With plug and three cylinders, the Evoque aims to ride quietly
Few luxury SUVs are sold today with the image of Range Rover Evoque, which has established itself as one of the best options to drive a different model within an overcrowded segment such as SUVs. And even more so in the plug-in hybrid version of the Range Rover Evoque in this test.
Image issue more than utility. Land Rover sells far more of the Range Rover Evoque compact luxury SUV than its Discovery Sport tech twin. In this sense, the Discovery Sport, which has no relation to the great Discovery, is much more practical than the Evoque, offering more space, even seven seats if desired. But it’s just as stylish, and with the same equipment it’s a bit more expensive.
Engine and behavior
For the 2021 model, both will come with an expanded range of engines: in addition to petrol and diesel with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, there will also be a plug-in hybrid engine called the P300e, which is the test version.
The Land Rover Evoque P300e uses a system similar to Volvo, Jeep and Mini/BMW all-wheel drive and plug-in models: a petrol engine pulls the front axle and an electric motor drives the rear axle.
In the case of the British SUV, a new turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters and 200 hp provides propulsion. The electric rear axle adds 109 silent CV.
VIDEO: How safe is the 2019 Ranger Rover Evoque? find out
A total of 309 hp and 540 Nm guarantee smoothly controllable power, but with a spontaneous response. In the standard ‘Hybrid’ driving program, the driving management system itself determines when the vehicle runs purely electrically, when both motors work together and when the electric rear axle is switched off, i.e. when only the petrol engine It is active.
That works fine and smoothly in practice. In particular, there is no transmission jerk when turning the combustion engine on and off. As long as you ride moderately, you won’t even be able to distinguish the driving mode acoustically.
During testing, the Range Rover Evoque P300e has been quiet and runs without vibration, even in ‘Hybrid’ mode when both motors are active. The petrol drive only becomes more audible when the throttle is pressed.
You can feel the combustion engine shutting down differently, at least when it’s cold outside: If you’re driving purely electric because the hybrid electronics think it’s the right thing to do, or if you’ve switched to EV mode, the automatic climate control hardly provides any heat on its own. same, even when maximum temperature has been set.
The solution: switch to the ‘Save’ program, which gives priority to the gasoline engine and maintains the battery charge. On pure electric, the SUV can travel 55 kilometers according to the WLTP standard; the maximum electric speed of 135 km/h is only possible in certain favorable conditions.
The driving experience is practical, comfortable and fast. In terms of quality, the materials and finishes are top notch, not a two-class society. And if we talk about space, there is enough for four adults.
Factors to decide the purchase
As I told you at the beginning, the offer to choose an SUV is immense in our market. There are all categories and prices, including this segment of the most luxurious. Here you can choose between an Audi Q3, a BMW X1, a Mercedes GLA… and this Evoque PHEV.
Plug-in engine in the compact SUV category: The Land Rover offers a harmonious and comfortable drive: thanks to efficient electric all-wheel drive, it is safe and powerful even in winter. Of course, it is also expensive in this AutoBiography version, which is equipped to the top and exceeds 74,000 euros.
That is why I would opt for a version with a more basic finish that, beware, you should not confuse with scarce. Because from the initial level you have a very complete endowment, both in terms of comfort and safety. And the rate of the cheapest Evoque PHEV remains at 52,000 euros.
With that record, it becomes much more competitive, although it is still a more expensive point than the more direct competition. For example, an Audi Q3 with the same plug-in hybrid technology costs 51,000 euros and the BMW X1 PHEV reaches 52,000 euros.
conclusion
The best
You can barely hear the petrol engine in quiet hybrid driving – it’s very well insulated.
Worst
It takes getting used to how the new infotainment and navigation system works. Price.
