The Changing Face of Luxury SUVs: An Icon Stumbles as a Challenger Emerges

For nearly seven years, the second-generation Range Rover Evoque has been a dominant force on British roads, serving not only as a formidable seller in its own right but as the vital entry point to the prestigious Land Rover stable. Introduced in late 2018, the L551-generation model quickly established itself as an Autocar class favourite. In its diesel guise, it saw off premium compact SUV rivals with conclusive ease, while the P300e plug-in hybrid variant earned high praise for its refinement. However, the landscape is shifting. A mid-life update for the 2024 model year, intended to refresh the vehicle, has arguably done the opposite, reducing this former class-leader to the status of a mere mid-pack contender.

The mechanics of decline

While the Evoque retains the jutting-featured attitude and refined lines that originally marked it out as a car of genuine star quality, the recent changes have been a mixed bag. The exterior remains largely familiar—save for subtly redesigned headlights and fresh wheel designs—maintaining the desirability that anchors the brand. Yet, inside the cabin, the narrative changes. The 2024 update has significantly cheapened the interior, replacing tactile controls with a heavy reliance on the touchscreen interface, making the vehicle harder to operate on the move.

Under the bonnet, Jaguar Land Rover has rationalised the confusing line-up. The mild-hybrid P300 four-cylinder petrol and D250 diesel are gone, leaving a range that includes the 161bhp D165 (the only front-wheel-drive manual option) up to the range-topping P300e AWD PHEV. While the electrified powertrain offers impressive smoothness around town, the reality of ownership can be stark; once the traction battery is depleted, performance drops away dramatically, leaving the driver with a vehicle that struggles to achieve more than 33mpg on a long run.

A new pretender from the East

As the established British icon struggles to justify its premium positioning, a fascinating challenger is appearing on the horizon, promising to democratise the luxury off-road experience. The Jaecoo 8, a large SUV from China expected to arrive in Spain and the wider European market by the second quarter of 2026, is positioning itself as the “Range Rover of the people.” While many SUV buyers rarely venture beyond the tarmac, there remains a strong appetite for vehicles that bridge the gap between a soft-roader and a genuine 4×4. The Jaecoo 8 aims to fill this void, offering capabilities that far exceed the average crossover.

Power to the people

The technical specifications of this newcomer are nothing short of ambitious. The manufacturer claims a staggering output of 597bhp and 915Nm of torque, derived from a plug-in hybrid system that pairs a 1.5-litre thermal engine with electric motors on each axle. This setup is supported by a battery capacity exceeding 30kWh, theoretically allowing for at least 87 miles of electric-only driving.

Critically, the Jaecoo 8 is not merely about straight-line speed. It features the brand’s proprietary ARDIS all-wheel-drive system, which offers eight distinct driving modes—including specific settings for sand, mud, and snow—and an active suspension system designed to handle rough terrain. While seasoned enthusiasts know it may not rival a dedicated hard-core off-roader, its dedicated rear-axle electric motor allows for precise torque distribution, giving it genuine credibility off the beaten track.

The verdict on value

Measuring 4.82 metres in length, the Jaecoo 8 offers significant road presence, matched by an interior quality that defies expectations for its price point. Jaecoo has already surprised observers with the cabin finish of its more affordable models, and this flagship aims to push that further. However, pricing remains the critical factor. With sibling models like the Omoda 9 starting around the €53,000 mark, the more premium-focused Jaecoo 8, with its advanced 4×4 hardware, is expected to sit in the region of €55,000. It presents a curious dichotomy in the market: just as the entry-level Range Rover begins to lose its shine through questionable updates, a new rival arrives, offering immense power and high specification for a fraction of the legacy brand’s cost.