Range Rover Evoque I (2011-2018): How to Remove the Bumpers

When Land Rover introduced the first generation Range Rover Evoque in 2011, the SUV world changed forever. It was a bold experiment - taking the DNA of the classic Range Rover and packaging it into a compact, daring body. The model quickly won public affection, becoming one of the most successful premium crossovers of its time.

Model Code and Platform

The first-generation Evoque carried the internal designation L538 and was based on the Ford EUCD platform, also used by the Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Freelander 2. Despite shared roots with Ford, British engineers thoroughly reworked the chassis for off-road capability.

 

2015 Facelift

In 2015, the Evoque received its first and only facelift. Exterior changes were minimal: slight updates to the front bumper, radiator grille, and LED lighting. The interior gained the new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with touchscreen, and material quality improved.

Key technical changes included:

  • Diesel engines upgraded to Euro 6 compliance

  • New 9-speed ZF 9HP automatic transmission (replacing the 6-speed)

  • Addition of All-Terrain Progress Control - an "off-road cruise control" system

 

Bumper Plastic Composition: Polypropylene and ethylene/propylene blend with 15% filler. Marked >PP+E/P+TD15<

 

Front Bumper Removal

  1. Open the hood

  2. Remove four clips (inserted top to bottom) securing the radiator grille

  3. Remove grille (pull from bottom, noting rubber seal)

  4. Under grille, extract four pins securing top of bumper

  5. Underside: remove two screws and tow hook cover (pull forward)

  6. Under cover: remove three screws and two clips

  7. Turn wheels alternately inward

  8. Release front wheel arch extensions (clip-fastened)

  9. Remove two screws per side, one clip, and two plastic nuts

  10. Behind liners: remove two screws and one clip per side (clips often break)

  11. Left side: disconnect fog lights and parking sensors

  12. Right side: disconnect headlight washer hoses (fluid may leak)

  13. With assistant, pull bumper forward to remove

Front Bumper Mounting Locations Range Rover Evoque (L538) (2011–2018)

Range Rover Evoque (L538) (2011–2018) Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

Rear Bumper Removal

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open tailgate

  2. Near taillights: remove covers and two screws per side

  3. Remove taillights by releasing wing fasteners

  4. In trunk opening: remove two clips

  5. Underside: remove four 10mm bolts

  6. In wheel arches: remove two screws and one clip per side

  7. Release arch extensions (two clips each)

  8. Release wing fasteners (pull from corners)

  9. With assistant, pull bumper rearward (mind wiring)

  10. Disconnect electrical connectors

rear bumper mounting locations Range Rover Evoque (L538) (2011–2018)

Range Rover Evoque (L538) Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram (2011–2018)

Design: From Concept to Production

The Evoque inherited features from Gerard McGovern's 2008 LRX concept. Its signature dome-shaped roof tapered rearward for a dynamic profile.

Available as 5-door and short-lived 3-door (discontinued after facelift).

 

Technical Features

Despite compact dimensions, a true Land Rover:

  • Configurable all-wheel drive (permanent in top versions)

  • 500mm wading depth

  • Terrain Response with surface-specific modes

 

Engines:

  • Petrol: 2.0L (240hp), post-facelift 2.0L turbo (290hp in SVR)

  • Diesel: 2.2L (150-190hp), economical but problematic (injection issues)

 

Notable Facts

  • Hollywood debut in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" (2018)

  • Victoria Beckham Edition special model (2012)

  • 2013 hybrid prototype (unproduced)

  • Rally-proven in Silk Way Rally

 

First-Generation Legacy

Produced until 2018, the Evoque I pioneered premium compact SUVs. Used examples remain popular, though diesels require careful inspection.

A game-changing vehicle - not just a shrunken Range Rover, but a standalone design icon with bold, recognizable styling.