Jaguar arrived late to the party. BMW debuted the X5 before the turn of the millennium, Mercedes-Benz evolved the ML into a true luxury SUV with four-wheel drive in 2005, and we know the success that the Range Rover has had.
However, Jaguar did not enter the SUV world until 2016, and the E-Pace did not make an appearance until 2017.
Since then, it has undergone a significant global update. It has moved from the Ford-derived foundations on which it was launched to a more modern platform shared with the Range Rover Evoque.
The E-Pace has not ignited sales charts since its launch. Positioned somewhere between the BMW X1 and the X3 on paper, it is designed to translate the sleek curves of the F-Type coupe into an SUV body.
With prominently marked hips, a dramatic window line, and taillights that could have been directly borrowed from the F-Type, there is no doubt that this is a small and attractive crossover. Of course, it has to be more than that to succeed.
The E-Pace R-Dynamic S P250 features Firenze Red paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, a digital rearview mirror, a black contrast roof, air ionization, wireless phone charger, and tinted glass. According to its list price, the E-Pace sits between smaller vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA200 and the larger GLC200.
It is similar in size to the Volvo XC40, but the Swedish gas SUV range is offered in more expensive plug-in hybrid and purely electric models.
Highlights of the E-Pace P250 S
Among the highlights of the E-Pace P250 S are:
- 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital DAB radio
- Electric rear door
- Surround-view camera
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and start
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual-zone climate control
- Bright metal pedals
- Heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- Metal plates on the thresholds
- Six-speaker surround sound
- 12-way electric front seats
- 18-inch alloy wheels
Options for the S, SE, and HSE also include selectable driving modes, adaptive suspension, black exterior package, head-up display, adaptive interior upgrade package, premium cabin lighting, cabin air purifier, ClearSight rearview mirror, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument panel.
Is the Jaguar E-Pace P250 R-Dynamic S Safe?
The Jaguar E-Pace holds a five-star safety rating from ANCAP dated 2017.
The rating is based on an 86% score for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 77% for pedestrian protection, and 72% for safety assist.
All 2021 Jaguar E-Pace models come standard with the following safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
How is the Interior of the Jaguar E-Pace P250 R-Dynamic S?
Even better! The pre-update E-Pace was a bit lacking in the wow factor, but the two-tone finish, massive touchscreen, and glossy finish details in our test model made it feel much more luxurious.
The angled grab handle and raised air vents seem taken from the F-Type, which is a nice touch.
The driver and passenger sit in luxurious seats that offer a decent view of the road ahead, with enough adjustment to accommodate a wide range of body shapes. The E-Pace strikes a good balance between offering a sporty Jaguar-style seating position and an imposing SUV-style view.
However, it’s a shame that the front seats lack heating, and the upper backrest of the driver’s seat in our car was squeaky.
The Pivi infotainment system in the E-Pace is a significant step forward from the pre-update Touch Pro setup, making the car feel properly modern. It starts up when you hit the seat, and the graphics feel appropriately updated.
All menus are logically arranged, and Apple CarPlay works well on the high-resolution 11.4-inch screen. Jaguar Land Rover was once a laggard in technology, but lately, it has really stepped up its game. A fully digital instrument cluster is optional instead of the analog/digital hybrid in the base E-Pace.
Sure, it still has maps and a variety of trip computer options, but it doesn’t look as luxurious as the Virtual Cockpit you can get in the cheaper Audi Q2.
Although more appealing and user-friendly than before, the climate controls at the base of the dashboard also lack the touch sensitivity of what is offered in other parts of the premium segment.
There is ample storage space up front. The (optional) wireless phone charger is located under the inclined dashboard, and you can fit a full-size laptop or large tablet in the armpit storage compartment. The cupholders can be removed to free up even more space, and there is room for large bottles in the door pockets.
Things are not as rosy in the rear. Headroom is limited due to the sloping and sporty roofline, and legroom is tight with full-sized adults in the front. Our average-sized photographer commented on how cramped the rear felt and highlighted how small the door opening is compared to other compact or midsize SUVs.
It holds up well against cars like the Audi Q2 or BMW X1 in the rear, but the Volvo XC40 has it covered for rear seat space, and there is no competition with midsize SUVs that approach the E-Pace in size and price.
The rising beltline does not favor visibility to the outside, and the thick C-pillar limits shoulder visibility.
At least there are air vents and a foldable central armrest, along with map pockets on the back of the front seats. You get ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats and three upper tether anchors for child seats in the rear.
You get a claimed 601 liters of boot space with the second row in place and 1386L with it folded, which feels optimistic to say the least. Realistically, it’s an acceptable size for a car like the E-Pace, but nothing outstanding.
The 40/20/40 rear seat bench means you can carry long items more easily, which is a practical point, but the fixed luggage cover (instead of a sliding cover or a hatch-style unit that lifts with the tailgate) is terribly cheap.
A set of golf clubs will fit with the driver still in the bag, and the floor is flat for easy loading.
Under the Hood of the Jaguar E-Pace P250
The 2022 Jaguar E-Pace P250 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine producing 183kW of power and 365Nm of torque.
The entire range comes standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a declared 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.
The declared fuel economy is 7.8 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle, but we saw it closer to 10.5 liters in the city. The fuel tank holds 67 liters, and the car drinks 95 RON premium unleaded.
How Does the Jaguar E-Pace P250 R-Dynamic S Drive?
The E-Pace is not a large car, but it drives like one, for better or worse.
On the positive side, it is comfortable to drive in the city. The base model does not have sophisticated adaptive dampers and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, but the ride is impressive on urban streets filled with bumps. It smoothens out small bumps and imperfections well.
It feels planted on the road and backs up its comfortable ride with decent body control. It settles quickly over crests and undulations and is unaffected by crosswinds or trucks. The adaptive cruise control does well in maintaining a gap with the car in front, and the lane-keeping assistance only engages when really needed.
If you spend a lot of time on the highway, the E-Pace feels at home. Unlike some of its compact German rivals, you don’t need to turn up the stereo volume to drown out tire noise on Australian back roads.
The power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine is decent, although with almost 1800 kg to carry, it’s not what you would call a rocket.
The maximum torque appears at only 1300 rpm and continues until 4500 rpm, so there is plenty of shove when you press the accelerator in motion. It pulls smoothly from low in the rev range when you hit the right pedal and is happy to stay in motion through its power peak at 5500 rpm and up to the redline.
There is a subdued growl in the cabin when you move, but not much more.
The nine-speed automatic transmission is a reasonable partner for the engine but sometimes feels a bit indecisive. Occasionally, it downshifts when you don’t need a lower gear, and at times, it decides not to downshift when it really should.
For the most part, it shifts smoothly, but it can catch you off guard. Similarly, the automatic stop/start system, lacking the refinement of the 48V mild-hybrid systems implemented in much of the Jaguar Land Rover range. The engine shuts off more abruptly in the E-Pace and does not restart as quickly; it’s better to turn off the system.
Since it has been designed to resemble an F-Type, you might be deceived into thinking that the E-Pace will put the sporty in a sport utility vehicle. Although it handles better than expected, the empty weight of almost 1800 kg means it can’t quite achieve that.
The front end is surprisingly willing to turn when you push the car into a corner, and it holds bravely. It just can’t hide its bulk.
That said, the idea of an E-Pace SVR with a supercharged V8 engine under the hood is promising…
