Range Rover Evoque PHEV review
The Evoque P300e isn't the best value or most spacious premium plug-in hybrid SUV, but it's still an appealing choice that'll be cheap to run – especially for company-car drivers
Pros
- As luxurious as any Evoque
- Fast charging capability
- Low company-car tax
Cons
- Some rivals more practical
- Expensive for private buyers
- Heavier than petrol and diesel models
| Car type | Electric range | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 37-38 miles | 197mpg | 33-34g/km |
Nearly the entire Land Rover model range can now be had with plug-in hybrid power: everything from the rugged Defender to the sumptuous Range Rover flagship. The compact and chic Evoque has been electrified, too: a vital step to ensure it can compete with rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC40 in the extremely competitive premium plug-in hybrid SUV category.
Cars like this exist primarily because of their low Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for company-car users, but their target market isn't about to compromise on the quality, luxury and in-car technology traditionally associated with premium SUVs.
In general, the Evoque hybrid hits the mark in these respects; although it's inevitably a little heavier than its petrol and diesel equivalents, the characteristic 'mini Range Rover' feeling is still there. Performance is strong and running costs are low, so as long as you can live with the somewhat limited space and versatility inherent to all Evoques, you won't be disappointed with the plug-in variant.
The Evoque P300e’s claimed efficiency figures are impressive, with up to 38 miles of electric range, as little as 33g/km CO2 emissions and nearly 200mpg average fuel economy claimed. That last number in particular needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but if you do mostly short journeys and can charge at home to keep the battery topped up, your fuel bills will be minuscule compared to a regular petrol or diesel car.
Currently, the P300e plug-in hybrid powertrain is available in the R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, R-Dynamic HSE, Autobiography and Evoque Edition trim levels. List prices start at just over £47,000 – but no matter which version you go for, the Evoque P300e only attracts a 12% BiK tax rate for company-car drivers.
The plug-in hybrid model is no better or worse than the standard Evoque for practicality. That means boot capacity and other storage space is good (if not class-leading), but also that the rear seats are probably a little tight for regular use by adults – although they're fine for kids or younger teenagers on a long journey.
In summary, we like the plug-in Evoque a lot. Like many plug-in hybrids, it's off-puttingly expensive for private buyers, but it hits the right CO2 and electric range numbers to make sense for company-car users. As long as you're not doing regular long-distance motorway runs (in which case, check out the mild-hybrid diesel version), the Range Rover Evoque P300e is an appealing, stylish and luxurious choice. For a more detailed look at the hybrid Evoque, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
