SPIED: Next-gen Range Rover Evoque seen testing

The Range Rover Evoque has been a roaring success for Land Rover, having sold 600,000 units of the SUV in six years. The next-generation model is in the works, as demonstrated by the development vehicles here spotted running tests. Here, the 2019-model year vehicle wears production bodywork which appears to draw extensively from the design of the recently-launched Velar.

At the Evoque’s front end is a more minimalist design with slimmer headlamp assemblies, bookending what appears to be a unified honeycomb grille in place of the current Evoque’s two-tier item. Also aping the latest Range Rover model is the straight bonnet shut line above the front wheelarches, rather than following the wheelarch contour. At the back, the tail lamps now extend into the tailgate a la Velar.

The flush-mounted door handles from the Velar could also appear on the next-generation Evoque, here possibly concealed by dummy door handles. This upcoming model, codenamed L551, will be based on an overhauled version of the D8 architecture, which forms the basis of Jaguar Land Rover’s transverse-engined models such as the Discovery Sport and the Jaguar E-Pace, according to Autocar.

The dimensions of the upcoming model will be closely matched to those of the current model, which marks the tape measure at 4,390 mm long and 1,900 mm wide. Wheelbase has been slightly increased to match that of the E-Pace, at 2,681 mm. Track widths front and rear have increased, and along with a redesigned rear suspension layout, aid in attaining the company’s goal of increasing rear passenger space.

Entry-level versions of the new Evoque will be front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive featuring in higher-specification variants in the range. Four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines are each of 2.0 litre displacement, and will be mated to a ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox in the L551, along with Jaguar Land Rover’s latest in off-road technologies, the Autocar report added.

Land Rover has stated that all model ranges will gain an electrified variant from 2020 onwards, and the L551 Evoque’s 2019 arrival comes in short of that date, also due to the D8 architecture’s limitations against an all-electric build. A hybrid Evoque could surface in the L551 line-up, however. According to the report, the next-generation Evoque could be limited to a sole, five-door bodystyle due to its vast popularity compared to the three-door and convertible versions.

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