2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque finally breaks cover

Land Rover’s fashion forward compact luxury SUV has received quite a bit of a makeover for 2020, building on the pillars of success it has laid since its introduction in 2010. The Range Rover Evoque is now on its second generation with the introduction of this latest model, and carries a host of new design elements and technology to keep it at home on mountains or in the city.

The instantly recognizable coupe-like silhouette and high beltline are hallmarks of the Range Rover Evoque, and the pronounced wheel arches and broad shoulders create a visual flair that makes this car unique in its class. The addition of flush door handles create a smooth profile, and the new slimmer LED headlights and taillights create a striking and brand-new lighting signature. The front fascia gets a slightly redesigned front bumper, with the vents at the side sporting a new look, and the lower bumper has integrated foglights. The rear gets a much more visually striking black strip that goes across the trunk with the Range Rover lettering, and the bumper has a rearranged reflector and foglight design. The exhaust has also been neatly integrated into the rear bumper, and you’ll also notice more black accents around. Optional accents from the R-Dynamic package and 21-inch wheels are available to spice up the Evoque even more.

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque rides atop Land Rover’s new Premium Traverse Architecture, offering similar dimensions, yet offer more cabin and cargo space, while also supporting electrification with a hybrid powertrain. A longer wheelbase means 21mm of extra rear knee room and an increase in small item storage such as a larger glove box and center console. The luggage space is 6 percent larger than that of the previous model as well as much wider.

There will two engine choices, a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine good for 246 hp and 365 Nm of torque, and a 2.0L hybrid system that harvests energy normally lost during deceleration, storing it in the under-floor battery. At speeds below 17km/h, the engine is designed to shut off while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration. This mild-hybrid platform is a first for Land Rover. The new Range Rover Evoque features All-Wheel drive and Driveline Disconnect as standard, and, when combined with the available second-generation Active Driveline (standard on some trims) and the optional Adaptive Dynamics feature, the Range Rover Evoque is designed to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility.

Off-road duties are handled by the updated Terrain Response 2 system that automatically detects the surface being driven on, and adjusts the vehicle’s driving characteristics accordingly. Wading depth has also been increased by 100mm, making the Range Rover Evoque capable of crossing bodies of water up to 600mm deep.

New to the 2020 Range Rover Evoque are ClearSight Rear View Mirror and ClearSight Ground View. The rear view mirror technology works by providing crisp and clear rearward vision when regular vision is blocked by passengers or bulky items, so you always get a clear and unobstructed view, even in low lighting conditions. Ground view works by allowing the driver to virtually see through the hood and under the front of the vehicle by projecting a view of the ground onto the touchscreen interface, perfect for tackling rough terrain or managing tight spaces.

On the inside, you get a host of premium materials in a minimalist and fully digital cabin, with an unbroken horizontal dashboard design that emphasizes a feeling of width and space that, with a steeply raked instrument panel, gives the interior a very sophisticated feel. An optional InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system combines two sleek 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens, a 12.3-inch driver display behind the steering wheel and a full-color head-up display, creating a ‘hidden until lit’ interior filled with state-of-the-art digital interfaces. There is smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as optional Click & Go rear-seat tablet holders with charging capability, 4G WiFi hotspot, and six USB slots located throughout the cabin.

Additional details about the new 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, including pricing and estimated delivery dates to markets around the world, will be announced at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show in February.