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The Baby Range Rover Is on Track to Get Its Most Radical Makeover Yet

The Evoque will be the final touch on the Range Rover’s all-electric offensive.

Front grille and hood of a green Range Rover with black lettering and Land Rover badge.Chris Chin
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By Chris Chin

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Land Rover is still on track to roll out its new range of all-electric luxury SUVs, and the Range Rover Evoque will reportedly be the final launch model at the end of the release cycle. According to our friends at Britain’s AutoCar, the new electric baby Rover will drop alongside the next-generation Range Rover Velar sometime in 2027.

The British automaker’s been hard at work researching and developing its latest all-electric Electrified Modular Architecture. Even though the market revealed a lukewarm reception to electric vehicles, JLR remains committed.

And the first models to go all-electric in the brand’s portfolio will be the entire Range Rover lineup.

Dark green Range Rover SUV driving on a road with trees and grass in the background.
The third-generation Range Rover Evoque will usher in the model’s most radical update yet.
Chris Chin

In addition to the transition to all-electric power, Land Rover is reportedly moving its Range Rover lineup around. But signature models, such as the full-size version and the Evoque will remain in their positions in the lineup.

For instance, the mid-range, road-biased Range Rover Velar, is apparently being repositioned in a “radical way.” But details weren’t readily available.

Interior of a modern black car featuring a digital dashboard, touchscreen display, and leather seats.
Despite turning eight years old, the Range Rover Evoque remains relevant and one of the brand’s most popular models.
Chris Chin

While the full-size all-electric Range Rover will spearhead the product rollout, the Velar is scheduled to come second, with the Range Rover Sport following shortly after. The Evoque would complete the timeline.

The decision to launch the Evoque at the end of the rollout is an interesting one. Particularly since it’s one of Land Rover’s longest-running and oldest models currently in production.

Teal and beige Range Rover Evoque SUV parked on a street with a building and greenery in the background.
The next-gen Evoque will launch first as an EV, with possible alternative powertrains following.
Chris Chin

Despite launching in 2018 for its second generation, the Evoque remains one of the brand’s most popular and best-selling models.

Making the most use of EMA

Similar to other automakers, JLR’s betting heavily on its all-electric EMA architecture. It’ll be the starting point for what is essentially the company’s entire all-electric product range.

Dark green Range Rover SUV driving on a highway with trees in the background.
The new Range Rover Evoque EV will share the same EMA modular platform as the incoming Defender Sport EV.
Chris Chin

This includes the anticipated all-electric Defender and Defender Sport variants.

JLR’s EMA will benefit from the latest state-of-the-art 800-volt battery technology. The latter will enable fast-charging capabilities and more power for computer processing, which will elevate on-board technology such as suspension and other related powertrain and suspension features.

Extended-range power is still a great possibility

While other automakers pumped the brakes on its electrification strategies to focus on further developing internal combustion and hybrid tech, Jaguar-Land Rover remains steadfast with its EV plans.

Dark green Range Rover SUV driving on a highway with trees in the background.
Despite being a bit long in the tooth, the Range Rover Evoque is managing to age well.
Chris Chin

The automaker hasn’t announced any alterations or “multi-energy” approaches to date. The latter describes the modular platforms that other automakers are developing, which can incorporate a wide range of propulsion systems without significant reengineering.

Teal and beige Range Rover Evoque SUV parked on a street with a building and greenery in the background.
To remain competitive, the new Evoque EV needs to be able to compete with a driving range of more than 450 miles on a single charge.
Chris Chin

Such examples include Stellantis’ “Freedom of Choice” strategy. The plan allows the company to manufacturer the same model, but with different powertrains (EV, ICE, or hybrid), all to give buyers choice.

But not too long ago, former CEO Thierry Bolloré did previously say that EMA still offers a lot of flexibility for its engineers. For instance, the platform is still capable of featuring an on-board internal combustion engine, but for range-extending purposes only.

Dark green Range Rover Evoque SUV driving on a highway with blurred wheels and forest background.
The third-gen Evoque will mark the first time that the model has seen a complete overhaul since its original debut in 2011.
Chris Chin

Which means, Jaguar-Land Rover still may change its electrification plans to continue offering internal combustion and gas-electric hybrid options. But such plans have yet to be announced.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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