I don’t consider myself any sort of highbrow snob. I don’t drink champagne and nibble on caviar, I’m more of a Mickey D’s sort of person, value meal please.
There are occasions, however, when I do get to dip my toes into the infinity pool of luxury. Like a recent week when I got to spend time with a Range Rover, that most British of vehicles, the chariot of lords and ladies, and here in the States, CEOs and movie stars.
Specifically, I got to spend a week with a 2024 Range Rover Evoque. It’s the SUV equivalent of a designer handbag. Stylish, chic, but—let’s be honest—mostly seen in the wilds of Beverly Hills rather than the Serengeti.
For 2024 parent brand Land Rover simplified the Evoque lineup with just two trims: S and Dynamic SE. Gone is the 296-hp P300 turbocharged four-cylinder, leaving only the 246-hp P250 version. Inside, the Evoque adds a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen, and a redesigned center console.
I had the top-of-the-line Dynamic SE which gave me a reason to venture into the fashionable thicket of Land/ Range Rover once again. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a pretty face.
Now the Evoque is not the massive, imposing beast like its bigger Range Rover siblings. It’s more like the Range Rover that went to a British finishing school and learned to walk with a bit more elegance and a touch more finesse. The Dynamic SE trim, in particular, is Evoque’s tuxedo-wearing alter ego, with a penchant for the finer things in life.
The exterior is a symphony of sharp lines and elegant curves, with a front grille that says, “I mean business,” and sleek LED headlights that could double as a light show at a rock concert. The Dynamic SE trim adds a bit more flair with its unique 20-inch wheels and black contrast roof, making it look like a British supermodel ready to hit the LA club scene.
The Dynamic SE also adds such things as a power liftgate, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. My tester also had the optional Technology package, which adds a head-up display and a 360-degree exterior camera system.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s more luxurious than the Ritz. The seats are clad in Windsor leather, offering the kind of comfort that makes you want to take the long route home. That curved 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive enough not to make you want to chuck it out the window – a common feeling with many other cars’ systems.
But wait, there’s more. The Dynamic SE comes with the fancy Meridian Sound System. It’s like having a personal orchestra in your car, making every drive feel like a concert. The ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof all add to the Evoque’s charm, creating an environment that makes you forget about the traffic chaos outside.
On the road, the Evoque Dynamic SE handles beautifully. It’s nimble, responsive, and hugs corners like it’s in love with them. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that you stay glued to the road, whether you’re navigating through city streets or taking on a winding mountain road. It’s not a sports car, but it’s sporty enough to keep you entertained, and comfortable enough to keep you relaxed.
Off road? Well, I didn’t get a chance to stray from the pavement, but It’s a Land Rover, after all. I have no doubt the Evoque laughs in the face of rugged terrain, thanks to its Terrain Response system. Mud, sand, snow—none of it fazes this machine.
In the end though let’s be honest, how many buyers are actually going to take this pampered pooch off the beaten path? Most Evoques will spend their lives tackling the urban jungle rather than the real one. However, it’s sort of comforting to know that if the world morphs into something out of Mad Max you could fit a couple of machine guns on the roof and join in the fun.
So, what’s the verdict on the 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE? It’s the perfect blend of style, luxury, and performance. It’s for those who want the prestige of the Range Rover badge but in a more manageable, city-friendly package.
The Dynamic SE trim is a brilliant choice for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life but doesn’t want to shout about it. It’s like a well-tailored suit – understated yet undeniably impressive. It delivers all the splendor of British aristocracy with the rugged tenacity of an American frontier cowboy.
The 2024 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SE
MSRP: $54,900
MSRP (as tested): $62,930
Engine: 2.0 liter Inline 4-cylinder 246 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 269 lb-ft torque @ 1,300 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 20 city, 27 highway, 22 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 28 mpg
Base curb weight: 3,935 lbs.
Exterior Dimensions
Length: 172.1 in.
Overall width with mirrors: 82.7 in.
Height: 64.9 in.
Wheelbase: 105.6 in.
Ground clearance: 8.3 in.
Max Towing Capacity: 3,968 lbs.
Interior Dimensions
Front Seat Dimensions
Front headroom: 37.4 in.
Front leg room: 40.0 in.
Front shoulder room: 56.6 in.
Rear headroom: 38.1 in.
Rear leg room: 34.0 in.
Rear shoulder room: 55.4 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 21.6 cu.ft.
Maximum cargo capacity: 50.5 cu.ft.
Warranty
Basic: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Rust: 6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside assistance: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Greg has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.