Geoff Maxted
By Geoff Maxted

The most recent version of the Jaguar E-Pace offers both an enhanced interior and exterior with advanced connectivity, new vehicle architecture and efficient Plug-in and Mild-hybrid electric vehicle power-trains. Included is the latest Pivi Pro infotainment with intuitive control of the vehicle systems through simplified menus and that also include Over-The-Air updates. There’s also a choice of powerful and efficient engines, including an advanced Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version. The Jaguar E-Pace is more connected, refined and efficient than ever.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - OS Front

On The Outside

The exterior design enhancements give Jaguar’s compact performance sport utility vehicle (SUV) a premium appearance. At the front the changes include a revised lower aperture incorporating a distinctive blade element. There’s a new grille mesh design with diamond detailing (itself influenced by the Jaguar heritage logo) and featuring a contemporary ‘Noble Chrome’ finish, while new side bumper (fender) vents feature the iconic Jag emblem.

New all-LED headlights feature Daytime Running Light signatures, which are available with optional Pixel LED technology, delivering increased resolution and brightness. Adaptive Driving Beam is an excellent addition, evaluating the road ahead and automatically adapting the high beam pattern by selecting different LED segments to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, thus optimising visibility and reducing glare without distracting other drivers. This is a must-have feature.

Advanced LED technology is fitted to S trim level models, while Premium LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist feature on SE and HSE vehicles. The technology uses the forward-facing camera to automatically switch between high and low beam, to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Rear Animated Directional Indicators are standard on S, SE and HSE models with front Animated Directional Indicators fitted to SE and HSE derivatives.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Grille
Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - OS Rear

At the rear, the lower bumper (fender) features a new mesh insert which sits between the integrated tail pipes that are standard with four-cylinder petrol engines. The all-LED rear lights are inspired by the all-electric I-Pace and feature Jaguar’s chicane graphic, showcasing the advanced technology and modernity of the overall design.

Finally, on the purposeful R-Dynamic specification, the E-Pace features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-orientated look, while all models from new are available with the additional stealthy Black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.

On The Inside

The interior of the new E-PACE offers heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and greater refinement at the heart of which is an integrated 11.4 inch curved-glass HD touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The glass screen features two coatings; one which is anti-glare and a second which resists sticky fingerprints.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Front Cabin
Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Cockpit

The interior front is driver-focused, with everything geared to ease of use. There’s a large stowage area in front of the new Drive Selector with space for an optional 15W wireless device charger. Driver touchpoints around the cluster are now wrapped in soft touch materials whilst the knee side contact area has been sculpted to provide improved luxury and comfort, which is a welcome touch.

The Drive Selector is lower and wider and features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility. This tactile approach on materials extends to the metallic speaker accents and metallic vent finishes which, along with elements such as the metallic rotary dials, exemplify the premium interior.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Infotainment
Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Rear Seats

There’s a very comfortable steering wheel influenced, once again, by the design in the all-electric I-Pace SUV, featuring hidden-until-lit switches and metal gear-shift paddles. Heightened attention to detail is provided by an embossed Jaguar ‘Leaper’ on the headrests while upholstery tags reference the history and heritage of the brand. Additional beautiful details include Jaguar animal print pattern in the central cubby area and in front of the drive selector.

On The Road

Advanced features include intelligent All-Wheel Drive in some models and smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmissions, ensuring the new E-Pace delivers the confidence-inspiring dynamics, traction and refinement expected from a Jaguar.

The engine comprises a choice of 2.0 litre diesel and petrol variants (the base version comes with a six-speed manual gearbox). The star of the show though is the advanced 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the latest member of the flexible Ingenium engine family. This is available in the E-Pace with PHEV technology.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Boot
Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Charge Port

This lightweight aluminium engine, as much as 33kg lighter than the four-cylinders, delivers strong performance and refinement with low levels of friction which contribute to excellent efficiency and fuel consumption. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the aluminium cylinder head, this contributes to the rapid warm-up times and minimises the distance from the exhaust ports to the turbocharger’s turbine wheel for improved responses. In other words, this engine is quite lively.

Further, the P300e PHEV power-train combines the 200PS 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 109PS (80kW) ‘Electric Rear Axle Drive’ motor. This ensures impressive performance and efficiency, with 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds. CO² emissions of 44g/km and fuel economy up to 141mpg are feasible. The EV motor is powered by a 15kWh lithium-ion battery located under the boot floor. When fully charged it provides up to 34 miles of all-electric range, enabling the new E-Pace PHEV to complete the average UK daily commute, to and from work, of 18.8 miles in EV mode without requiring a recharge or recourse to fossil fuel.

On the four-cylinder petrol and diesels, the mild hybrid technology (MHEV) system uses a Belt integrated Starter Generator in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost when slowing and braking, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear load space. It is able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine when accelerating and delivers a more refined and responsive stop/start system.

For a tallish car, handling and cornering are well up to Jaguar standards, especially with the P300e version. Long distance drivers may prefer the frugal diesel version that comes with with a good chunk of torque.

Whichever Jaguar E-Pace, or indeed any current Jaguar car is preferred, remember that here at MHH International we offer a comprehensive and trusted export service to various global destinations. Check out our website pages for details.

Jaguar E-Pace Hybrid - Rear

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