2018 Jaguar E-PACE Launch Review

Jaguar is a brand that is better known for stunning sports cars like the classic E-Type or long distance tourers like the XJ.

Enter into the equation the E-PACE. A smaller slightly heavier SUV that will compete with the likes of the Audi Q2 and Q3, the Lexus NX range, BMX X2 etc.

The Jaguar E-PACE range consists of: E-PACE First Edition, The E-PACE and E-PACE R-Dynamic are available with S, SE and HSE specification packs and a choice of five powertrains, with three diesel and two petrol engines.

Exterior

The 2018 Jaguar E-PACE continues the design flair of the F-Type sports car. It has typical flowing lines of a Jaguar.

Despite it having flowing lines it also has short overhangs and is quite muscular as well. Standard rims are 17 inch and there are optional up to 21 inch rims and tyres that fill the wheel arches.

The R Dynamic has some extra design features such as tail pipe extenders, Gloss black front fog lights surrounds, grill surrounds and rear valance, in addition to body coloured wheel arches.

E-PACE can be specified in 11 exterior colours.

Interior

Inside the E-PACE feels much bigger than it looks from the outside.

For the front occupants the entry level fabric seats have an 8 way manual adjustment. The optional leather 14 way electrically adjustable seats are comfortable for long distances.

The R Dynamic sport style seats are awesome. They are 18 way electrically adjustability with higher shoulder bolsters, squab extenders.

One complaint is that they are only heated, not air conditioned which is ok on a car at $50,000 but not at $90,000.

Both front occupants have spacious head room and leg room with plenty of seat travel and even though the centre console is quite wide, adequate hip room. Storage is flexible and plentiful.

The dash can be either analogue or a 12.3 inch HD virtual Interactive Driver Display. Both provide clear graphics and a configurable MFD in the centre.

Everywhere you place an elbow, arm or hands in the E-PACE is soft touch. The beautifully crafted leather-clad facia and seat upholstery with twin-needle stitching all enhance the sense of luxury.

The centre stack houses the air conditioning controls, a row of buttons for various functions and then the 10 inch touch screen.

Rear passengers are accommodated in comfort with adequate knee, head and leg room (behind normal size drivers) with rear air vents and USB ports.

The rear seats fold in a 60/40 style, unfortunately not totally flat though. The boot area ranges from a reasonable 484L through to 1141L of space.

The aluminium electric tailgate open nice and high and comes with optional gesture opening and activity key system.

Features

The E-PACE introduces a wave of design and technology innovations that make connectivity even more practical and user-friendly.

Key features include:

• Jaguar’s Touch Pro infotainment system
• 10inch touchscreen display which allows customers fingertip control
• a choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian, (although DAB is an option)
• HUD as an option
• Jaguar Land Rover’s latest InControl connected car features
• Dual zone climate control air conditioning
• 5 USB charging points and 4 x 12V points
• Sun visors with illuminated mirrors
• Rain sensing wipers, heated exterior mirrors, heated rear windows

Drive and Engine

The Jaguar E-PACE and E-PACE  R-Dynamic are available with S, SE and HSE specification packs and a choice of five powertrains, with three diesel and two petrol engines.

The 2.0 litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel powerplant is available in 110kW, 132kW and 177kW outputs, while the pair of 2.0 litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol turbo units delivers 183kW or 221kW.

All engines are matched to the nine-speed ZF automatic transmission. Customers selecting the R-Dynamic Pack also benefit from gearshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

The E-PACE has two different AWD systems. The standard permanent AWD system and the E-PACE’s Active Driveline all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Essentially almost the same result with different way of achieving it.

The Jaguar E-PACE is relatively heavy around 1800-1900kg depending on which model and what engine and options etc. The advantage of the heavy weight is that the E-PACE feels well planted to the road.

On hilly twisty sections the E-PACE’s lithe agility belied its hefty weight.

Configurable Dynamics gives the driver even more control with individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics suspension system.

The Adaptive Dynamics set-up senses driver input, body and wheel movements and pre-emptively loads the suspension and chassis and adjusts the damping for improved roll control and agility in all conditions.

Safety

The Jaguar E-PACE introduces an array of new driver assist technologies. The dynamic compact SUV is packed with active safety technologies.

Features include:

• Blind Spot Assist,
• Forward Traffic Monitor,
• Adaptive Driving Beam,
• Park Assist,
• Six airbags: driver and passenger, thorax, and side curtain airbags.
• Front and rear seat occupants are also protected by seatbelt pre-tensioners,
• Two ISOFIX points are fitted to the outer rear seats,
• An innovative pedestrian airbag,
• Jaguar’s Emergency Braking technology with pedestrian detection,
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Emergency brake lights (EBL)
• Emergency brake assist (EBA)
• Corner Brake Control (CBC)

Good Bits:

• Very stylish – compact yet internally spacious
• All engine combinations
• Road handling and agility

Not So Good Bits:

• Some internal plastic trim
• No air-conditioned seats
• Long and very expensive options list

Summary

Jaguar has been late to the party with their SUV range.

Given the ability to almost bespoke package the Jaguar E-PACE you want, it is impossible to discuss pricing other than to say you can buy a E-PACE from anywhere from around $50,000 to a heavily optioned $99,000.

Jaguar expects the bulk of their sales to be in the $50,000 to $75,000 region and for this money it is a viable option for buyers. At $99,000 there are a bunch of other choices that may be better.

The E-PACE looks visually exciting, has a strong element of Jaguar ride and handling DNA, is spacious and luxurious inside and introduces some clever technology.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Jaguar E-PACE

• Engine: 5 Options
• Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
• Safety: TBA
• Origin: UK
• Warranty: 3 yrs/100,000km
• Price: From $50,000 to $80,000 PLUS