Finally, the Beckham Evoque 23 | 04 | 2012
OK, HOLD YOUR BREATH: this is the new Victoria Beckham-designed Range Rover Evoque. It can be yours for around £80,000, and only 200 units will be built: but is it a step too far? (See more official photos of the Range Rover Evoque Victoria Beckham).
Unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show — I think we can expect quite a few of these to be sold in China, where 'Mrs Becks' is a bit of a star! — the luxurious special will be built on the regular Evoque production line in Halewood.
Once built, it will then be handed over to Land Rover’s special ‘Engineering to Order’ division to give it an exclusive makeover.
The limited edition model was first muted when the Evoque was previewed in London in 2010, and — rather strangely — Beckham had joined the Land Rover design team and would work with design chief Gerry McGovern on this 'special'.
"We chose to work with Victoria Beckham because she has credibility in a fashion design world," McGovern said today in China. "She specifically wanted the car to be masculine, something that David would drive. Both women and men like masculine cars." Right: that clears that up then.
Read our roadtest, and watch the video, of the Range Rover Evoque
So, what do you get for your 80 grand? Well the limited edition is based on the range-topping, 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engined three-door, which comes complete with all-wheel drive and a six-speed auto 'box. (That rules me out straightaway, because I prefer the diesel!).
The Evoque has hand-finished matt black paintwork and gloss black paint for the detailing. The 'in-your-face' 20in alloys also get the gloss black treatment, though they do also boast rose gold accents. And just to maintain the link with your feminine side, rose gold is also used for the grille and badge surrounds. Hmmm?
Step inside the cabin, and the luxurious interior boasts tan semi-aniline leather seats which have been hand stitched.
Gren light for DC100 Concept
Rose gold — there's a theme running here! — features again for interior accents. Thankfully, the rest of the trim is finished in black lacquers and veneers, textured aluminium and soft-feel black paint. Phew!
All 200 units will come with not only a bespoke four-piece luggage set, but also a hand-sewn leather wallet for the manual which has been signed by Beckham herself. Now that definitely makes it worth £80k!
“I want everyone who gets into this car to feel special and empowered by its quality and craftsmanship,” Mrs B said. “I like that it feels luxurious, but also has quite a classic edge to it as well as a contemporary feel.”
But perhaps the most interesting quote of the day came from John Edwards, Land Rover global brand director, who admitted: "There are no plans for any other Beckham edition models yet."
I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.
Range Rover reveals new Evoque Cabrio
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill