2024 Range Rover Evoque Plug-in Hybrid Review

Never in a million years did I ever think I’d be the one to call Land Rover an odd brand. Before you come at me, let me assure you that I can explain. Land Rover is steeped in history which dates back as 1958 with the release of the Sereies II and the Defender, and on the far opposite spectrum you have the likes of the Range Rover and Rover Sport which are the ultimate symbol of wealth. In the same breath, its also a brand that is perfectly fine in doing exactly the same thing for decades on end and only making minor changes to models each year.

One could call it gradual evolution. To make it sensible, take the 2025 Range Rover Sport for example, it doesn’t look drastically different from a 2009 Range Rover Sport. Surely the creases and edges have been ironed out, and there’s decades better tech and improvements in metal. Still, a Land Rover remains unmistakable and recognisable. Without wasting much more of your time, lets jump into this Range Rover Evoque Hybrid Review.

First Impressions

In terms of looks, the Evoque sports the same styling as every other Range Rover model. You’ll notice a much narrow grille, the classic Land Rover oval badging, that bold lettering across the bonnet and rear and a sense of confidence in its stance. Its in no ways negative, and it reminds me of the Velar but in smaller form. Too small for my liking though.

Watch our Range Rover Evoque P300e Video Review

With the reduction in size comes a smaller engine. Because this P300e also sports an electric motor, it is powered by a 1.5l 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 227kW and 540Nm of torque. That electric motor allows for an electric range of about 53 km – depending on your driving style of course. Those output numbers are by no means the most impressive, and that 9-speed transmission is solely there to move the vehicle forward in a luxurious manner. Don’t expect to be blown out of your chair. I’m convinced, following my time with it, that the real deal with the Evoque is only the looks, seats and technology that count the most.

The Technology Show

Unlike many other luxury SUV where an overload of tech, screens and buttons is the first thing you’re met with, the Evoque is pretty much like the Velar – immensly understated in its delivery. The dash is surprisingly clutter-free. In front of the driver is a big, Range Rover size steeringwheel, right in front of that is a large digital cluster that’s customisable to your liking and in the center is the large and impressively responsive Pivi Pro infortainment console which also houses the aircon controls. Apple Carplay and Android Auto support is standard. Elsewhere is wood accents and fine eco-conscious materials – nothing to fault there.

The Meridian sound system was greatly suited to the Evoque and I enjoyed listening to my favourite Kelvin Momo tracks.

Driving the Range Rover Evoque P300e is an experience which carries as much weight as the overall design. I allued earlier that its not going to pin you back in your sear, nor is it going to melt the tires off the rims, or, again, wow you with its performance. It’s just smooth. It’ll slowly accelerate to your desired speed in a way that won’t exert your Balenciaga shoes. Many would appreciate this, but for me, I feel like it needs a little extra charge. Talking about charge, once that electric range runs out, the petrol engine grunts lounder, and signs of a struggle start to come through. It’s annoying, especially if you’ve been enjoying the electric range. That electric range is specifically useful for running errands, doing school runs and driving to and from the office. Fortunately, it supports DC charging which is relativly quick too.

In all honestly, the Evoque is everything that you’d expect from a Range Rover, but much much smaller. And for that much much smaller, how much would you expect to pay? The Range Rover badge is quite expensive, and its worth mentioning that the demographic for this vehicle wouldn’t care a bit about the price point. This Range Rover Evoque P300e starts at R1.7m and it comes with a heated steering wheel, heated seats, 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and off-road modes. Additional extras include the technology pack which activates the heads-up display, additional camera views, the paint colour choice and those Meridian speakers.

Well, is it worth it?

It all depends really. If you’re a young wealthy family, or even a single person into adventure and the finer things in life, by all means give the Range Rover Evoque a go. It’s a pleasant place to be in – although a little cramped for me. It feels like a Range Rover, rides like a Range Rover and looks like one too. I just wish it was a little bit quicker and had more power to go with it.

If all else fails, check out the Volvo XC40, BMW X2, Porsche Macan or the Audi Q5.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.