2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Preview: 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Whether you credit ownership by and investment from India’s Tata Motors, a resurgence in the American economy, or new and redesigned models that moneyed consumers simply cannot resist, one thing is certain: Land Rover is on a roll. And things definitely started turning around when the Range Rover Evoque model arrived a couple of years ago.

Now, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover has introduced a couple of expensive new Range Rover Evoque Autobiography special editions, each equipped with lots of unique equipment that allow them to command a premium price. The company has also announced a new InControl Apps technology and a new active driveline system that are available on all versions of the 2015 Range Rover Evoque.

• Land Rover InControl Apps technology available for all models
• Active driveline technology automatically engages 4WD to maximize traction on all surfaces
• New Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic models debut
• Autobiography Dynamic gets upgraded power and performance

The new 2015 Range Rover Evoque Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic special edition models feature unique styling details that clearly set them apart from other Evoque models.

The Range Rover Evoque Autobiography model receives a new grille, crystal-effect headlights, a sporty body kit, and Atlas Silver 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside, premium leather covers the seats while the doorsill tread plates are illuminated with an “Autobiography” script.

Choose the Autobiography Dynamic model for Satin Grey wheels and Santorini Black trim elements. The roof is also painted Santorini Black, and this version of the 2015 Range Rover Evoque is exclusively offered in a new Phoenix Orange paint color. This model’s interior is decked out with climate-controlled front seats and bespoke dark brushed aluminum trim.

Like other 2015 Range Rover Evoque models, the Autobiography is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and 4-wheel drive. The engine makes 240 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque, and the active driveline technology keeps the Evoque in 2-wheel-drive mode until the software determines that 4-wheel-drive would be preferable.

Thanks to a boost to 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of a sports exhaust system, revised engine software, and a new single-scroll turbocharger, the 2015 Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic is the most powerful version of Land Rover’s compact luxury suv. The extra oomph shaves acceleration to 60 mph from 7.1 seconds to 6.7 seconds, and top speed is bumped from 135 mph to 140 mph.

A 9-speed automatic transmission is also standard for this model, the transmission revised specifically for duty in the Autobiography Dynamic edition. Active driveline technology is standard, too, and in the Autobiography Dynamic edition provides torque-vectoring technology in a greater variety of driving situations. In addition to powertrain enhancements, the Evoque Autobiography Dynamic features bigger front brake discs, revised steering and a recalibrated suspension to improve handling without sacrificing ride quality.

For 2015, all Range Rover Evoque models will have new InControl Apps technology. Compatible with Apple and Android smartphones, InControl Apps is available for use when a device is connected to the system via the USB port, and is automatically updated with new content each time the device is connected to the system. Applications planned for the system’s launch include Winston, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Glympse, Parkopedia, Cityseeker, Hotelseeker, and more.

Land Rover says InControl Apps is part of a larger suite of InControl connectivity features that includes an InControl Remote application. Using InControl Remote, the Range Rover Evoque’s owner can check on the SUV’s fuel level and remaining driving range from a remote location, find the vehicle in a crowded parking lot, contact roadside assistance, summon emergency rescuers, and track the vehicle if it is stolen.

Historically, Land Rover would introduce a new model and basically make the same thing for what seemed like decades before making any substantial changes. As of late, though, Land Rover has demonstrated willingness, even desire, to continually refine its existing products while making dramatic upgrades when vehicles are redesigned.

Clearly, the changes to the 2015 Range Rover Evoque represent examples of the former rather than the latter, but something tells us Land Rover loyalists will have no trouble forking over the cash for the new Autobiography and Autobiography Dynamic models, and all Evoque buyers will appreciate the new technology.