Range Rover Evoque 2019: spy shots

The second-generation Range Rover Evoque has been spied under development ahead of its expected global debut in the second half of next year.

Caught testing in Germany, the development mule for Range Rover’s entry model carries the body of the existing version that went on sale in 2011, but appears to have a wider track and a higher stance at the rear, suggesting it might be undergoing suspension testing.

The current Evoque is built on a development of the old Land Rover Freelander 2 platform that is shared with the newer Discovery Sport. It is unclear if the new model will use a variation of that D8 platform or if Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will introduce all-new underpinnings.

It is unclear if the new model will introduce new underpinnings.

Whatever the platform, it is likely to share a lot of its mechanicals with Jaguar’s forthcoming E-Pace that will act as the leaping cat brand’s entry-level SUV under the F-Pace. 

It is likely to use JLR’s family of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, some of which are already in service in Evoque. Outputs for the current Ingenium family run from 149kW to 186kW for the 2.0-litre units. 

Various publications have reported that the new Evoque will be offered with an electrified powertrain, but it remains to be seen if this will be a plug-in hybrid or a full electric vehicle. The latter is a distinct possibility, given the company will soon offer a production version of the Jaguar I-Pace EV crossover.

Styling wise, the Evoque is likely to be an evolution of the existing model, albeit brought into line with other recent models, specifically the striking new Velar that was uncovered earlier this year.

Bolted on panels on the rear and rear quarters hide other tweaks.

On the engineering mule, the front fascia is covered by a bolted-on metal grille covering, but the production version is expected to receive a fresh face, potentially with a split grille and sleeker headlights.

Bolted on panels on the rear and rear quarters hide other tweaks, but expect the new version to more rounded off than the edgier model that is still on sale.

The Evoque has been a major sales star since its launch, helping lift JLR’s overall global sales as well as attracting younger buyers to the brand.

It has been offered in three-door and five-door guise – although the three-door was dropped as part of a model-year update in Australia last year – as well as the recently launched Convertible. It is unclear is all body styles will be offered in the next-gen car. 

The new Evoque will be revealed in the second half of next year, possibly at the Frankfurt motor show, before sales kick off in global markets from early 2019. 

While JLR Australia was unable to provide timing for the new-gen model, it is likely to appear in Australian showrooms in about the middle of 2019.

Are you a fan of the Evoque or do you think it is too soft to carry the Range Rover badge? Tell us what you think in the comments below.