 and my wife and I agreed the V6 is better. Again, a great and superb video.. greetings from the states!
great to have u here!
Thanks!
+Autogefuhl u don't have to kill a lamb or sheep to get wool from them u just need to shear it and i guess auto manufacturers get wool by shearing the animals i just mentioned. Ur also awesome at these reviews xD
thanks! Yeah thats why its better than leather for sure. It depends on the source though, I mean you do that like you would e.g. shave a dog that needs to be shaved, OK. But most wool come from weird industrial like sources where the sheep have to suffer too. So far, we could not find out where the Kvadrat wool is coming from.
oh well i hope they are shearing the sheep and lambs
Great review, in depth and very informative. So good to see no leather!
👌👌
Great review as always. The kvadrat interior looks nice. Btw which do you recommend, this or the Range rover sport. Not entirely sure how much firmer the ride is in comparison to the Range rover sport. thanks
thanks pal ! Hm good question, indeed they are not that different in length. I would compare concise offers.
You forgot to mention a few interior details like the armrests slide up when cupholders arent in use, the front cupholder also is where the wireless charging area, u can switch the navigation screen to the guage cluster as either split or full screen, etc.
Lovely interior. Did you have to ask specifically for it or you got it by chance? I’m a bit conflicted about leather interiors but finally I see a fabric interior that I really like.
I did specifically request it.
To hear more about all choices available, listen to the interior part!
As always, Well done Thomas, and, well done Land Rover.
Excited to watch your driving review of the new Evoque 😊😊 Awesome review, Thomas .... or 186cm tall Thomas as I think of you 😂
😅😅
Thank you so much Thomas. waited patiently on this particular review.
Great review as always Thomas! I love the way you say longerrr in you reviews.
+Andrew Holmes 🙏
What was that gesture at 1:50? Hahaha!
😁 Very British.
Great review! You guys should have at least twice the number of subscribers!
thanks - feel free to recommend us :)
Which would be your preference between the RR Velar and Jabuar F-Pace..?
Another quality review.
OK to have leather shoes or gloves or hats, or even a watch strap why not use the left over leather for car seats or home furniture?
We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter.
At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself.
In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first.
Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production:
ruclips.net/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/видео.html
List of practical reasons against animal skin seats:
1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it)
2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling
3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating
4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling
5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa
6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ruclips.net/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/видео.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla
7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather)
To the environmental reasons:
1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below)
2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage.
4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body.
5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy.
6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/
To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production”
1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small.
2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette):
Leather 17 kg CO2/m²
PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m²
Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m²
Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m²
So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half!
3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future.
More special video episodes:
1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ruclips.net/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/видео.html
2. And another one right here: ruclips.net/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/видео.html
3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ruclips.net/video/JipYvuDsI6s/видео.html
timecode starting 27:46
4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ruclips.net/video/OgHs239bAnE/видео.html
5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway.
Manufacturers reactions:
We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now.
So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change!
Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Great review! One thing that caught my eye is that maybe Range Rover should have the car graphic in the dash and a/c controls use same exterior color than the car you are driving, then it would feel more personalized.
Beautiful interior very luxurious look 👍 I ‘m glad they didn’t use animal skin for interior 👍 exterior looks ok . Very detailed review 👍
Great review as always .. I love velar & what you think about p250 base engine ? O -100 in mid 6 seconds
That textile interior looks so much more luxurious, modern and comfortable than leather.
Ahhh. The moment I saw the fabric, I wondered if wool was incorporated into the weave. I think that's a brilliant use of the material, but I wonder about the fabric's longevity. I hope that LR has tested the durability.
Brilliant review and car.... fabric at last!
😄😄 I love Thomas seeing Thomas been critical to UK cars 👏🏻👏🏻
This car is clearly not intended for people who don't have a garage and have to park their car overnight outside in winter when it snows and then the air cools down and freezes the snow on your car. Door handles may not be as stylish as this or what Tesla does but it's way more practical. That being said, i think Range Rover actually made a beautiful car. The first one in 30 years.
Volvo xc60 d5 or lr velar r dynamic s which is best
Only if range rover or all car brands for that matter would only listen to customer feedback from youtubers and the comments section in general. What a car they would have.
I love thomas especially his borat impression
The one question I have since I owned one (2013 model), has the reliability improve?
A new Thomas video , it is a great day!
enjoy =)
Slightly off topic Autogefühl but u mentioned ur a bike enthusiast ! What bike do u ride at the moment ! Another superb review btw 👍
thanks! Well I love riding Motocross, Mountainbike ... and on the street I ve recently tried this: ruclips.net/video/5DY0Y9M2Fq8/видео.html
Thank you Thomas. Excellent review as usual. Do you think they will do something about the turning signal sound? I am driving a 2014 Audi S8, and the sound is indeed muffled, which goes more with the car luxury. Another question, how do you compare the cabin quietness between the Velar and Audi S8? Thank you.
No they surely will not change it.
Audi is surely more quiet. But Audi doesnt care about dead cows :)
I must ask you would you prefer the jaguar f pace or the velar
Definitely the Velar. More non-animal seating choice and better interior build
@@autogefuehl thanks and keep doing.great show alwayas informative must ask is the petrol 250 enough. Or do you recomend the velar in 275 diesel
Is enough
It kills the game!!
Great review. I've had the pleasure of test driving the Velar HSE 3.0d (with leather upholstery though xD) and it's a dream to drive and be in. Great job Land Rover!
+Ed Fort 👍
Excellent review and beautiful SUV. The car is expensive in Canada and the brand has been known to be unreliable. Not sure if this new model will be any different??? Time will tell.
Great review, as usual. thx. I'm at 2 minds, the Porsche Cayenne/Macan or Range Rover Velar? Some say the Range Rover may not be as reliable as the Porsche? What do you/readers comment?
Cayenne is the best SUV in the world
I love the feeling of a brand new leather steering wheel, the friction of the leather. But it wears off in a couple of months, and becomes shiny. I would like to see more cars with alacantra options for the steering wheel.
another excellent review from Thomas.
+Mehmet Bakır 👌
I am really wondering about those door handles in the winter. In my country, its quite common, it can get warm enough during the day so that the snow/ice melts but it gets very cold during the night so the water freezes again.
yeah we already had one comment complaining about that
I sat inside one in an auto show and it was simply horrible.
Nice materials everywhere, but the handles you use to close the door from the inside made weird noises like they were about to fall apart. And both center armrests moved side to side quite a lot. I didn't open them, they just moved over a cm in their closed position. Is this what luxury is? Don't know about all the press cars, but the regular ones are simply not put together well.
Spectacular design really! I think Range Rover should refresh Evoke to equal to the level. Did you maybe hear something about it?
Hi Thomas, does the Velar have an auto hand brake? or you have to keep your foot on the brake pedal at a a red traffic signal?
Yes and yes :)
Gorgeous color, I must say 👌
Can it be that Audi copied the middle display arrangement for the A8? I think the Velar was earlier ...
I've just ordered a Range Rover Velar R dynamic SE with 22 inch first edition alloy wheels - thanks for a well balanced review apart from getting too hung up on the standard lush leather interior - there's no way I'm paying £3000 for some chic textiles which isn't practical. The Velar is without doubt the most ascetically pleasing and beautiful SUV on the market , especially when compared to BMW and AUDI's, offering bland styling and a lack character.
enjoy! At least in Germany there is also a base fabric option. That should also do just fine.
Thanks for the clarification
Sets the bar for Range Rover design.
For me si the new compact SUV's gold standard
Andrea Fiore It’s not compact.
there is nothing compact about it
was deciding between the GLE/X5/Velar, I guess velar it is with the plant seating commitment
Compare our reviews of the...
GLE: ruclips.net/video/yGvZMgFD3iQ/видео.html
X5: ruclips.net/video/y_R422k0UyE/видео.html
I love everything about this vehicle, the only thing that I need more time to get used to is the back of the car. It looks a little weird for now. Overall beautiful design!
Awesome! Thumb up from Malaysia 👍
+Mohamad Asrul Jamaludin 🙏
At last, a premium car with a premium non leather interior!! Is this car like the Evoque, gorgeous and desirable inside and out.... and a huge sales success for Land Rover. I think so. I wouldn't want to give it back either, Thomas!!!
=)
Thomas Fantastic review as ever - you will also be glad to know that all Tesla cars are no longer available with leather as an option!
yes indeed I also mentioned that already here: ruclips.net/video/HOlzbE7xiKM/видео.html
i guess its just hard for people to quit considering leather as a desirable material when its such an ancient european tradition. but surely times have moved forward and people can do better if they really do consider to. great reviews as always!
great to have ur support !
In Australia, during our hot summer weather, it was a common experience growing up to burn the back of your legs on the vinyl car seats and burn yourself on the seat-belt clip lol.
the animal skin gets as hot, fabric is way to go
@@autogefuehl Yes, but its really the only downside for me, I would prefer they made use of Kangaroo, camel or rabbits though as they are a huge pests in Australia.
That’s awesome with the vegan interior!!
Looks just as tasty as any other vegan product.
Range Rover is timeless Classic !!
Bmw X5/X3 or this? Please answer me, needed a professional answer , thanks you
Here we go: ruclips.net/video/eoTAmWpHhYo/видео.html
@@autogefuehl 😉 very diplomatic answer, cheers dude 🥂👌😎
Tried FPace and Velar in order to replace my 250 XF sportbrake. Unexpectedly I prefer the Velar. It is the one that follows better Jaguar’s driving tradition. Agree with your statement then. In my opinion FPace seems to have been tunned with Macan in mind not achieving any outstanding result. Congrats for your reports.
👌
just thinking. when cows are killed for meat then where does the skin go... is there any harm using the leather of killed cows for meat? ..just a thought..
Thank you for taking interest in this very important topic!
We have researched this issue for many years now so please take your time to go through our extensive resources stated below as they answer every single question we have yet received concerning this matter.
At Autogefühl, we have already received several thousands (!) comments, messages and mails that more and more people want to combine enjoying their car with reducing the environmental impact at the same time. We believe that sustainable luxury is possible or at least we should do everything to support that. Those many thousand people confirming this trend, motivate us to give you the most authentic information and background on the product parts. It is not about what you bought in the past, and it is not about blaming anyone, it is about what you decide in the future and what you can decide and influence as a customer. So we want you to have all information that you need for a decision you later enjoy and like best yourself.
In Summer 2017, Tesla motors has decided to be the first manufacturer to go all the way with sustainable seat materials, only offering fabric/cloth seats or leatherette seats in different colours. They have banned all real leather from the seating surface and at the steering wheel in the white trim or on demand. So Tesla shows where the industry will and must be heading, just like they went forward with electrification first.
Check out our special video addressing car CEOs as a first summary and also see conditions of animal skin production:
ruclips.net/video/LNSUzZXzpdc/видео.html
List of practical reasons against animal skin seats:
1. animal skin seats are often sold as an expensive option, by going for base trim level seats you can save a lot of money and get a better price-performance-deal (often the manufacturers claim that animal leather is top of luxury because they can earn the best money with it)
2. animal skin seats get hot in summer and you stick to the seat, probably you need seat cooling
3. they get very cold in winter and you need seat heating
4. on cloth or microfibre surfaces, you basically don’t need seat heating nor cooling
5. animal skin seats wear out very fast and look like an old sofa
6. if you want leather look or need seats that can be wiped clean easier, the leatherette (faux leather) surfaces are meanwhile highly evolved and it is possible that it feels even softer and better than anything else (See our Tesla Model X review ruclips.net/video/y2wNGFKa4M0/видео.html) So Tesla shows a good example for that and as described, non-leather materials are now standard for ALL Tesla
7. More manufacturer names for their good alternatives: Mercedes MBTex/Artico for leatherette, Dinamica for microfibre. BMW Sensatec, Toyota Sof-Tex, Lexus Nu-Luxe (all faux leather)
To the environmental reasons:
1. The way the cows and other intelligent and social animals are raised and held are not according to the basic values that we all share (also see videos below)
2. The factory farming industry can be accounted for at least 40 % of climate emissions and thus is (according to numerous sources you can look up) the number one reason for climate change and environmental destruction. It is the number one reason for deforestation, two thirds of all agricultural land on earth is used for growing animal food crops. If you would feed humans directly by using the agricultural land, you could produce much more food for everyone. See this interesting essay for more on climate emissions background: www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/Livestock%20and%20Climate%20Change.pdf
3. It is not only cows who are suffering, but also the environment and to a big part also humans. Think of slavery-like working conditions in slaughterhouses (there are plenty of documentaries about this) or think of chemically altered drinking water in animal skin production villages as also seen in the video footage.
4. The discussion, for which body part the cow is killed first, is very patronizing. But if you really think it would be important why someone gets killed in first place: There are many productions where the cow is killed for the skin first, sometimes even while still being (part-)alive, the skin is the most profitable single part of the body.
5. So even if a cow gets theoretically killed for meat first, in every case you give additional money to an industry that relies on killing, pollutes the environment and harms people with chemicals. Let's say you are standing at the meat counter. And you ask for the leg of the cow. The butcher tells you: "You can eat that without worrying, the cow was slaughtered for the neck first". The next customer demands the neck. The butcher tells him: "It's not your fault, the cow was slaughtered for the belly". A the next customer demands the hide, what answer does he get? You see, that argument of "byproduct" comes from the meat and leather industry to cover up that you contribute to killing no matter which part of the body you buy.
6. To the often said argument, animal skin would just be a byproduct, please google/youtube "leather is not a byproduct" you will find plenty of information. A good overview on all those issues can also be found here: adaptt.org/
To “But leatherette is not sustainable due to petrochemical production”
1. Indeed some fabrics and micro fibres are oil based, however most oil is spent on energy production, heating and fuel. The share of oil used for artificial cloth etc. is very very small.
2. If you look at the whole production process, the leatherette is way more sustainable than the leather produce. Even if you leave the ethical aspect aside, here is the official calculation of the CO2-Output animal skin vs leatherette (different kinds of leatherette):
Leather 17 kg CO2/m²
PVC leatherette 10 kg CO2/m²
Acella Eco natural leatherette 8,5 kg CO2/m²
Benova (PUR leatherette): 8 kg CO2/m²
So by using the latest high-tech leatherette, you even the CO2-emissions are cut in half!
3. The best to-come solution are indeed plant-based materials like Pinatex (based on pineapple leaves) or new materials based on mycelia (roots of mushrooms) or other innovative natural products. That’s the future.
More special video episodes:
1. A initial special video from Autogefühl considering the use of leather can be found here: ruclips.net/video/8f91KgbVbJQ/видео.html
2. And another one right here: ruclips.net/video/tMNgcLE0LDU/видео.html
3. Furthermore, you’ll find the footage of leather production also here, where people are walking in chemicals etc. and animals have to watch their friends being slaughtered in front of their eyes: ruclips.net/video/JipYvuDsI6s/видео.html
timecode starting 27:46
4. This is another video which very well summarizes the torture of leather production, shots taken at big farms which directly produce for the automotive industry: ruclips.net/video/OgHs239bAnE/видео.html
5. Please note that those videos are made by well-known journalists and cameramen who were not influenced by any animal welfare organisation, they supply their footage to the animal rights groups of course. I partly know the creators of the video footage personally and they are all authentic. You don’t have to search long to find cruel production environments anyway.
Manufacturers reactions:
We started the very first inquiry years ago, with the result that car manufacturers do not reveal their sources of animal skin AT ALL. If it all would be clean and happening without harm, why don’t they show it to us whereas they are showing us every other detail of their products? They have good reason not to, because there is no such thing as a clean animal skin production without harming cows, humans and the environment. The only thing a manufacturer can do is increase their effort for a better future, and we are helping with in-depth talks and interviews by presenting the increasing customer demand for sustainable luxury. Tesla was the first one to react in a major way now.
So meanwhile, we more often also get feedback that a lot of manufacturers are working on leather-free interiors and are aware of the situation. E.g. Bentley, Mini and Kia have started vegan car interior programmes. Besides Tesla, Mercedes already shows major choices for sustainable interiors, you always have to pay attention to the details when ordering, of course - and we are happy to give advice. However, much has to be done still and the Autogefuehl community is massively helping in boosting the positive change!
Help to raise awareness on this subject. Thanks!
Thanks for the clarification that makes more sense..
+Praveen Chandra great that u took the time and interest!
What would happen if the retracting door handles would be defective and there is an accident where you need to pull open the door?
Good question. I also prefer normal door handles.
Its the same in the US. I rarely see people actually going at the speed limit. The police also seem to expect that to a certain degree.
Hi Thomas, what is your own car? Which car is your preferences?
18:14: That button goes back even further - to the 1980's when it was the rear electric seat button for the Ford Scorpio.
hehe =)
I love the door chime! haha
What's the rear view like in the rain as there doesn't seem to be a rear wiper? Where I live it's usually windy and rainy.
It's my favourite Range/Land Rover design, its not got the squished rear side window design of the Evoke, nor has it got the boxy shape of the top of the range Land Rover. I also really like the copper highlights when the external paint job is a dark grey or black, I don't like the vehicle in the blue seen in the video. However its not as good as it could be, it would definitely be improved by a split tailgate, the deep fridge option in the middle front armrest and have far more storage spaces such as under floor storage as seen in the Discovery Sport and the small pocket drivers side compartment near the steering wheel where the fuse box always used to be, great for your wallet and is now fairly common place on other brands vehicles, BMW and Volvo is particularly good in this regard.
when you only had the vehicle for 1-day review, it might not sound logical. But from someone that drives the first edition velar every day for months now, the indicator light sounds very logical to me.
Thanks for the good review. Its awesome..my next car!
cheers and enjoy! Are you going for the Kvadrat option?