Key highlights:
- Range Rover Evoque and Velar production ends by 2027
- Upcoming GT will indirectly replace both SUVs
- Defender Sport becomes JLR’s new entry-level model
Range Rover will end production of the Evoque and Velar by the end of 2027, with neither SUV receiving a direct replacement. Instead, the brand plans to position its upcoming GT as an indirect successor, while Defender and Discovery models take over the more affordable end of the market.
Martin Limpert, managing director of the Range Rover brand, confirmed to Autocar that the company is not developing a third-generation Evoque or a second-generation Velar.
Range Rover Evoque and Velar face the axe
The Evoque and Velar currently serve as the most affordable entry points into the Range Rover lineup. In New South Wales, the 4.37-metre Evoque starts at $97,917 drive-away, while the larger 4.8-metre Velar starts at $116,292 drive-away.
The next step up comes with a substantial price jump. The 4.95-metre Range Rover Sport starts at $169,107 drive-away in NSW, while the flagship Range Rover starts at $308,337 drive-away.
The luxury marque will not develop the next-generation models for these entry-level SUVs, and will trim the Range Rover portfolio to maximise exclusivity and profitability.
Range Rover GT to take their place
Range Rover will indirectly replace the Evoque and Velar with its upcoming GT, which the company describes as its most car-like and sedan-like Range Rover yet. According to Autocar, the electric GT will arrive first, with an expected UK starting price of around £100,000 (A$192,000).
A hybrid version is also planned, reportedly starting at around £90,000 (A$173,000). If those estimates prove accurate, the hybrid GT will cost approximately £13,000 (A$25,000) more than the entry-level Range Rover Sport.
The GT will use JLR’s new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, and this EV-first architecture also supports hybrid drivetrains. Range Rover has already teased the GT’s exterior, revealing a steeply raked rear end and low ride height.
Also read: Land Rover Defender Classic V8 returns to Australia for almost $400,000
JLR wants to push Range Rover further upmarket
JLR reportedly wants to increase the entry price of the Range Rover lineup to maintain its premium positioning and exclusivity. This move forms part of its House of Brands strategy, which separates Land Rover into three distinct marques:
- Range Rover: The premium-focused brand
- Defender: The rugged SUV brand
- Discovery: The family-focused SUV brand
Under this strategy, Defender and Discovery will cover the more affordable, higher-volume market currently served by the Evoque and Velar.
The upcoming Defender Sport will become JLR’s new entry-level model. The rugged-looking SUV will offer both hybrid and electric powertrains, and it will also serve as an indirect replacement for the Discovery Sport, which will end production in December 2026.
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