Range Rover Evoque 2023: A Technological Revamp

The Range Rover Evoque has undergone a technological revamp for 2023, bringing a simpler trim line-up and an interior rethink inspired by the full-size Range Rover. The new model features a range of upgrades, including a new curved infotainment touchscreen measuring 11.4in, shared with the new Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery Sport. All core functions, including climate controls, are integrated into the new screen’s software. In turn, the climate control panel mounted below the dashboard has been replaced by a storage cubby featuring a wireless charging pad.

Digital Upgrades

A sidebar on either flank of the touchscreen provides top-level access to critical functions at all times, allowing 80% of tasks to be performed within two taps, according to JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are included as standard, as are Amazon Alexa voice controls. Wi-fi connectivity with a data plan means the new Evoque can update over the air, removing the need to take it to a dealer to install new software. A remote app is also available, allowing remote locking and unlocking, interior pre-conditioning and scheduled charges (for plug-in hybrid models).

Refreshed Cabin

Alongside the digital upgrades, the Evoque’s refreshed cabin introduces a new PM2.5 air purification system (as part of the Comfort Pack) and a variety of non-leather upholstery options, such as Kvadrat wool. This material is 58% lighter than leather, said JLR, but is as robust, having passed 60,000 cycles of abrasion testing that simulate a decade of wear.

Powertrain Line-Up

The powertrain line-up has been revised so – bar the entry-level D165 diesel with a manual gearbox – all Evoques are now electrified, be them 48V mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids. A new battery chemistry means the P300e PHEV’s official electric-only range has risen from 38 to 39 miles. This translates into a real-world range of up to 30 miles, JLR said. The P300e also has DC rapid-charging capabilities, meaning a top-up takes 30 minutes at a 50kW chargepoint. Using a 7kW point (such as a home wallbox) the 14.9kWh battery takes around two hours to recharge. The remaining powertrains – the D165 and D200 diesel engines, plus the P200 and P250 petrol units – are all 48V mild hybrids with automatic gearboxes.

Simplified Trim Line-Up

The trim line-up has been simplified to just four levels: S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and Autobiography. Prices start from £40,080 for a non-hybrid, manual D165 model in S trim. This is a £2440 increase compared with the equivalent grade of the outgoing Evoque, and a £6010 rise compared with the previous entry-level model.

Deliveries

JLR is yet to officially confirm when deliveries of the new Evoque will begin, but production will scale up when it can get “confidence of supply”.

Q&A: Geraldine Ingham, Managing Director, Range Rover

Under JLR’s new corporate structure, each Land Rover model line – Range Rover, Defender and Discovery – is a brand in its own right, standing alongside Jaguar in a ‘House of Brands’. Autocar caught up with the new managing director of Range Rover, Geraldine Ingham, at a preview event for the updated Evoque.

Priorities

When asked about her priorities coming into Range Rover, Ingham said that it was early days and that she was focusing on getting around the business, meeting everyone and understanding what everyone thinks and feels about where they are heading. She said that electrification was definitely a priority, and that the Range Rover fully electric was the thing that swayed her 100% to come into the role.

Plug-in Hybrid Offering

Ingham spoke quite favourably about the plug-in hybrid offering for the Evoque, saying that listening to their customers and accompanying them on that electrification journey was really important. She said that giving their clients that choice was key, and that it depended on the region. With the MLA platform, which Range Rover sits on, they can respond to demand.

Unique Brand

When asked about how to ensure that Range Rover is unique, Ingham said that Range Rover is loved by everybody within the company, and that her role is to make sure that they can amplify that externally as well. She said that clients need to understand what makes a Range Rover unique, what is all this technology and all this engineering that goes into this amazing car, because it looks great – but all that other stuff. She said that they just need to make sure that they get those great messages across and that people understand what a great British brand this is, and all of that amazing DNA that goes into their cars and that they keep going – which they will.