Land Rover Range Rover The Evoque changed Land Rover forever. Before its launch in 2012, the 4×4 manufacturer’s SUVs were attractive but functional and boxy. Since then, the British brand has focused not only on off-roading and country estates, but also on the latest trends and fashions.
At the 2012 launch event, Victoria Beckham talked about her experience creating the product. “I designed a car that I wanted to drive,” she said at the time. However, chief creative officer Gerry McGovern has since somewhat corrected the matter, saying that Posh Spice exaggerated her role in Aurora’s creation.
Despite this, by 2016, more than 500,000 Evoques had been sold in more than 180 countries around the world, with Land Rover describing it as “the greatest sales success story”.
So, given the model’s history, it’s no surprise that the designers of the latest Evoque chose to take a revolutionary approach when it comes to technology in the city-oriented SUV.
This iteration comes in four different models; Range Rover Evoque S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and finally the Autobiography, all of which have plug-in hybrid options. Wired acquired the high-end Autobiography model at an event hosted by the brand in the Champagne wine region of northeastern France. But will this be a great year for Jaguar Land Rover?
On the surface, the changes appear subtle; Inside is where the real overhaul takes place. That said, the new grille and revised ultra-thin Pixel LED headlights with signature DRLs (daytime running lights) enhance the Evoque’s appearance, giving it a technological, jewel-like appearance. New exterior trim also complements the characteristic ‘floating roof’ that defines Range Rover’s design DNA.
The new ultra-thin Pixel LED headlights aren’t just for show either, they feature Jaguar Land Rover’s new advanced headlight technology. Each light has 26 individual LED segments that automatically turn on or off, purportedly providing the most efficient forward beam at all times. These sections are also home to sensors that scan the road ahead and to both sides. When another vehicle is seen, the LEDs within its coverage area turn off, ensuring you don’t blind any oncoming vehicles.
Speed cameras placed within your headlights can capture speed warning signs, instantly letting you know how fast you should be traveling on any given road. However, when driving along the highway, the camera would occasionally capture road signs on the side, displaying erroneous readings on the dashboard.
All about the interior
Photo: Land Rover
The interior is where we see the bigger changes. The Evoque does inherit the interior design of its big brother, the flagship Range Rover, with comfortable seats, high-end materials and a slick touchscreen infotainment system that consumes all the technology from the previous example. More on that later.