Plug-in hybrid Range Rover Evoque P300e arrives

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Australia has expanded its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) portfolio with the (delayed) local arrival of the 23MY Range Rover Evoque P300e.

Based around a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing a healthy 147kW on its own, the P300e powertrain is supported by a 15kWh lithium-ion battery and 80kW electric motor which combine for a total system output of 227kW/540Nm.

Given the Range Rover Evoque medium SUV is one of the smallest and lightest packages within the wider JLR portfolio, it should come as no surprise that performance is spritely, with 0-100km/h being dispatched in a claimed 6.4 seconds.

In addition to a mountain of torque, that decently-sized battery and electric motor combination also lends itself to a 62km all-electric driving range and claimed combined fuel consumption of just 2.0L/100km.

Unlike other Evoque variants that feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, the P300e comes with a lighter and more efficient eight-speed unit.

Helping drivers extract the most from their vehicles are three drive modes which for the most part do exactly what they say on the tin.

‘Hybrid’ mode automatically combines or shuffles between petrol and electric power depending on the driving condition whereas ‘Save’ mode prioritises the internal combustion engine to maintain battery charge.

Meanwhile, ‘EV’ mode is pretty self-explanatory; the electric motor is in the hot seat.

In terms of charging, JLR says the battery can be charged from empty to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes when using a 32kW DC fast-charger, or one hour and 24 minutes using a 7kW AC wallbox.

JLR Australia managing director Scott Maynard said the local division was stoked to be offering the new PHEV powertrain within the Evoque line-up.

“Australian drivers are increasingly considering electrified powertrains – our expanded PHEV line-up offers compelling alternatives to traditional ICE engines, providing customers with more choice,” he said.

This choice does come at a cost, however; the 23MY Range Rover Evoque R-Dynamic HSE PHEV is priced from $102,001 plus on-road costs – $19,302 more than the equivalent but less powerful Evoque R-Dynamic HSE P250 ($82,699).

Thickening the plot further is the fact that JLR has used the PHEV’s arrival to cull diesel from the Evoque line-up once and for all, with the R-Dynamic S P200 also being shown the door.

As a result of this axing, the Range Rover Evoque’s starting price has climbed up to $78,052 plus on-roads for the R-Dynamic SE P250. Above that resides the previously mentioned HSE P250 and all-new HSE PHEV.

The 23MY Range Rover Evoque P300e PHEV joins the existing Range Rover Sport P400e PHEV, the all-new Range Rover PHEV (available for customer orders from January 27), the Range Rover Velar PHEV (available for customer orders from the second quarter of this year) and the Defender 110 PHEV (Q3).

How much does the 23MY Range Rover Evoque cost?
R-Dynamic SE P250 (a) – $78,052
R-Dynamic HSE P250 (a) – $82,699
R-Dynamic HSE PHEV (a) – $102,001
* Prices exclude on-road costs