The Range Rover Evoque has always been a symbol of urban sophistication, blending Land Rover’s off-road pedigree with sleek, contemporary design. However, one common critique of the original Evoque was its somewhat cramped rear seating, a trade-off for its compact, stylish proportions. With the introduction of the Range Rover Evoque L, the British automaker has addressed this shortcoming head-on, delivering a stretched version that promises to revolutionize the small luxury SUV segment.

The most striking change in the Evoque L is, of course, its extended wheelbase. Land Rover has added 160mm to the length, with the majority of that extra space allocated to the rear seats. The result is a cabin that feels significantly more spacious, particularly for passengers in the back. Legroom, which was once a pain point, is now generous enough to rival larger SUVs in the segment. This transformation doesn’t just make the Evoque L more practical—it elevates the entire ownership experience, turning what was once a stylish but somewhat compromised choice into a genuinely family-friendly option.

Despite the increased dimensions, the Evoque L retains the original’s unmistakable design language. The sloping roofline, flush door handles, and bold front grille all remain, ensuring that the stretched version is instantly recognizable as an Evoque. Land Rover’s designers have done an admirable job of integrating the additional length without disrupting the car’s proportions. If anything, the longer body enhances its presence on the road, giving it a more commanding stance while preserving its athletic silhouette.

Inside, the Evoque L benefits from Land Rover’s latest interior refinements. Premium materials abound, with soft-touch surfaces, genuine metal accents, and optional Windsor leather upholstery. The infotainment system, powered by Land Rover’s Pivi Pro software, is intuitive and responsive, featuring a crisp touchscreen that dominates the center console. Rear passengers are treated to their own climate controls and USB ports, a nod to the Evoque L’s newfound focus on comfort. The panoramic sunroof, now standard on higher trims, floods the cabin with light, further accentuating the sense of space.

Under the hood, the Evoque L offers a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. The base model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while a plug-in hybrid variant combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system ensures that, despite its urban appeal, the Evoque L remains capable off the beaten path. The added length hasn’t dulled its agility, either—the steering is precise, and the suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness.

The decision to introduce a long-wheelbase Evoque reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. As SUVs continue to dominate global markets, manufacturers are increasingly tailoring their offerings to regional preferences. In markets like China, where rear-seat comfort is a priority, the Evoque L is a strategic move to capture discerning buyers who might otherwise opt for German rivals. Early reviews suggest that Land Rover has succeeded in creating a more versatile vehicle without diluting the Evoque’s core appeal.

Pricing for the Evoque L positions it as a premium offering, but one that now justifies its cost with enhanced practicality. Competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 will need to take notice—this is no longer just a fashion statement. With its expanded rear space, cutting-edge tech, and retained off-road prowess, the Evoque L makes a compelling case for itself as a do-it-all luxury SUV. For those who admired the original but needed more room, Land Rover has delivered a near-perfect solution.

In many ways, the Evoque L represents the evolution of the compact luxury SUV. It proves that style and substance need not be mutually exclusive. By listening to customer feedback and adapting its product accordingly, Land Rover has shown that even its most iconic designs can be refined for real-world demands. The Evoque L isn’t just a longer version of an existing car—it’s a smarter, more mature iteration that sets a new benchmark for its class.