With the Los Angeles International Auto Show coming up in a few days, it seems like more than a coincidence that Land Rover introduced the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible this week.
Four years ago, Land Rover unveiled a concept vehicle — a rugged, nightly covered modern convertible with features similar to that year’s Evoque. You can get a look at the original vehicle in the final image below.
![](https://mandatory.preprod.vip.gnmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/mandatoryt_image_place_holder_r01.jpg?w=1024)
Wouldn’t it be something if, just once, an automaker flat out just build the concept car? Just one time it’d be a treat to see an unlikely model emerge from a futuristic concept — especially a concept that seemed very much outside the norm for that automaker’s overall identity.
Also: 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR: Vehicle Fit for a (sort of) Queen
Jump ahead to the present day and Land Rover is announcing the first convertible SUV to join the Range Rover line-up, the Evoque Convertible (above). The original Evoque was an effort to nudge a little bit of a sport car vibe in the Range Rover line. More than just a crossover version of a Land Rover, the Evoque was smaller and lower than Range Rover while sacrificing none of the comfort and smoothness for the four passengers inside.
![](https://mandatory.preprod.vip.gnmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/mandatoryt_image_place_holder_r01.jpg?w=1024)
The new convertible sticks with the Evoque aesthetic and dimensions with almost nine square feet of cargo space and comfortable seating for four adults. The standard trim offers a 240 horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder engine with the current nine-speed automatic transmission with standard four-wheel drive.
When the convertible arrives in showrooms come mid-2016, the interior will have a next-generation Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch-screen.
![](https://mandatory.preprod.vip.gnmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/mandatoryt_image_place_holder_r01.jpg?w=1024)
Every automotive writer has one, and the Range Rover Sport SVR is my admitted dream ride for everyday use. When I get the chance to drive the Evoque Convertible, we’ll see if I move my crosshairs.
In the meantime, give credit to Land Rover. They built the concept car.