2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible First Look

It may be a soft-top convertible, but it's still a Range Rover. The 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible goes on sale in the U.S. next year with unique exterior styling, plenty of creature comforts, and the off-road capability you'd expect from the British marque. And naturally, a higher price tag than other Evoque body styles.

Besides the top, you'll notice a few other visual tweaks on the convertible Evoque. The model sports a revised front grille with enlarged mesh area, vent surrounds, and a unique selection of wheel designs. On top-trim versions, look for slim LED foglights, a rear bumper with twin exhaust outlets, and body-color side skirts for a lower-to-the-ground appearance.

A number of structural changes play an even more important role. In the event of a rollover crash, a device deploys two aluminum bars from the rear quarter panel of the convertible to protect occupants. Range Rover also put in underbody bracing so that the convertible can maintain the same torsional rigidity as the coupe without undermining off-road capability. The downside? The model now weighs 4,268 pounds.

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Upgrades visible to the human eye include a new spoiler intended to boost aerodynamics. And although its cargo room is far from spacious, the convertible's fabric roof design allows for 8.9 cubic feet of trunk space whether the top is open or closed. The roof opens in just 18 seconds and closes in 21 with the touch of a button on the center console.

The four-seater Evoque Convertible will come available in two trims: SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic. Standard features on the base model include Ebony leather seats, 12-way electric memory seats, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system with subwoofer. The HSE trim level offers more interior color combinations and a satellite navigation system as standard. Other options include a 12-speaker surround-sound Meridian sound system, head-up display, autonomous braking, 360-parking aid, and a Black Pack with 20-inch black alloy wheels, blacked-out lighting, and black paint.

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Of course, the Evoque still maintains its off-road promises in convertible guise. The model can scale 45-degree gradients and wade through water up to 19.7 inches deep. Hill Descent control comes standard, as does Terrain Response with Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. The model also receives the Evoque's 2.0-liter gas engine with 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. Range Rover estimates it can hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

The 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible will start at $51,470 when it goes on sale in mid-2016. That's quite a bit more coin than other Evoque variants, including the 2016 Evoque, which starts at $42,470, and the 2016 Evoque Coupe, which goes for $47,870.

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