Range Rover Evoque facelift review: Style Icon

With its unmistakable looks, the Range Rover Evoque has always appealed to the hip, designer-toting generation. The 2024 updates to the plush baby Rangie bring a few design tweaks and interior updates. We take a close look.

Range Rover Evoque facelift exterior, interior and features

It's hard to spot the changes on the exterior; minor changes are made to the grille design, which now sports a mesh look. LED pixel headlamps now feature thrice the amount of LEDs and a new daytime running lamp signature. The signature floating roof comes in cool accent colours like Corinthian Bronze or gold. There are accent colour garnishes in the lower half of the bumpers front and rear, on the bonnet, and front fenders too.

Dimensions-wise, too, it remains the same, and the rear seat and boot are as before. For the uninitiated, the back seat area is relatively low to the ground and the sloping roof, while sexy on the outside, makes the rear windows quite small from the inside. Luckily, the massive panoramic sunroof makes it feel more open when it is open to the sky. While it's not the most spacious back seat and is optimal for two occupants, not three, 6-footers will fit in and still be comfortable.

The more significant changes, however, are on the inside. You get in and wonder where everything has gone. An 11.4-inch touchscreen takes centre stage on an otherwise bare slab of leather. All the physical buttons and dials are gone, and all controls for the HVAC, navigation, media, vehicle settings and terrain response are on the curved touchscreen. While the overall quality is luxurious, the cabin feels bare and Scandinavian and may not appeal to everyone shelling out premium money.

On the features front, you get Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, a rear view mirror that gives a live camera feed, and two-zone climate control, a Meridian sound system, wireless charger, TPMS, drive modes, and 3D surround camera.

Range Rover Evoque facelift performance

Largely, the rest remains unchanged under the skin. You get the same set of engines: the 2.0-litre petrol with 250hp and 365Nm of torque, and there is a 2.0 Ingenium diesel with 204hp and 430Nm of torque. They come with a 48V mild-hybrid system that uses a belt-integrated starter generator to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth acceleration with an electric boost when necessary. The result is linear but seamless acceleration on the petrol that I drove. While it's not punchy, it is still strong, and the 9-speed gearbox works well to offer a relaxed driving experience. The steering feels light and comfortable, so it is easy to manoeuvre around in city traffic, and the dynamic adds more weight for longer drives. In fact, the Evoque handles quite well, and with minimal body roll, it is quite fun to drive around a set of corners. While cruising on a highway, it feels steady and planted.

Ride quality felt plush and luxurious enough in the French Champagne countryside where I drove the car, but I think on Indian roads, it will veer to being on the firmer side. Cabin refinement levels are also very good, and you really drive around in the kind of tranquil environment you would expect in larger, more premium SUVs.

Range Rover Evoque facelift off-road capability

I also got to take the Evoque for some mild off-roading through the vineyards in the region and the host of camera angles, under bonnet views and ample ground clearance ensured all hurdles were visible, and nothing was too harsh to cross. There is also a suite of modes for all kinds of terrain. In the mild terrain we were in, I had to select the All Terrain Progress control, which allowed me to set a desired speed and then just focus on the steering without using the pedals, making progress steady and smooth. So it has the Range Rover DNA.

Range Rover Evoque facelift price, verdict

At Rs 67.90 lakh, the Evoque is priced right up with its competitors, like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5. And while they may feel more value and premium on the inside, none of them has quite the design appeal of this one. The Evoque remains an SUV that appeals to your emotional side more than the practical one.

Also see:

Range Rover Evoque facelift video review

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