Jaguar E-Pace five-seat compact SUV

• Open for orders and priced from £28,500
• 2.0 petrol and diesel engines 150 to 300PS
• Front-wheel and all-wheel-drive
• Pedestrian airbag among safety and driver-aid technology
• Initially built in Austria

 

 

THIS is it – the fiesty Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV. Open for orders and priced from £28,500 in an attractive business package with full connectivity and driver aids among lots of standard treats.

And some surprises.

If it looks like a Jaguar, it should drive like a Jaguar. The E-Pace won’t disappoint anyone here – it’s a Jaguar to its very core.

But unusually for this brand the entry model is front-wheel drive – all the others are all-wheel drive on demand.

Oh, and the best of the latest British technology will initially be built in Austria, because the UK Jaguar Land Rover plant is so close to capacity.

Jaguar Land Rover has agreed a partnership with engineering and manufacturing specialist Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. The new E-Pace will be the first vehicle produced under the arrangement with the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace also commencing production there in 2018.

Jaguar says: “While the UK remains the epicentre of Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing, engineering and design capabilities, Magna Steyr is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, with extensive contract manufacturing experience.”

That’s an understatement – Magna Steyr produces everything from components to complete vehicles for a host of manufacturers, names including Aston Martin, Ford, Honda, Tesla, Volkswagen…

The new Jaguar E-Pace will also be produced exclusively for the Chinese market at Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Changshu to go on sale in China later in 2018

So what about the car?

Riding on an architecture and technology developed specially for a car of its size, proportion and purpose, its Integral Link rear suspension is shared with Jaguar’s range of award-winning, ‘great-to-ride-in-even-better-to-drive’ saloon cars and F-Pace, reworked only to make it more compact still.

The line-up of modern three diesel and two petrol 2.0-litre Ingenium engines range in output from 150PS to 300PS and comes with a choice of nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions in various front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

The entry model is the 150PS diesel with manual transmission and front-wheel drive with CO2 emissions of 124g/km on 17-inch wheels for 60.1mpg, 0-60mph in 9.5sec and 124mph top speed.

That would give it a 26% benefit in kind tax rate for a head-turning company car package.

• Discover what the company car tax will be on the new Jaguar E-Pace

Top of the range is a 300PS petrol version good for 0-60mph in 5.9sec and 151mph top speed.

Among a raft of advanced active safety features is a pedestrian airbag, which deploys from beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet to enhance pedestrian protection in the event of a collision.

The most compact car Jaguar has built yet, E-Pace has been put through a gruelling two-year development programme where its dynamic pre-eminence onroad has been established at a series of punishing locations such as the Nurbürgring and Nardò.

Its off-road credentials have been tested to the limit too, both in the frozen landscapes of the Arctic and the thin air of some of China’s most remote and highest regions.

The E-Pace is a compact SUV in more than just name. All-wheel-drive models come with a choice of Jaguar’s new Active Driveline AWD system allowing them to be driven like any rear-wheel-drive Jaguar. So power-on oversteer and controlled drifts then!

And Active Driveline isn’t just there for play. In steady driving it disengages, meaning drive is supplied to the front wheels only, eradicating friction losses and boosting fuel efficiency. Re-coupling occurs in just 300 milliseconds.

Active Driveline joins a suite of recently introduced technologies all evolved for native application in the E-PACE. Configurable Dynamics is available allowing drivers of this compact SUV to head off-menu and set throttle and steering response, transmission shift speed and – if fitted – Adaptive Dynamics suspension to their own taste.

Adaptive Dynamics is capable of adjusting the E-PACE’s damper settings every 10 milliseconds, reducing body roll and immediately prepping the vehicle for poor or no-road use as soon as a change in conditions is detected.

Jaguar Land Rover’s highly-automated All Surface Progress Control – effectively launch and cruise control for less-than-ideal surfaces – is also available, as is brake-activated torque vectoring helping to maximise grip off-road and enhance stability in fast cornering when you’re back on the highway.

The E-Pace is the newest member of Jaguar’s SUV family following Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV, the I-Pace Concept and the World Car of the Year-winning F-Pace performance SUV.

The exterior design is inspired by the F-Type sports car and is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches.

Optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-Pace a bold and purposeful stance, instantly communicating dynamic agility.

High levels of standard equipment are a core component of the E-Pace range. Convenience features such as Touch Pro infotainment, LED headlights and a rear view camera system are joined by advanced driver assistance systems including Driver Condition Monitor and Emergency Braking.

Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design, said: “We designed the E-Pace to be a Jaguar for active people who need space and practicality but see no reason to compromise on performance.

“Its proportions, stance and lines express the excitement of driving a car of this calibre, while concealing an interior that outclasses traditional competitors with its size, craftsmanship and connectivity.

“Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-Pace is immediately recognisable as the sports car of its class.

“Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle.”

• Click here to find out how much it costs to lease a new E-Pace

The E-Pace will be one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class. The next-generation touchscreen infotainment system connects customers to their favourite apps, such as Spotify through Jaguar Land Rover’s InControl apps.

Digital connectivity can be found throughout the cabin, ready for every need of the modern family. There are up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections as well as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices.

The Integral Link rear suspension layout has allowed Jaguar’s engineers to deliver the responsiveness and agility required without compromising ride comfort.

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.

 

The E-Pace features the very latest safety and driver assistance technologies.

A stereo camera underpins the advanced Emergency Braking system, which also provides pedestrian detection, and supports Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Adaptive Speed Limiter, and Driver Condition Monitor features.

Front and rear parking aids are standard on every vehicle, providing peace of mind during difficult manoeuvres. The camera also combines with the electric power assisted steering system to deliver a Blind Spot Assist function to help reduce the risk of sideswipe collisions on multi-lane roads.

A new Forward Traffic Detection system also warns drivers of approaching vehicles at junctions where visibility is restricted.

The E-Pace is the first Jaguar to feature the company’s next-generation Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Head-Up Display technology that can project up to 66 per cent more information on to the windscreen using large, full-colour graphics with enhanced clarity.

Essential information including vehicle speed and navigation directions are in full view at all times, with alerts and updates for the infotainment, safety and convenience features all projected directly into the driver’s eyeline – reducing the need to look away from the road.

Every E-Pace features the latest generation of Jaguar’s Touch Pro infotainment system. Natural voice control technology, a 10-inch touchscreen interface and a customisable home screen make interactions with the system quick, simple and highly intuitive.

An optional 12.3-inch full colour digital TFT instrument panel and choice of two premium audio systems developed with Meridian ensure E-Pace offers the technology and connectivity that customers crave.

The E-Pace is also available with an innovative wearable Activity Key. The waterproof and shockproof wristband has an integrated RFDI transponder, allowing the driver to lock the main key inside the vehicle when enjoying activities such as running, swimming or cycling.

Whenever the Activity Key is activated, by holding the wristband up to the upper edge of the number plate surround on the tailgate, any conventional key fobs left inside the vehicle are disabled.

The strong chassis also allows owners to tow up to 1,800kg (braked), ideal for customers who use their E-Pace for both business and pleasure.

R-Dynamic Pack for sportier streak

Specifying the R-Dynamic model enhances the Jaguar’s sporty streak, providing body-hugging sports seats with contrast stitching and a Jet Morzine headlining.

Brushed stainless steel treadplates and pedals combine to create a sports-focused interior while soft-grained leather on the R-Dynamic-branded steering wheel and the addition of gearshift paddles provide more focused benefits.

Outside, the R-Dynamic features styling details designed to enhance the E-Pace’s stealth, power and refinement. Front fog lights with a gloss black finish are complemented by a similar finish on the grille, rear valance and tailpipe finishers. Body-coloured wheel-arch surrounds and satin chrome highlights on the side vents and grille surrounds also distinguish R-Dynamic derivatives.

First Edition versions for best combinations

The E-Pace First Edition is available for the first full year of sales, powered exclusively by Jaguar’s 180PS Ingenium diesel or 249PS Ingenium petrol engines paired with the nine-speed ZF automatic transmission.

First Edition models are carefully specified to showcase the E-Pace’s unique design, performance and practicality – based on the R-Dynamic SE specification pack.

Three colour options are available – Caldera Red, which is unique to the First Edition for the first 12 months, Yulong White and Santorini Black. Gloss black detailing and distinctive 20-inch Satin Grey diamond-turned, split-spoke alloy wheels complete the exterior look.

A special soft grain Windsor leather interior in Ebony with red contrast stitching and an Ebony suedecloth headlining give the cabin a distinctive appearance.

Configurable ambient mood lighting and the natural light from the panoramic roof perfectly complement the spacious interior.

Jaguar’s next-generation TFT Head-Up Display, additional charging points and loadspace rails ensure the First Edition has the perfect blend of personality, technology and real-world practicality.

Additional highlights include Configurable Dynamics, a gesture-controlled tailgate and Jaguar Activity Key, along with unique First Edition carpet mats and treadplates.

First class cabin: space and practicality

The interior is further proof the E-Pace is a compact performance SUV. Its dynamic, modern, high-quality design amplifies the driving experience, while providing space and practicality for everybody else.

The interior focal point is a wraparound cockpit with the passenger grab handle forming the boundary of the driver console – a design concept directly inspired by the Jaguar F-Type.

The colour sections on the seats, instrument panel and door panels all echo a similar treatment found in the F-Type sports car – a strategy highlighted in R-Dynamic models, which combine a youthful colour palette with brighter contrast stitching.

Premium leathers are used on key touch-points such as the steering wheel, centre-console grab handle and gear shifter to enhance refinement, while the secondary controls have been made simpler and more intuitive.

The interior balances the driver-focused design with a broad emphasis on overall usability and provides generous passenger and luggage space for five people with ingenious small item stowage solutions.

The 8.42-litre centre console compartment can house four large water bottles, as well as configurable cupholders and trays; the lockable 10.07-litre glovebox offers secure storage, while 10.56-litre front and 8.26-litre rear door bins are bigger than most.

The E-Pace also demonstrates versatility with a configurable console stowage solution centred on smart device connectivity and customer experience.

Attention to detail is also evident in the design of the interior lighting, which illuminates essential features such as handles and stowage areas while task lighting enables customers to configure colour settings to their personal preference.

A raft of beautiful details also show the fun and quirky side of Jaguar; on HSE models Jaguar ‘contemporary animal print’ designer labels are sewn into the shoulder hem of the front seats (in red on First Edition vehicles) and the same pattern is repeated on rubber mats in stowage areas.

Alister Whelan, creative director, Jaguar Interiors, says:  “Creating a dynamic, modern and relevant interior continues the promise of the E-PACE’ s exterior character as soon as the doors are opened.

“The soft, high-quality materials used throughout the cabin are the first ‘handshake’  with the customer, while charming British detail design leaves a lasting memory. The E-Pace interior design raises the bar for the compact performance SUV.”

The E-Pace will be the only vehicle in its class to provide an innovative pedestrian airbag. This is the latest addition to Jaguar’s comprehensive list of passive and active safety features and is designed to improve safety for both the occupants and other road users.

In the event of an impact with a pedestrian at speeds between 16-31mph, the Active Bonnet lifts and the pedestrian airbag deploys from beneath its trailing edge. The airbag inflates to cover the base of the windscreen within 50-60 milliseconds of a collision.

Like the F-Pace performance SUV, the E-Pace offers Jaguar’s Emergency Braking technology with pedestrian detection, powered by a stereo camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, which scans the road ahead.

Standard equipment apart, Jaguar will naturally be offering a range of options, from tow bars to the choice of roof.

• Work out the prices and options you want