Performance Hardware and Bespoke Styling

The TWENTY Edition distinguishes itself with a mechanical and aesthetic package that pulls heavily from the Range Rover Sport SV. The cabin is anchored by lightweight, motorsport-inspired Ebony Windsor performance seats, similar to our recent Defender 110, which offer improved ergonomics for high-speed cornering.

All of these are complemented by forged carbon veneers and a black suedecloth headlining to create a darkened, driver-focused atmosphere. On the exterior, the edition pays homage to the original “Range Stormer” concept with an ultra-metallic Sanguinello Orange paint option – a signature colour that has appeared on every generation of the Sport.

The stealthy silhouette is rounded out by 23-inch Gloss Sparkle Silver wheels and bespoke “TWENTY” etching on the treadplates and center console.

Powertrains: V8 Might and Hybrid Efficiency

Reflecting the model’s history of engine innovation, the TWENTY Edition offers two distinct flagship powertrains.

When it comes to performance, the 4.4-litre Twin Turbo V8 mild hybrid produces a formidable 397kW. Conversely, the P550e Plug-in Electric Hybrid represents the brand’s shift toward electrification, pairing a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor and a 38.2kWh battery.

This hybrid setup produces a combined 405kW and offers a pure-electric range of up to 115km, effectively allowing for zero-emission urban commuting without sacrificing the its performance pedigree.

Market Availability

Despite the global excitement surrounding this celebration of Range Rover’s best-selling performance model, the Range Rover Sport TWENTY Edition is not currently confirmed for the South African market.

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.

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.

Accommodation Fit for Royalty

The trip includes stays at two distinct locations. La Vella Fargo, nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees foothills, offers a tranquil escape amidst meadows and pine forests. Here, guests can indulge in a secluded countryside experience.

In contrast, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona provides a taste of contemporary luxury. This city retreat boasts expansive views overlooking the Passeig de Gràcia, a famous boulevard lined with modernist masterpieces, and the iconic Casa Battló by Gaudi.

Unwinding in Style

The Range Rover Catalonia experience isn’t just about sightseeing. Guests can unwind with exquisite spa treatments and explore the region’s off-road routes, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Catalonia’s mountains.

For wine lovers, a visit to the organic and limited-production winery Entrebosc is included, offering a chance to sample local grapes “from vine to glass.”

Exploring Catalonia in a Range Rover PHEV

The journey itself is a luxurious experience. The itinerary makes use of the Range Rover PHEV’s capabilities, navigating city streets with electric power and tackling challenging off-road terrains with ease.

Limited Availability

This exclusive experience caters to a maximum of five couples at a time, with departures starting from September 2024. For those interested, bookings can be made through Land Rover’s website and are available in English or Spanish. A dedicated concierge service from Quintessential Travel ensures a personalized experience and assists with any planning or requests.

The all-electric Range Rover is currently being put through its paces in temperatures ranging from -40°C in the Arctic Circle to a scorching +50°C in Middle Eastern deserts. This initial phase focuses on the battery and Electric Drive Unit (EDU) – the vehicle’s heart, including the motor, transmission, and power electronics. Notably, both the battery and EDU are assembled in-house by JLR for the first time.

Testing on frozen Swedish lakes highlights a key focus: ensuring the electric Range Rover retains its off-road prowess. Land Rover claims its new electric propulsion system will even surpass the existing Range Rover’s performance on low-grip surfaces. This will allow the electric model to maintain the brand’s reputation for conquering any terrain, in any weather.

A major innovation for Range Rover is the new traction control system designed specifically for electric power. Unlike traditional systems reliant on the ABS unit, the electric Range Rover distributes wheel slip management to each individual electric drive control unit. This reduces torque reaction time at each wheel from 100 milliseconds to a mere 1 millisecond.

According to Thomas Mueller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at JLR, the electric Range Rover “means customary Range Rover luxury, refinement and capability plus near-silent fully electric propulsion; with effortlessly smooth and relaxed journeys.”

Despite Land Rover making several changes, there’s no hiding the resemblance of this teaser to the interior of the new Range Rover. We’ve already seen a couple of teasers of the Sport, including a few camouflaged shots here and there. Plus, Land Rover essentially showed us an unvarnished look at the front, revealing more sharper lights, while concealing the remainder of the grille.

What we’re waiting for now are the specs and features that will separate the Sport from the bigger Range Rover version. You’ll be able to tune in on May 10 at 8pm Mzansi time to see the reveal happen live, and then you can read all about it on TWFLD directly after.

The P510e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), as it is technically known, offers exceptional efficiency with up to 113km of EV range, exceeding initial expectations. At its reveal last year, Land Rover suggested an EV range of 100km would be attainable.

Under the bonnet you’ll find a combination of a 38kWh lithium-ion battery, 105kW electric motor and 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium engine. This powers the Range Rover PHEV from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

New Range Rover PHEV is available in South Africa in Autobiography and flagship SV trim levels, with an exclusive First Edition available during the first year of production. Meanwhile, pricing is from R3,527,000.

Here are three cool features we’re looking forward to seeing on the Fifty Special Edition.

New Rims And Trims

The Range Rover Fifty will be based on the existing Autobiography trim. Land Rover then adds one of two new unique 22-inch wheel designs, as well as special Auric Atlas finish exterior trim. Special “Fifty” badging – in a script created for the car by Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, the Chief Creative Officer of Land Rover – finishes it off, and will also be repeated inside.

Buyers will get to make a few decisions as they create their car. The Range Rover Fifty will be offered in standard and long wheelbase form, and with a choice of seven colours. Carpathian Grey, Rosello Red, Aruba, and Santorini Black are all picked from the current paint catalogue, but they’re joined by Tuscan Blue, Bahama Gold, and Davos White.

Each of the three hues was one of the original offered on the first Range Rover, and have been plucked form the Heritage collection by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the automaker’s customisation and performance arm.

The V8 Engine

What there won’t be is a choice of engines, at least in Mzansi. Under the bonnet will be the automaker’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, all 386kW of power. It’ll work with the Range Rover’s standard automatic Terrain Response 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control systems, should owners risk taking it off-road.

All The Tech

The dashboard gets Range Rover’s twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with a tilting display at the top and then a second – punctured by the HV/AC and drive mode control knobs – underneath.

Autobiography trim cars already get a Meridian Signature Surround Sound System for audio, plus perforated semi-aniline leather seats, ambient lighting, a sliding panoramic roof, and automatic four-zone climate control.

Final specifications for the Range Rover Fifty – including pricing – will be confirmed closer to the SUV’s on-sale date. That’s expected to come later in 2020.

First things first, a new generation of Land Rover’s six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines are confirmed for introduction on the Range Rover Sport. They bring 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) diesel technology to the Range Rover Sport for the first time and are RDE2-certified. Developed at the home of Range Rover, these new in-line engine will be available in the D250, D300 and D350 variants, with power outputs ranging from 183kW to 258kW.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of interior colour themes (plus a seat colour), an array of real wood veneers, aluminium interior finishes, 19 exterior paint options alongside eight new colours including Tourmaline Brown, Amethyst Grey-Purple and Petrolix Blue.

As you can imagine, the 2021 Range Rover Sport boasts a variety of safety features, all the following of which are available across all the models: Roll Stability Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control, Engine Drag Torque Control, Antilock Braking System, Emergency Brake Lights, Lane Departure Warning, Front And Rear Parking Aid, Cruise Control And Speed Limiter, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Corner Brake Control, Emergency Brake Assist, and Electronic Park Brake.

A full suite of safety and driver assistance technologies is available, including a choice of Drive Pro packs, plus Park and Park Pro packs. A configurable Interactive Driver Display and Head Up Display consolidate the Range Rover Sport’s range of technology features.

Moving on to technology, there’s a host of connectivity options, including two high-definition 10-inch Touch Pro Duo touchscreens form the centrepiece of the minimalist cabin. Land Rover promises that these are fast and intuitive. The infotainment system combines finely engineered physical controls and a beautiful digital interface to deliver a truly connected driving experience.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard across all models for you to enjoy on that infotainment estate, while up to eight 4G Wi-Fi connections can be made, keeping the driver and passengers connected at all times.

The new embedded Spotify app also gives Spotify Premium subscribers instant access to millions of tracks and podcasts directly through Touch Pro Duo without the need to synchronise a smartphone with the vehicle.

All models feature signature daytime running lights, automatic headlights and power wash. The advanced LED technology offers four headlight options: Premium, Matrix, Pixel and Pixel-Laser. The standard Premium headlight package has 24 LEDs per vehicle, with Signature Running Lights and optional Auto High Beam Assist.

The 2021 model is being hailed as the “fastest, most agile and responsive” of all Land Rovers. Local availability and pricing is yet to be announced.

BMW i3s Review

Even five years since the i3’s launch, its cabin remains a stark departure from what you’ll find in most BMWs. Personally, we think that’s a bad thing – for the rest of the line-up. There’s a lot to like inside this compact EV. Don’t let this deter you though, read our full review first!

Range Rover Sport P400e Review

Meanwhile, Land Rover’s electrification push starts with the Range Rover Sport P400e, its first-ever plug-in hybrid model. It stands out from its non-hybrid counterpart with a handful of model-specific visual tweaks, new technology features, and the cleanest powertrain ever fitted to a Range Rover. Read the full review 

It’s certainly distinctive. Land Rover’s designers have given the new 2020 Defender a futuristic-retro look, likely to prove controversial with enthusiasts, though the slab-sided aesthetic and externally-mounted spare wheel can’t really be mistaken for anything other than this SUV classic. Underneath is Land Rover’s new D7x platform, a lightweight aluminium monocoque.

2020 Defender 90 and 110

Tell us, do you want three doors or five? Land Rover will be eventually offering both a Defender 90 and a Defender 110. The Defender 110 will come in Defender, S, SE, HSE, X and First Edition versions.

It’ll be offered in 5/6, or 5+2 seating form, the former having an optional jump seat and the latter a third row of two smaller seats. As for the Defender 90, that will come in 5/6 seat form with the jump seat fitted as standard.

2020 Defender design

Short overhangs, crisp lines, and plenty of attitude. Land Rover has pulled no punches with the new Defender, but there’s more to the new SUV than meets the eye. For a start, it’s the first of the automaker’s cars to be offered with an optional factory-fitted Satin Protective Film, a PU-based wrap that’s designed to be easier to repair than regular paint should it get too scratched.

Exterior colours will include Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Tasman Blue, Pangea Green, and Gondwana Stone. There’ll be 12 wheel designs, from 18-inch pressed steel rims to 22-inch alloys. A retractable full-length fabric sunroof will be available from launch on the Defender 90, and added as an option on the Defender 110 from the MY21, while floating pillars will be standard on the 110 and optional on the 90.

Land Rover will have a wide range of accessories, but also offer four accessory packs – Explorer, Adventure, Country, and Urban – that each check off a matching selection of options. The Explorer pack, for example, will have a roof rack, mud flaps, and a raised air intake; the Adventure pack gets an air compressor on the boot, and a gear carrier on the sides.

The Country pack, meanwhile, has beefier wheel arch protection, a rear scuff plate, and an interior rinse system, among other changes, while finally the Urban pack gets slicker alloy wheels and more brightwork on the outside. As standard, the new Defender has a rubber floor with flush-fitting sills, so that it can be easily cleaned.

2020 Defender engines

There’ll be two drivetrains initially, the P300 and P400. One is a mild-hybrid, and both versions will get paired with permanent all-wheel drive.

At South African launch expected in the first half of 2020, the 110 line-up will include a powerful 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder P400 featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology with outputs of 294kW and 550Nm. Alternatively, customers can choose a 2.0-litre D240 turbodiesel with 177kW and 430Nm. The introduction of increased engine options, along with the short wheelbase 90 derivative, will follow later in 2020.

2020 Defender cabin and technology

Land Rover’s cabin for the new SUV is a mixture of familiar tech from its Range Rover line, combined with styling elements of classic Defenders. There’s a die-cast magnesium alloy beam spanning it, with integrated grab handles, and many of the structural features are visible through the trim.

Fabric and leather surfaces are available, depending on model, along with a choice of wood veneers and powder-coated metal.

The new PIVI Pro infotainment system uses Snapdragon processors and supports OTA software updates; there’s an optional Online Pack which includes unlimited data for music streaming, weather updates, and calendar sync. WiFi hotspot functionality is optional. It’s all controlled through a 10-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard; PIVI Pro can connect via Bluetooth to two devices simultaneously.

The standard 180W, six-speaker audio system can be upgraded to either a 400W 10-speaker or 700W 14-speaker Meridian system. There are two 12V outlets and two USB in the front, as well as for the second row, while those Defenders with third row seats get a USB and a 12V. The trunk has another 12V outlet and, optionally, a 120V outlet.

The driver gets a 12.3-inch display for the gages, with 3D mapping and customizable layouts. A second-gen full-color HUD is optional, as is ClearSight Ground View “transparent hood” technology for a view right in front of the SUV. Any Defender with the jump seat gets a ClearSight Rear View mirror as standard, which can beam a view from a rear-mounted camera to a display in the mirror housing.

Unfortunately, pricing on the 2020 Defender has not been made available for South Africa as yet, however our team estimates that the 2020 Defender 110 will start at R750 000 for the Defender P300, rising to R790 000 for the Defender S P300. The 2020 Defender SE P400 will be from R920 000, while the HSE trim starting at R1 100 000 and the First Edition from R1 200 000. The top-spec 2020 Defender X P400 will be from R1 250 000.

The styling of the 2020 Evoque is a little controversial. Upon first glance, in fact, it takes a keen eye to spot the visible changes to the body that are heavily reminiscent of its much older brother, the Velar. Land Rover didn’t want to muddle with the bold and angular styling of the previous car. All the familiar details are there for you to feast your eyes on.

Despite having an instantly recognizable fascia, the new Evoque is incrementally bigger, taller, and wider. While the size increase may appear to be run-of-the-mill, every little bit went towards increasing legroom for the rear passengers. Admittedly, the rear isn’t spacious as one might expect from the Land Rover’s larger offerings, but at the same time, it’s not a terrible place to be in either.

Being 1.83m, I’d be lying if I told you it made a big difference for me. The new Evoque still offers less rear room than the likes of the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1. But this isn’t a big hinderance if you consider the target market of the new crossover: wealthy millennials and empty nesters. So, instead of giving the new Evoque the interior space of a larger SUV, Land Rover favoured to improve boot space over rear seat legroom. Boot space has grown marginally and is roomy enough to accommodate a full day’s worth of shopping and moving things around.

As we expected from the luxury crossover, the interior of the 2020 Evoque is strongly inspired of the finest styling in the Range Rover Velar. There are two touchscreens in the centre console, handling both infotainment and the climate control system. The only physical buttons are a pair of controller wheels and a volume knob in the lower screen. Other than those, the dashboard and console are clean as a whistle. For the first time in a Jaguar-Land Rover vehicle, Apple Car Play is now standard. You can also choose plant-derived fabrics, premium quilted leather, and synthetic material made from recycled plastic bottles for the various materials in the interior. All in all, you are never denied the feeling of luxury as you sit inside the new Evoque.

Also making its introduction in the Evoque is the ClearSight Ground View system. This “X-ray vision” allows you to see the ground right in front of the vehicle, as though you can see through a transparent hood. Although billed as essential in off-road scenarios, it’s also great in avoiding nasty curbs as you park. The system is not powered by magic or unicorns. Instead, the new Evoque is armed with cameras in the front grille and door mirrors, with software combining them to create a clear perspective of the road underneath.

The new Evoque also comes with a 1.7-megapixel rear camera for the ClearSight Rear View system. This allows the rear view mirror to display a video feed of all the things happening in the back of the car. Considering the poor visibility courtesy of the sloping roofline and smaller rear windows, this new feature is a Godsend.

Driving the new Evoque is mostly a comfortable and smooth experience. The previous model was also comfortable and sporty, but it lacked the refinement Land Rover has rang in this time around. Gone are the rattles and squeaks in the interior, one of the few grievances with the previous-generation car. The old model also suffered from a slow transmission, its box having a tendency to hunt for gears, which is irritating in city traffic. The new Evoque is much more refined, closer indeed to siblings like the Velar and the Range Rover Sport.

The new Evoque is not short in sportiness if that’s more your thing. You can expect the Evoque to feel more grown up and well-mannered than the old car, and that’s a good thing for a compact luxury SUV.

Unfortunately, the mild-hybrid system wasn’t available on this drive but I’d imagine that it’s expected to operate seamlessly in the background. Until I get a chance to drive it myself, my only insight is from my experience in other vehicles with similar systems: I’m expecting the mild-hybrid Evoque to get a much-needed kick when accelerating from a full stop. It probably won’t accelerate like a Mercedes-Benz EQC. The new car feels fresh on the inside, but the cabin still feels a bit tight for taller occupants such as myself.

Modest practicality is not a strong attribute of small luxury crossovers, of course, because it doesn’t have to be. If you need more room to wiggle around, you are looking at the wrong type of car.

To be quite honest, I don’t mind losing some cargo room in exchange for more sporty and agile handling. In this regard, the new Range Rover Evoque is on top of the charts. This vehicle is proof that you don’t need stiff suspension to achieve rewarding on-road feel, and it also demonstrates how the right blend of tautness can achieve sharper handling with a comfortable ride.

We had the opportunity to test its off-road capabilities – and yes, I can confirm that it’ll hold it’s own against the competitors in the segment. Might I add that it does a fine job for a luxury SUV. Keeping your expectation in check, it’s not as capable as the Discovery Sport or Range Rover in the boonies, but it won’t back down from gravel or shallow river crossings, either.

The Terrain Response 2 system and a new all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential are more than capable of motivating the new Evoque over challenging off-road conditions. You may not take it out there often, but it’s important to know that you could.

Overall, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque starts at R734 300 for the D180, while the P250 starts at R776 300. That’s not exactly cheap for a relatively small and compact CUV. Still, no other small luxury crossover offers the badge prestige, styling, versatility, and off-road capability that the new Evoque brings.

Avis Luxury Cars rental experience aims to create memorable moments.  Upon confirming your booking, Avis details that you  will be met by an Avis Luxury Cars Brand Ambassador at the destination of your choice, dressed smartly in classic suits. For added comfort and enjoyment, the Avis luxury vehicle will be equipped with a range of little extras to indulge you on your journey.

Executive Commercial for Avis Budget southern Africa, Rebone Motsatsi, says, “Avis Luxury Cars believes that the journey to your destination is just as important as arriving there. The addition of the Range Rover Velar to our Avis Luxury Cars fleet is to enhance the car rental experience to be as comfortable and luxurious as possible, so you will always feel like a VIP when you travel.” So choose Avis Luxury Cars because it’s not just about a great rental car, it’s about providing a luxury experience to our customers.