It's the most recent car in the JLR stable to get its mid-life update, after the F-Pace, and it's one of the more comprehensive efforts that we have seen from the Whitley-based company. Just three years since it went on sale, the E-PACE not only gains electrified powertrains and new architecture; it also gets more connectivity and the latest generation of infotainment.
Given Jaguar Land Rover's recent flurry of PHEVs, which are undoubtedly there to fiddle WLTP emissions into better shape before stricter European rules come in, it is no surprise that the E-PACE is now available in P300e form. This means the 1.5-litre, three cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with 197bhp and an eight-speed gearbox combined with a 107bhp electric motor on the rear axle for a total of 304bhp. This makes it the most powerful car in the range, able to dispatch 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds.
The petrol engine is 33kg lighter than the four cylinder unit it replaces and is no less powerful, yet is far more efficient. It also helps offset a small amount of bulk of the 15kWh lithium-ion battery which is located under the boot floor and can power the E-PACE for up to 34 miles. Official emissions on the WLTP cycle are 44g/km with 141mpg achieved in the efficiency stakes. Using a public DC charger, the battery can be charged to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.
Greater refinement is the name of the game with the new E-PACE and central to this is an integrated 11.4 inch curved glass HD touchscreen. This has the latest version of Jaguar's Electronic Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) including the latest Pivi Pro infotainment tech built in. The interface enables users to reach 90 per cent of the most common tasks in two taps or fewer. Entertainment via Spotify, Deezer and TuneIn is integrated and doesn't rely on a smartphone to be connected, as are Google and Outlook – thanks to dual-sim tech with two LTE modems.
Smartphones can be connected via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and an optional 15W wireless charger means you never need run out of battery while out on the move. An added feature of the car's greater level of connectivity is that it gets software over the air (SOTA) updates as they are released.
Drivers get the latest 12.3 inch HD driver display which can be configured to show various driving and vehicle information such as navigation or PHEV power flows. The head-up display has been improved so that it's clearer and brighter than the previous version. Also now available is Jaguar's ClearSight rear view mirror, which utilises a high-resolution, wide angle rear-view camera for an unobstructed rear view. 3D surround camera technology is also now available.
New stitching, better materials and some refreshed design features on the inside help upgrade the cabin from the previous car.
On the outside, Jaguar hasn't gone mad with the E-PACE. It has a new grille mesh design, side vents, and all-LED headlights with the 'double J' signature daytime running lights which can be specified with pixel LED technology. The front bumper has been slightly re-sculptured, as has the rear bumper which is lower and features a mesh insert between the dual tail pipes. A new set of Jaguar emblems completes the look.
It's underneath where most of the work has been done. Mounting points for the engine and suspension have been reworked for stiffness to improve driving dynamics, whilst the overall structure has been enhanced for better noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, making for a smoother and more refined ride.
The AWD system has been worked over to ensure that traction is maintained in all driving conditions. Four selectable modes, calibrated for Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow and Dynamic, change throttle response and damper settings to suit.
The new Jaguar E-PACE PHEV is available from £45,995 and can be ordered right now from Jaguar.
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