JLR Group restructures Range Rover range, Evoque and Velar models permanently out of production
The luxury car landscape is set for a radical transformation. The British SUV manufacturer has announced a major strategic decision that will shape the future of the brand: the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar models will be permanently withdrawn from production in 2027. The move is part of a comprehensive plan to streamline the portfolio and redefine the exclusive identity of the Range Rover family.
The decline of successful models: Official decision confirmed by brand management
The information that had been circulating as a rumor in the automotive industry was officially confirmed by Martin Limpert, the general manager of the Range Rover brand.
- End of life cycle: The British official explained that the two popular models are naturally approaching the end of their production cycle, with the manufacturer choosing not to invest in the development of direct successor generations.
- No direct replacements: Unlike the classic industry strategy of ensuring continuity through direct replacements, the Evoque and Velar will not receive successors in the segments they have dominated for over a decade, freeing up resources for the brand's new technological and design direction.
New portfolio architecture: A Range Rover range narrowed to three essential pillars
With the discontinuation of the two compact and mid-size SUVs, the brand's official portfolio will be simplified and repositioned exclusively in the upper reaches of the luxury market. Starting next year, the range will consist of just three main models:
- Range Rover GT: Scheduled to become the new entry model in the brand's universe, it will take on the role of the "affordable" family option, with an estimated starting price around the £90,000 mark.
- Range Rover Sport: The dynamic performance SUV will continue to occupy the middle ground, catering to customers seeking a balance between luxury, agility and top-notch dynamic capabilities.
- Range Rover (Flagship): The absolute pinnacle of the hierarchy remains unchanged, maintaining its status as the ultimate benchmark in terms of refinement, noble materials and social status.
The Romanian market situation: Prices, equipment levels and the transition for local customers
For the Romanian market, where the Range Rover family models have traditionally enjoyed great appreciation among entrepreneurs and the premium public, the announcement opens an interesting period of transition.
Current positioning and prices (Evoque and Velar):
- Range Rover Evoque: The most affordable model in the current range represented the gateway to the brand's universe on the local market. List prices for new models typically start at around 48,000 - 52,000 euros including VAT for the basic versions, rising to 70,000 - 85,000 euros for the higher trim levels (Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography) equipped with mild-hybrid systems or plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV).
- Range Rover Velar: Positioned between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, the Velar focused on minimalist elegance and futuristic design. On the Romanian market, prices frequently ranged between 65,000 euros for entry-level variants and exceeded the threshold of 90,000 - 95,000 euros in top configurations with 6-cylinder engines or special design packages.
Availability until 2027 and the used market: In the run-up to 2027, the network of authorized dealers in Romania will ensure deliveries from the remaining production stocks, while on the secondary market (used and certified second-hand cars) demand for Evoque and Velar is expected to remain high, supported by their timeless design and the prestige of the logo.
Future outlook for Romanian buyers: With the transition to the new range consisting of the three basic models (led by the upcoming Range Rover GT), local customers in the entry-luxury segment will be gradually directed towards the group's new generations of vehicles, oriented towards higher profitability margins and advanced propulsion technologies.
