Top 5 new features of India-bound 2019 Range Rover Evoque

It may not look all that different than the current generation car, but there is no denying that the 2019 Range Rover Evoque is a big step up in terms of in-car tech and efficiency. The recently unveiled premium crossover gets an evolutionary exterior design, lots of kit on the inside and some clever tech. Here are the top five new features of the 2019 Evoque that’s headed for the Indian market next year. 

New platform 

The 2019 Evoque is built on Land Rover’s new mixed-material Premium Transverse Architecture which has allowed for more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear knee room and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets and big bottles. The boot space is 10 per cent larger (591 litres) as well. 

New cabin design

Inside, you will find two high-definition touchscreens on the centre console. The upper screen controls the infotainment while the lower screen controls the air conditioning and other essentials. The gear lever is now a conventional joystick instead of the previous car’s rotary dial. There is a host of modern connectivity features as well, apart from multiple driving aids.

Self-learning abilities 

The 2019 Evoque is the first Land Rover with Smart Settings, which uses AI algorithms to learn the driver’s preferences. In addition to seat position, music and climate settings, the Evoque can also control steering column preferences to maximise convenience.

Improved off-road tech 

The Evoque features all-wheel drive as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with driveline disconnect to improve efficiency. Terrain Response 2 – first found on the full-size Range Rover – automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the set-up accordingly. The 2019 model can now wade through water up to 600mm (previously 500mm).

Plug-in hybrid drivetrain 

The new platform has been developed for electrification, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid available at launch and a plug-in hybrid model offered around 12 months afterwards. The mild hybrid powertrain is a first for Land Rover and works by harvesting energy normally lost during deceleration thanks to the engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator, storing it in the under-floor battery. At speeds below 17kmph, the engine will shut off while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration and reduce fuel consumption.