Land Rover has launched a long-wheelbase variant of its Range Rover Evoque compact SUV in China.
The Rover Range Rover Evoque L increases rear legroom by 125 mm (4.9 inches) and offers an electrically adjustable rear seat back to allow passengers to stretch out further, according to the brand’s consumer website.
Long-wheelbase versions of global models are popular in China, where many buyers there prefer more rear-seat space.
Jaguar Land Rover’s Jaguar brand only sells stretched versions of the XE and XF sedans in the market, and in the mainstream segments, Peugeot in China builds and sells the 508L, an extended version of the midsize sedan sold in Europe.
The new L version of the Evoque is set to replace the regular version, local media reports said. It remains a five-seater.
The Evoque was JLR’s second-best selling locally produced model, with 3,642 sales in China after the Land Rover Discovery Sport at 5,641 units, company figures for the quarter ending June 30 show.
The longer Evoque will help Land Rover compete against stretched models from premium rivals. Audi, for example, builds a long-wheelbase Q2 compact SUV for China, as well as a longer Q5 midsize SUV.
The new Evoque L is 4,531 mm long, compared with 4,371 mm for the standard version. Launch editions will cost 430,000 yuan ($67,000), compared with 375,800 yuan for the cheapest standard-wheelbase model.
Available equipment includes an upgraded high-definition version of the standard 10.2-inch touch screen with split-screen display. Customers can also order an updated version of JLR’s wrist-worn smart key bracelet that opens the door automatically. The bracelet now acts as a watch as well.
The new model is not expected to be sold in Europe.
