ON TEST: RANGE ROVER EVOQUE PLUG-IN
The Range Rover Evoque has added a Plug-In version and the resulting BIK rate makes it a top choice for company car drivers, says Andrew Walker Land Rover launched the MK 2 Evoque in 2019, following on from the highly successful original version which sold over 800,000 models in 116 countries. The new model offers improved styling and on-board tech, higher quality finishes and, most importantly, a range of more fuel efficient mild-hybrid engines and, drum roll please, the first electrified Evoque, the P300e plug-inhybrid. This has a stunningly low BIK of just 11%, making this a serious company car proposition. While it may look similar to the original it is actually heavily revised. We’ll begin with the power train, because this is the key to the PHEV’s low BIK and emissions. The plug-in features a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, plus an electric motor that’s located in the rear axle. This gives the Evoque a pure electric range of 34 miles. While the 1.5 petrol engine offers a decent 200PS, it’s the extra 109PS courtesy of the 15kWh battery that really makes the difference, offering 540Nm of torque, enabling the150kg heavier plug-in to feel nimble. Indeed, it’s no slouch, hitting 60mph in just 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 132mph. There are three specs: R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE or R-Design Dynamic HSE, and all offer a comprehensive equipment inventory, including a rear camera, Lane Keep Assist, front and rear parking aid, LED headlights, AppleCar Play and Android Auto, a 10” touchscreen and much more as you move up the ranks. Sidle up to the new Evoque and it’s easier to pick up on the differences over the original. Slimmer LED headlights, recessed door handles, a more bulbous rear end and sweeping direction indicators all take their cue from the larger Velar, with R-Dynamic models adding black and burnished copper detailing plus a body-coloured front bumper. Climb aboard and the interior smacks of quality. ‘Kvadrat’ textile upholstery is standard, available in two shades and complemented by faux-suede Dinamica elements, while quilted leather in four colour ways is a £1,650 upgrade. And it doesn’t stop with the seats; you can choose from numerous headlining options, wood or aluminium trim, configurable ambient lighting and illuminated tread plates. We were testing the P300 e SE R-Dynamic 9-speed automatic diesel, which costs from £52,480 OTR. This model also comes with features that will take your Evoque off-road – trust me, it’s a proper off-roader, despite the good looks. The cabin is a joy to be in and is much improved over its predecessor. There’s some 22 | August 2021 | Company Car & Van
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Plug-in Evoque offers premium motoring with cash-saving BIK
useful storage on offer and the Evoque’s extra 21mm gives the rear more legroom over the Mk1. Headroom is still a little compromised by the sloping roof and, in our case, the panoramic glass roof. Luggage capacity is unchanged from the mild-hybrid versions, at 472 litres to a max of 1,383 litres, and the charging cables (13 Amp and 7.2kWh) are stored under the flat boot floor. The plug-in Evoque’s 15kWh battery takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to charge from empty on a standard home 7.2kWh charger, although this can be done in under 30 minutes, using a more powerful fast charger. The plug-in features a meter on the digital instrument panel to keep you informed of the electric range. Otherwise, it looks and feels just like a normal petrol Evoque. You get the same smooth eight-speed automatic gear change and excellent levels of comfort. This is a satisfying car to be in whether driving or as a passenger. The on-board tech works well. I connected my iPhone to Apple CarPlay and had a play around with the touch screen system when stationary, as there’s an awful lot in there; Vehicle Dimensions, Weather, Park and Pay and Valet mode anyone? On the motorway there’s plenty of power on offer enabling you to overtake slower moving traffic and the Evoque sits happily at motorway speeds utilising Adaptive Cruise Control. The cabin is very quiet with little wind or road noise noticeable. On a journey along the winding
roads around Beeston Castle, the small Evoque handled exceptionally well and after a couple of hours behind the wheel, I really couldn’t fault it. The pros are many but are led by that BIK level of 11%. Add to that a fabulous cabin, quiet and comfortable interior, great kit and a brilliant off-road, premium image. What of the cons? Well, let’s start with the price: to buy outright, all of the plug-in variants are expensive compared to the standard petrol or diesel versions, with our range topping P300e HSE R-Dynamic setting you back £52,480. The plug-in version makes most sense as a company car, leasing monthly. As we found out, the rear seats will fit three adults but actual rear space is tight. With just 11% BIK on emissions of 44g/km, compared to 37% BIK on the next lowest emitting 4WD mild hybrid, this IS the Evoque to choose if you’re in the fleet sector.
CC&V VERDICT We cannot recommend the plug-in Evoque highly enough. It’s at the top of the class for SUVs in its sector until, or if, a pure EV Range Rover Evoque is offered, with proper 4X4 capabilities. That day may never come but until it does, the plug-in will do nicely, thanks very much.
CC&V RATING: NNNNN
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