2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible: First Look

Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60

Looks like: An Evoque with a contrast-colored roof — and sometimes none at all

Drivetrain: 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, nine-speed automatic transmission

Hits dealers: Mid-2016

Related: More 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

When Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque first arrived on the compact-luxury-SUV scene in 2011, it was noted for its emphasis on luxury. Now, the Evoque is broadening its focus from the plush to the panoramic with its first droptop version, dropping in later this month at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Exterior

Even with a retractable Z-fold cloth top, the convertible’s outward appearance still, well, evokes the Evoque. Designers reportedly took care to maintain a silhouette consistent with the hardtop original as well as its structural rigidity. However, the convertible is not without its distinguishing features. The automaker says enhancements include a deeper, more aggressive front bumper with enlarged air intakes, along with frameless doors that create a clean profile when the roof is stowed, and an all-new tailgate and spoiler housing an LED brake light. The grille has an enlarged geometric mesh area, vent surrounds, and a choice of six designs and finishes for the 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels.

Of the two trim levels, the top-line HSE Dynamic also features LED fog lights, body-colored side skirts and a rear bumper that houses unique twin exhaust outlets. The SE Dynamic trim, meanwhile, has silver-finished fender, grille and fog light surrounds, as well as black-finished components and gloss-black hood vents. LED taillights and LED daytime-running lights are standard, and full-LED adaptive headlights are optional; buyers of the SE Dynamic trim can also choose xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights. A baker’s dozen of available exterior colors includes the new Baltoro Ice and Waitomo Grey Metallic.

Interior

The four-seat cabin can be exposed to the outdoors within 18 seconds and covered back up in 21, all at the touch of a button on the center console. When stowed, the fabric top is concealed by hinged, flush-folding panels. A rear wind deflector can be installed when the top is down, and occupants can secure their valuables in a new locking glove compartment.

The Evoque Convertible’s standard 12-way adjustable memory seats, with optional heating, are covered in perforated, grained leather on the SE Dynamic trim, while the HSE Dynamic version offers perforated-midsection Oxford leather seats finished with a center-ribbed section, available in multiple color combinations. A 14-way climate-controlled seat is also available.

Audio, climate, phone and available satellite navigation are controlled through Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro multimedia system, operated through a 10.2-inch touch-screen. Other tech features include remote start, temperature control, locking and unlocking, as well as smartphone alerts if the car alarm goes off and location assistance, all through the standard InControl Remote system, while InControl Protect allows owners to contact roadside assistance or emergency services.

Under the Hood

The all-wheel-drive convertible is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the regular Evoque. The engine makes 240 horsepower and 251 pounds-feet of torque, and it’s mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s good for a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.

The Evoque Convertible is expected to arrive in dealerships near the middle of next year with a starting price of $51,470, including a $995 destination charge. The regular 2016 Evoque starts at $42,470 with a destination fee.

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