Jaguar E-PACE Review 2022
Sitting alongside the electric I-Pace and the larger F-Pace in Jaguar's range, the Jaguar E-PACE is a compact and classy SUV perfect for company car drivers and families alike.
It offers sharp styling, plenty of equipment and seating for up to five adults. Rivals to the E-PACE include the Audi Q2, BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and the Range Rover Evoque.
Our Jaguar E-PACE review covers:
- Refreshed exterior style with new bumpers, grille, lights, and wheel design
- Sweeping dashboard design with 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 425-litre boot with 40/20/40 split rear seats
- Choice of one petrol, two diesel and a plug-in hybrid engine
- Two model versions, with three trim levels including S, SE and HSE
Refreshed in 2021, the latest generation E-PACE looks smarter than ever before. Rather than shrinking down the larger F-PACE, Jaguar has designed the E-PACE to have its own unique style, with its shorter front and rear overhangs and a low roof line helping it to stand out on the road. Recent updates to the exterior include new front and bumpers, a new mesh grille, revised lights, and updated wheel designs.
Despite its compact dimensions, the E-PACE's comfortable interior makes for an enjoyable ride for both driver and passengers. The interior is wide enough room to stretch out, but versions with a panoramic roof have restricted headroom. If you're planning to regularly travel with three adults sitting side-by-side, rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 will feel more accommodating.
At the rear, the E-Pace's 425-litre boot is bigger than the Audi Q2's but smaller than the Volkswagen Tiguan, X1, and Volvo XC40. That said, its wide opening and lack of a load lip make sliding heavy objects a breeze, and there is enough room to carry the family's luggage, a baby stroller or a couple of soft bags needed for a two-week family holiday. The rear seats also fold down in a 40/20/40, increasing the total boot capacity to 1,234 litres.
Inside the cabin, the E-PACE's sporting theme continues with its sweeping dashboard design and metal-effect inserts. Higher-spec models come with leather on the dashboard and doors, but lower-grade models don't feel as premium as some rivals, such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.
All versions of the Jaguar E-Pace come with an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The straightforward menu layout and crisp graphics make for a highly customisable experience, but it's not as easy to use as
BMW's iDrive system which has a separate rotary controller interface and physical shortcut buttons.
Two model versions are available, including the standard E-Pace and sportier E-Pace R-Dynamic, with three trim levels S, SE and HSE.
The basic S trim comes with 12-way electrically adjustable leather seats, power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The mid-spec SE trim includes a larger 12.3-in digital instrument with fuel economy statistics and sat-nav directions, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range HSE trim includes keyless entry, Ebony Windsor leather sport seats, 16-way heated electric driver memory front seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Engine choices on the E-PACE include a 2.0-litre petrol engine, badged P250, and two 2.0-litre diesel engines, badged D165 and D200. There's also a plug-in hybrid version called the P300e.
The entry-level D165 diesel is a popular choice with most drivers, with enough power to easily drive around town. Still, those who travel longer distances may want to consider the D200 diesel, which makes for a more comfortable drive on the motorway.
The P300e plug-in hybrid is the fastest and most powerful engine in the E-Pace range. With a combined power output of 305bhp, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a 108bhp electric motor is the perfect choice for company car drivers thanks to its low BIK tax rates and 34-mile electric range.
Most versions come with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, although the D165 in S and SE features front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Out on the road, the E-PACE's high driving position offers great visibility, and its handling is neatly balanced through tight twists with plenty of grip in corners. It is a shame that its ride comfort is compromised by its relatively small wheels that jostle and thump over potholes, making the Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC40 far more relaxing.
Prices for the new Jaguar E-PACE start from £41,090.00 OTR* or to lease from £522.66 per month.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers some fantastic lease deals on the Jaguar E-PACE, which can make leasing more affordable than buying outright or via dealer finance.
All our lease deals include the manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply). Plus, with fixed monthly rentals and a lower initial rental, leasing a brand-new Jaguar E-PACE could be cheaper than you think.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.
