The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace comes hot on the heels of the company’s earlier success with its debut into the crossover SUV segment, the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace. The 2018 E-Pace is a slightly smaller SUV similar to perhaps the size comparison of the Jaguar XE sedan, which is smaller than the XF sedan. Compared to the competition the E-Pace is slightly larger and commands a higher price compared to established competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The 2018 E-Pace may be confusing primarily because many competing automakers use the ‘E’ to denote electrical power.
The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace comes hot on the heels of the company’s earlier success with its debut into the crossover SUV segment, the 2018 Jaguar F-Pace. The 2018 E-Pace is a slightly smaller SUV similar to perhaps the size comparison of the Jaguar XE sedan, which is smaller than the XF sedan. Compared to the competition the E-Pace is slightly larger and commands a higher price compared to established competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The 2018 E-Pace may be confusing primarily because many competing automakers use the ‘E’ to denote electrical power.
The well-balanced 2018 Jaguar E-Pace ticks all the boxes in almost every category from luxury, comfort and convenience to performance, power and technology. The base engine outputs a very respectable 246hp with all the standard all-wheel drive bells and whistles, along with added goodies like a power tailgate, an 11-speaker premium quality audio system 14-way fully powered memory function seats with premium quality leather, parking aids, and an advanced driving suite.
STYLING
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2018 E-Pace is its uncanny resemblance to its predecessor, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the body does appear to have been inspired by many of the competition’s best design choices it still primarily bears the Jaguar design language. The rumours are circulating that the 2018 E-Pace was designed by the youngest designers at Jaguar and that both shows through in the appearance and is also quite welcomed!
The bold grille, sleek headlights and sporty mesh highlights come together with the narrow tail lights, dual exhaust, flared rear haunches and huge wheels to create an aggressive stance and a sporty appearance.
COMFORT
While crossovers are inherently meant to be comfortable because of the features they draw from cars, the 2018 E-Pace takes comfort and ergonomics one step further. The ergonomics are similar to the larger F-Pace, offering the perfect balance between a utility SUV and family sedan. The use of premium materials in places that matter certainly feels better than the overuse of all those plastic parts used by the competition. Sure Jaguar has cut corners to fit the E-Pace into a competitive price point, but it isn’t in places that compromises cabin comfort making it ideally suited for interstate drives.
The other thing worth mentioning is space. Despite its relatively small size the 2018 E-Pace turns out to be pretty roomy. The backseat has enough legroom and headroom for adults, as long as they are under 6.2 feet tall. Any taller and they may have a problem with the headroom, but then again that can’t be a huge portion of the population, can it?
TECHNOLOGY
Jaguar has made sure that the 2018 E-Pace is equipped with all the latest technology that drivers have come to expect from similar class vehicles. The beautiful digital display is bright and crisp, which along with the heads-up display and the 10-inch touch screen infotainment system offers plenty of features. These screens are also bright enough to be seen in broad daylight. Also available is Wi-Fi, smartphone connectivity and app integration.
Jaguar also throws in driver aids and various active safety features like an advanced automatic emergency braking system, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. These features are available on all trims. A surround view camera system with a forward mounted camera and parking sensors all round off what is otherwise a very well-equipped Crossover.
DRIVING AND PERFOMANCE
The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace draws its power from one of the two onboard turbocharged four cylinder engines, with the entry level engine pumping out 246hp and the upgraded engine pushing out 296hp. Also available is a nine-speed auto transmission coupled with four-wheel drive. The nine-speed automatic transmission is quick, and the steering is near perfect.
The one thing we’ve come to expect from the Crossover SUV category of vehicles is that they favor comfort over performance. The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace impresses in the performance department and is definitely one of the exceptions to this rule. Not only does it offer lots of power on demand, but the R-Dynamic feature stands out when it comes to cornering, braking or simply driving slowly on a snowy road.
We recommend buyers to opt for the Adaptive Dynamics option. Since the 2018 E-Pace is equipped with huge 19-inch wheels, being able to vary the damping to improve ride quality can make the drive a lot more comfortable!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Perhaps the first thing most buyers will point out with the 2018 E-Pace is its $42,700 price tag, which happens to be quite on par with the competition. However, the 2018 Jaguar E-pace delivers on many different fronts and the sporty exterior and comfortable luxury must be taken into account. With some of the best handling, one of the simplest and nicest dashes and plenty of power on demand, the 2018 E-Pace is arguably the best-equipped crossover available in 2018 and worth the extra cash!
