The Rise of Minimalism in Design and the 2024 Range Rover Evoque
In 1965, British art critic Richard Wollheim introduced the term “minimal art” to describe a form of art that stripped its materials and forms down to their fundamental elements. This concept, known as minimalism, quickly became a prominent ethos in Western design and culture. From composer John Cage’s iconic composition “4:33,” featuring four minutes and 33 seconds of silence, to the sleek and simple designs found at Ikea, minimalism has permeated various aspects of our lives. Even the automotive industry has embraced minimalism, evident in the design of the 2024 Range Rover Evoque.
The Evoque’s exterior showcases what the British SUV maker refers to as “reductive” design, which aligns with the principles of minimalism. While the changes may require close inspection to discern, they mirror the evolution of the Range Rover family’s design. The hexagonal mesh grille has been replaced with artful dashed lines, creating a more refined and cohesive appearance. The adaptive headlights, slimmer in form, resemble those found on the Velar model. Each lamp incorporates four small lighting units, housing 67 LEDs that can adjust their light pattern to prevent blinding oncoming drivers.
The exterior paint menu for the Evoque now includes new colors such as Arroios Grey, Corinthian Bronze, and Tribeca Blue. Additionally, Corinthian Bronze is available as a contrasting roof color alongside Narvik Black, offering further customization options.
Moving to the interior, the Evoque embraces reductive design even more profoundly. In previous reviews, the Evoque’s interior was criticized for its lack of physical buttons and knobs, as touchscreens and capacitive switches dominated the dashboard. However, for the 2024 model, Range Rover has consolidated the infotainment and HVAC displays into a singular 11.4-inch touchscreen positioned higher on the instrument panel. While approximately 80 percent of functions can be accessed within two taps of the home screen, the interface may require a learning curve and exploration of the owner’s manual to unlock advanced features.
Though the physical buttons have been eliminated, the new steering wheel features capacitive switches for easy control access. The gear selector has also been downsized, offering a more ergonomic and visually refined design. The removal of the bottom screen on the center console has allowed for the addition of a standard wireless phone charger and an improved storage cubby. The once prominent metallic plinth that housed the gear selector has also been replaced with a more subtle and integrated design.
The interior color palette of the Evoque reflects the muted and minimalist trends popular in contemporary design. Available trim pieces include Shadow Gray Ash Veneer, dark anodized aluminum, and light anodized aluminum. The cabin’s brightest hue, Cloud, is a light gray that contrasts with the predominant Ebony color scheme.
Regarding performance, the 2024 Range Rover Evoque offers a simplified lineup. In the market, only the P250 powertrain is available, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ingenium four-cylinder engine producing 246 horsepower. This power is transmitted through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-biased all-wheel drive as the standard configuration. The Evoque prioritizes fashion and style over dynamic handling, though it demonstrates sufficient power and a smooth on-road ride.
However, the Evoque shines off-road, showcasing its formidable capabilities in challenging terrain. Its off-roading capabilities are a defining feature of this luxury SUV, setting it apart from competitors like the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1. While its interior and cargo space may be slightly reduced compared to rivals, its distinctive design, off-road prowess, and stylish interior make it a standout choice for those seeking a minimalist and exclusive driving experience.
With an unmistakable design reminiscent of modern art and an interior that exemplifies minimalism, the 2024 Range Rover Evoque embraces a unique position in the automotive market. Its price point, starting at around $10,000 higher than competitors, reflects its premium status. Despite its minor drawbacks, such as subpar fuel economy and unconventional controls, the Evoque stands alone, appealing to those who appreciate the minimalist mindset and the allure of luxury combined with off-road capabilities.