Why buy the Jaguar E-Pace?
The Jaguar E-Pace is a compact SUV that stands out for its sophistication and sportiness. It’s practical, has a premium feel inside and comes with lots of features as standard.
Jaguar E-Pace range and updates
The Jaguar E-Pace SUV went on sale in 2017, but Jaguar gave it a thorough update in 2021 with changes to the suspension and engine to make it smoother to drive. It also got a more high-tech interior and minor tweaks to the design of the exterior lights and bumpers.
Every version is a five-door model, comparable in size to cars such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and X2 and the Range Rover Evoque. Petrol and diesel versions are available, as is a fairly powerful plug-in hybrid model.
You can choose from a range of trim levels, essentially split into two categories – regular E-Pace, and R-Dynamic. The ‘regular’ line-up starts from the standard E-Pace and moves up through S, SE, and HSE. The R-Dynamic models, which have a sportier look, follow a similar path – R-Dynamic, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE. You might also find a few special edition models and the plug-in-only Sport model.
The updated cars are more fun to drive than earlier versions thanks to their mechanical upgrades. They also have better infotainment systems with larger screens.
Jaguar E-Pace tech and features
You can choose from more than a dozen trims with the E-Pace and all are well-equipped. R-Dynamic models have a slightly sportier look with a more-aggressive bumper design and different alloy wheels. Higher-spec cars have larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a panoramic sunroof and adaptive suspension (which allows you to choose different settings).
Most E-Pace models have four-wheel drive, but the more cost-effective models have front-wheel drive – these cost less to buy and give better mpg, according to official figures.
The pre-2021 E-Pace models came with an infotainment system that Jaguar called InControl, which can be rather fiddly to use. The post-2021 models have an upgraded infotainment system that Jaguar calls Pivi Pro, with a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in cars sold new from May 2021.
You’ll find that almost all post-2021 E-Pace models have mild-hybrid technology, which gives lower emissions and better fuel economy than older versions. A plug-in hybrid model with an electric-only range of up to 34 miles went on sale at the same time.
Jaguar E-Pace running costs and value
According to official figures, a petrol-powered Jaguar E-Pace will give you between 26.2mpg and 35.8mpg, while the diesels will manage between 34.4mpg and 46.5mpg. The plug-in hybrid model has an official mpg of up to 197 but, as with all PHEVs, your real-world figure will depend very much on how you use the car and whether you keep the battery charged up.
Insurance groups are between 24 and 42, which is comparable to that of premium rivals like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3.
Jaguar E-Pace vs rivals
If you’re considering a Jaguar E-Pace, other small premium SUVs to look at include the Audi Q3, Jaguar X1 and X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. Compared with these rivals, the main strengths of the E-Pace are its looks and the variety of models. For later versions you can add the sporty feel behind the wheel and the availability of a plug-in hybrid.
