Range Rover Evoque cabriolet revealed ahead of LA debut

Range Rover’s Evoque convertible is a looker and will be the only convertible luxury SUV in the world when it goes on sale

Range Rover has revealed its all-new Evoque cabriolet ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Motor Show later in November 2015. A convertible version of the Range Rover was first showcased as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Range Rover Evoque cabriolet is expected to go on sale in spring of 2016 and be priced at around £ 47,500 when it is launched. The Range Rover cabrio will be offered in Dynamic and Dynamic HSE trims. Power comes from a choice a 2.0 litre, four cylinder turbo diesel engine with 178bhp of max power or a 2.0 litre, four cylinder, turbo petrol engine developing 237bhp of max power.

The highlight of course here is the fabric folding roof that takes 18 seconds to open completely and 21 seconds to close with its Z-fold mechanism. The roof can be operated on the move as well at speeds of up to 48 km/h. With the roof open, the Evoque cabrio has a boot space of 251 litres.

The roof features acoustic insulation to the point where Land Rover claims that NVH levels are at par with the hard top model. Land Rover also claims that the two-door Range Rover Evoque cabriolet offers enough space for two adults to be seated in the rear seats. The Evoque cabrio has also been given a specially developed Meridian surround sound system to offer optimal acoustics in the SUV during top down motoring.

Factoring in safety during open top motoring, Land Rover has fitted rollover protection device consisting of two deployable aluminum anti-roll bars hidden in the rear body work to ensure that occupants are left with enough head space should the vehicle turn turtle in the rarest of accidents.

The Evoque cabrio weighs 270 kg more than the fixed roof model due to structural reinforcements to its monocoque chassis to maintain structural rigidity similar to the hard top model. Of course, the roof folding mechanism also accounts for some of that weight.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, commented: “Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons. Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering adds another dimension to the Range Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal.”

When the Range Rover Evoque cabriolet goes on sale, it will hold the unique selling proposition of being the only convertible luxury SUV in the world.

Also read: Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 Review, Test Drive