Drove a new Evoque

torzeck · 08-12-2011, 06:42 PM

Our local Land Rover dealer just had an event introducing the new Range Rover Evoque. I did not get too much time with it, but here's a quick rundown relative to my X3 35i:

Size:
Its a little smaller than the x3{110.5"} with a 104.7 " wheelbase. Probably closer to an X1 in terms of size.

Driving:
Not bad, but not near the acceleration of the X3 nor the handling.
0-60mph is in the 7 something range with 240 hp coming from its Ford built 4 cylinder turbo.

Exterior Design:
No question the Evoque is stunning. It is a concept car come to life. Beautiful head and taillamps with very short overhangs and big wheels.

Interior Design:
Interesting and very British. I felt like I was in an old James Bond movie driving an old Jensen or Jag. It has this sort of retro -cool aesthetic. Interior tech is comparable but I dont think its an integrated as the BMW.

From the driver's seat the car feels like being in an Audi TT with a very high sill line and narrow sight lines. Front Seat in the Dynamic Model I test drove was comfortable. No up and down for the lumbar and no extending thigh rest or adjustable kidney bolsters like we have in SAP equipped X3s

Rear seating is much tighter foot room wise but the to me, they were more comfortable due to there better shape

Cool features:
Giant full length non opening panoramic sunroof with an opaque shade.
19" or 20" wheels
Full size t{hough not the same width} spare in the boot.
Composite front fenders
Real off road capability
19" fording depth

Sum Up:
Looks wise, It's exterior makes everything feel old, but it has a bit of that Barbie car - more fashion than function going for it. I think the X3 just feels more like a serious car.
That said, its hard not to agree with the pundits that say this car will ignite Range Rover sales.

warmtoes · 08-12-2011, 06:58 PM

Looks really good but hopefully they can improve the reliability of their products.

Dr Stig 2 · 08-12-2011, 11:38 PM

The X3 is bigger and comes with a 3.0 litre diesel - It might be a comparable car if you want the 2.0 litre, but I cant see people shopping between the 35d or 30d and the Evoque.

I wouldn't anyway.

I want the size and the acceleration.

torzeck · 08-13-2011, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

The X3 is bigger and comes with a 3.0 litre diesel - It might be a comparable car if you want the 2.0 litre, but I cant see people shopping between the 35d or 30d and the Evoque.

I wouldn't anyway.

I want the size and the acceleration.

Agreed. Pricewise In the USA, it's very comparable.

OOOSQ · 08-13-2011, 02:00 AM

Thanks for the mini review!

Powerrunner · 08-13-2011, 07:35 AM

Thanks for the review, I think I will keep my X3 35i!

Mako · 08-13-2011, 10:35 AM

Did you drive the 2 or 4 door? How was the trunk space compared to your X3? Engine really needs to be compared to the new 28i and not
35i but good to know that the 35i feels a lot faster. Also were the seats nicer in your X3 or the land rover in terms of leather quality and feel?

sfax · 08-13-2011, 12:28 PM

Good review and comparison. Thanks for posting. The size is the main problem for me. I can't go any smaller than the X3 as we're already at the space limit sometimes. Styling looks good except the back which looks rubbish IMO. Reliability would also be a concern

torzeck · 08-14-2011, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

Did you drive the 2 or 4 door? How was the trunk space compared to your X3? Engine really needs to be compared to the new 28i and not
35i but good to know that the 35i feels a lot faster. Also were the seats nicer in your X3 or the land rover in terms of leather quality and feel?

I drove the 2 door so I could try the Dynamic version which has the variable dampening.
The two door is a novelty with poor access to get into the rear seats as this is a result of the styling. I believe the wheelbases are the same between the two and four door.

The Evoque is smaller everywhere.
Trunk capacity looked smaller. I don't have the specs with me, but I imagine they will support this assumption.

The front sports seats in the BMW are superior for adjustability and support.
Leather quality seemed good and the dealer said it was the highest grade Oxford leather. Honestly i am not the leather expert so, I can't tell you which is better.

Performance wise the 28i is a closer match, but as for price, at least in the USA, the 35i is the comparison and the BMW blows it away.

The tech of the Evoque seems less well thought out compared to the BMW.

A couple days out from the test drive, I feel even more solid about the x3 being superior.

The Evoque is like a really beautiful new girl but she may have some debilitating disease like lupus or she's an alcoholic and she may be hard to live with.

Sorry in advance to anyone with Lupus,

ORIGIN M. · 08-14-2011, 04:18 AM

Yeah the Ford motor is under powered, but the awd is outstanding.

IF they add a proper motor, they might be on to something!

Mako · 08-14-2011, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Yeah the Ford motor is under powered, but the awd is outstanding.

IF they add a proper motor, they might be on to something!

This has always been an issue with land rovers. Too bad BMW sold them years ago, would love to have seen some bimmer engines in them.

HORACE · 08-14-2011, 07:22 AM

For really serious off-road mud-plugging the LandRover is fine. But few of us really want that. On the road the X3 wins hands down and is more than good enough off-road for most.

The dimensions are interesting and tell the tale. The Evoque is small -really an X1 competitor. It is almost a foot shorter than an X3 (or 293mm shorter). More importantly, the bit we live in -the bit between the wheels as shown by wheelbase length- is a pretty huge 6 inches (or 150mm) shorter on the Evoque. So that's a lot less legroom front and rear.

ND40oz · 08-14-2011, 10:15 AM

I still can't believe you can't open the roof, that was a deal breaker for my wife. She really liked the "review" Top Gear did but delving more into the actual features and then the price it's going to have to sell on looks alone. Really like the white dynamic with the black roof though, looks great.

SomeRandomer123 · 08-15-2011, 05:33 AM

If only the Evoque had a great 6 cylinder d under the hood....

ORIGIN M. · 08-25-2011, 04:06 PM

Love to hear real world info from owners themselves!

I like the color choice of the X3 you are getting. Is that replacing the Land Rover?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

This has always been an issue with land rovers. Too bad BMW sold them years ago, would love to have seen some bimmer engines in them.

kozzi · 08-25-2011, 04:52 PM

Land Rovers were never meant for speed, but tear through the concrete jungle with the best of them.

tagz · 08-26-2011, 06:03 AM

Thanks for the review!

As sfax, I cannot go smaller than X3!

Other features I liked that you did not mention
- the Jag gear selector
- 850 W sound system

JOHNBMWM5 · 09-04-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

The X3 is bigger and comes with a 3.0 litre diesel - It might be a comparable car if you want the 2.0 litre, but I cant see people shopping between the 35d or 30d and the Evoque.

I wouldn't anyway.

I want the size and the acceleration.

Agreed I had seen it and driven the other Land-rovers, not impressed lots of gimmicks poor acceleration 6 speed gearbox!!!, crap handling poor economy/reliability.
So I ordered the new X3 35D M Sport for December/jan delivery with all extras. Can't wait.

perto · 09-04-2011, 03:36 PM

Thanks for the review!

The RR looks more modern compared to the BMW, but a big car manufacturer as BMW cant dear to take it all the way out like RR. The biggest disadvantage for the Evoque its is FWD with help from the rear wheels (Haldex4) if it needs it. I think it not have the same filing as the X3 RWD handling on curvy roads. But parked in the drive yard the Evoque looks like it had been stolen from a designers show room at least the first couple of months to after that you've probably got used to it.

Penso di no · 09-05-2011, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perto

Thanks for the review!
...the Evoque looks like it had been stolen from a designers show room at least the first couple of months to after that you've probably got used to it.

And tired of it a couple of months after that.

Bimar · 09-06-2011, 01:02 PM

Top Gear had a go at it was impressed by the Tech seems more advanced than the X3, enjoy!

torzeck · 09-06-2011, 01:34 PM

I wish someone{BMW, Top Gear, etc.} would test the x3 off road. I am sure it can't boulder or go deep mudding like the Evoque, but I wouldn't be surprised how capable it might be in the right tires. There are some videos on YouTube of previous generation X3s not doing too horribly in some moderate terrain.

08-12-2011, 06:42 PM	#1
torzeck Lieutenant 52 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland Oregon iTrader: (0)	Drove a new Evoque Our local Land Rover dealer just had an event introducing the new Range Rover Evoque. I did not get too much time with it, but here's a quick rundown relative to my X3 35i: Size: Its a little smaller than the x3{110.5"} with a 104.7 " wheelbase. Probably closer to an X1 in terms of size. Driving: Not bad, but not near the acceleration of the X3 nor the handling. 0-60mph is in the 7 something range with 240 hp coming from its Ford built 4 cylinder turbo. Exterior Design: No question the Evoque is stunning. It is a concept car come to life. Beautiful head and taillamps with very short overhangs and big wheels. Interior Design: Interesting and very British. I felt like I was in an old James Bond movie driving an old Jensen or Jag. It has this sort of retro -cool aesthetic. Interior tech is comparable but I dont think its an integrated as the BMW. From the driver's seat the car feels like being in an Audi TT with a very high sill line and narrow sight lines. Front Seat in the Dynamic Model I test drove was comfortable. No up and down for the lumbar and no extending thigh rest or adjustable kidney bolsters like we have in SAP equipped X3s Rear seating is much tighter foot room wise but the to me, they were more comfortable due to there better shape Cool features: Giant full length non opening panoramic sunroof with an opaque shade. 19" or 20" wheels Full size t{hough not the same width} spare in the boot. Composite front fenders Real off road capability 19" fording depth Sum Up: Looks wise, It's exterior makes everything feel old, but it has a bit of that Barbie car - more fashion than function going for it. I think the X3 just feels more like a serious car. That said, its hard not to agree with the pundits that say this car will ignite Range Rover sales. Last edited by torzeck; 08-12-2011 at 06:45 PM.. Reason: formatting
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08-12-2011, 06:58 PM	#2
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Looks really good but hopefully they can improve the reliability of their products. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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08-12-2011, 11:38 PM	#3
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	The X3 is bigger and comes with a 3.0 litre diesel - It might be a comparable car if you want the 2.0 litre, but I cant see people shopping between the 35d or 30d and the Evoque. I wouldn't anyway. I want the size and the acceleration.
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08-13-2011, 02:00 AM	#5
OOOSQ First Lieutenant 16 Rep 367 Posts Drives: F85 X5M / CLA45 AMG SB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the mini review!
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08-13-2011, 07:35 AM	#6
Powerrunner Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 275 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Naperville iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review, I think I will keep my X3 35i!
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08-13-2011, 10:35 AM	#7
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1547 Rep 2,587 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	Did you drive the 2 or 4 door? How was the trunk space compared to your X3? Engine really needs to be compared to the new 28i and not 35i but good to know that the 35i feels a lot faster. Also were the seats nicer in your X3 or the land rover in terms of leather quality and feel?
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08-13-2011, 12:28 PM	#8
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Good review and comparison. Thanks for posting. The size is the main problem for me. I can't go any smaller than the X3 as we're already at the space limit sometimes. Styling looks good except the back which looks rubbish IMO. Reliability would also be a concern __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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08-14-2011, 04:18 AM	#10
ORIGIN M. Banned 3160 Rep 9,134 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Hemisphere iTrader: (0)	Yeah the Ford motor is under powered, but the awd is outstanding. IF they add a proper motor, they might be on to something!
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08-14-2011, 07:22 AM	#12
HORACE New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: X1 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hampshire UK iTrader: (0)	For really serious off-road mud-plugging the LandRover is fine. But few of us really want that. On the road the X3 wins hands down and is more than good enough off-road for most. The dimensions are interesting and tell the tale. The Evoque is small -really an X1 competitor. It is almost a foot shorter than an X3 (or 293mm shorter). More importantly, the bit we live in -the bit between the wheels as shown by wheelbase length- is a pretty huge 6 inches (or 150mm) shorter on the Evoque. So that's a lot less legroom front and rear.
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08-14-2011, 10:15 AM	#13
ND40oz Major 397 Rep 1,342 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Denver/Frankfurt iTrader: (0)	I still can't believe you can't open the roof, that was a deal breaker for my wife. She really liked the "review" Top Gear did but delving more into the actual features and then the price it's going to have to sell on looks alone. Really like the white dynamic with the black roof though, looks great. __________________ 21 BMW X5 xDrive40i 20 BMW M2 CS 19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
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08-15-2011, 05:33 AM	#14
SomeRandomer123 Colonel 303 Rep 2,612 Posts Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK iTrader: (0)	If only the Evoque had a great 6 cylinder d under the hood.... __________________ Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!)
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08-25-2011, 04:52 PM	#16
kozzi Pygocentrus Piraya 927 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3MC Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW X3MC [10.00]	Land Rovers were never meant for speed, but tear through the concrete jungle with the best of them. __________________ kozzi 2021 BMW X3MC Donington Grey Metallic / Sakhir Orange & Black Extended Merino Leather / Aluminum Carbon Structure
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08-26-2011, 06:03 AM	#17
tagz Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 256 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review! As sfax, I cannot go smaller than X3! Other features I liked that you did not mention - the Jag gear selector - 850 W sound system
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09-04-2011, 03:36 PM	#19
perto Private First Class 11 Rep 141 Posts Drives: BMW I3S + IX40 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review! The RR looks more modern compared to the BMW, but a big car manufacturer as BMW cant dear to take it all the way out like RR. The biggest disadvantage for the Evoque its is FWD with help from the rear wheels (Haldex4) if it needs it. I think it not have the same filing as the X3 RWD handling on curvy roads. But parked in the drive yard the Evoque looks like it had been stolen from a designers show room at least the first couple of months to after that you've probably got used to it.
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09-06-2011, 01:02 PM	#21
Bimar Colonel 800 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: Bmw X Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Www iTrader: (0)	Top Gear had a go at it was impressed by the Tech seems more advanced than the X3, enjoy!
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09-06-2011, 01:34 PM	#22
torzeck Lieutenant 52 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland Oregon iTrader: (0)	I wish someone{BMW, Top Gear, etc.} would test the x3 off road. I am sure it can't boulder or go deep mudding like the Evoque, but I wouldn't be surprised how capable it might be in the right tires. There are some videos on YouTube of previous generation X3s not doing too horribly in some moderate terrain.
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