Jaguar introduces the all-new electrified E-PACE
In 2017, Jaguar revealed a compact luxury SUV called the E-PACE, a somewhat distant cousin from Jaguar's highly successful F-PACE. Now the ‘E’ in E-PACE does not mean electric, in fact, it just means that it’s a bit small than the F-PACE. Jaguar has claimed that the E-PACE has been successful but seeing an E-PACE on the road has become somewhat of a rare occasion. None the less, Jaguar has given the E-PACE a whole new refreshing design. It even gets a new option of engines including an advanced Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.
The E-PACE benefits from full use of Jaguar’s Premium Transverse Architecture which has been engineered to assist the latest electrified powertrain technologies. The new E-PACE will be available in diesel and petrol options. First and only on the diesel front line is the D200, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 147kW of power. Next is the ever-favorite petrol line up, which features three petrol options. First, we have the P250, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 184kW of power. Next, we have the P300, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces a more powerful 221kW.
Finally, we have the all-new P300e, a PHEV 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine that produces a powerful 227kW. This option is of course particularly special as it uses the new P300e PHEV powertrain which combines the 147kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an 80kW Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) motor. The compact ERAD motor is powered by a 15kWh lithium-ion battery and when fully charged can provide up to 55km of all-electric range. Jaguar has claimed that it does 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The advanced powertrain will also come with the latest engine technologies which include intelligent Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL), which will work alongside Variable Cam Timing (VCT) technology and will be supported by a twin-scroll turbocharger to provide a strong combination of refined performance and efficiency. The D200, P250, and P300 will all come with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the new P300e will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior of the new E-PACE does get a few design enhancements. At the front is a new grille mesh design that comes with diamond detailing influenced by the Jaguar heritage logo and will feature a modern Noble Chrome finish, while new the side fender vents will come with the Leaper emblem.
The rear gets some changes including a lower bumper that features a new mesh insert that will sit between the integrated tailpipes. Depending on which engine derivative you choose, it will come with new slim horizontal blade finishers, while all-LED rear lights are inspired by the all-electric I-PACE.
Speaking of LED lights, Jaguar has introduced the all-LED headlights that will feature ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures, these are available with optional Pixel LED technology that delivers increased resolution and brightness. Advanced LED technology will come fitted with S models, while Premium LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist will feature on SE and HSE vehicles.
As expected from the R-Dynamic specification, the new E-PACE will come with a series of distinct design elements to create a more performance-based look. All models will be available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers a sleeker appearance thanks to its bespoke elements that are finished in Narvik Black.
Also provided is an easier to access stowage area in front of the new Drive Selector, that features a 15W wireless device charger. The cluster around the driver's touchpoints is wrapped in soft-touch materials. The inside comes with metallic speaker accents and metallic vent finishes that emphasize the E-PACE’s premium interior. Inside will also feature a new steering wheel, which is heavily influenced by all-electric I-PACE. All E-PACE models will also come with Jaguar Drive Control that features Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow (on FWD models), and Dynamic modes. These are of course chosen by the driver to adapt to the road conditions.
The inside the new E-PACE will be as luxurious and digital as one would expect from Jaguar. It features an integrated 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen that features the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The Pivi Pro will have its own dedicated power source, so navigation is ready as always as soon the driver gets in. A range of embedded apps is available, including Google and Microsoft Outlook.
The Pivi Pro connectivity is provided by the dual-sim technology with two LTE modems that enable the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time. Also available is the Advanced SOTA connectivity that allows customers to download and install software updates without visiting ever visiting the retailers.
In conjunction with the central 11.4-inch touchscreen is the latest 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display that offers full-screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list details.
The E-PACE will come with Cabin Air Ionisation to improve the interior air quality, this is done through Nanoe technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odours. Further advanced features include the second-generation wearable Activity Key that can be used to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without the need for the traditional key fob.
Additional features on the latest E-PACE is Jaguar’s ClearSight Interior Rear-View Mirror technology. The system will ensure that the driver will always have an unobstructed view of the road behind. The latest 3D Surround Camera technology is also available and delivers advanced 3D functionality using the latest camera technology to provide more detailed viewing options when maneuvering the vehicle.
Jaguar has shared some exciting news for the E-PACE and that is that it will come with range-topping 300 SPORT specification. This exclusive option is powered by the 221kW petrol engine and will do 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. It will come available in all exterior colours and will feature 20-inch five-spoke Diamond-turned with Black accent wheels, Black Exterior Pack, and a powered tailgate. The inside will have illuminated Jaguar treadplates, Meridian Audio, Ebony Suedecloth headlining and R-Dynamic Taurus Sports seats available in either Ebony, Cloud, or Deep Garnet.
The new E-PACE is set to available in South Africa in the first half of 2021, with pricing to be announced closer to the time.
