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Jaguar has unveiled the E-Pace, the brand’s second new SUV in two years with prices starting from £28,500.
First deliveries are expected in 2017 and observers are confident that the car will become the brand’s best-selling model, taking on the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Jaguar is positioning the E-Pace as a much more sports-orientated model than its larger sister with drivers able to set up their own personalised throttle, steering and transmission settings. The engine line-up will include a 300PS petrol unit producing a 0-60mph time of under six seconds.
Its exterior design is bolder than that of the F-Pace and said to be evolved directly from the F-Type sports car.
The E-Pace uses the architecture of the Discovery Sport from sister brand Land Rover, and unlike other Jaguar models will not be built in the UK, but by Magna Steyr in Austria. The model’s expected volume has made it impossible to incorporate its production into Jaguar plants that are close to capacity.
Five powertrains will be offered in the E-Pace, across three petrol and two diesel engines. All are Ingenium units built at JLR’s plant in the West Midlands – the E-Pace will be the first Jaguar with a totally Ingenium engine line-up.
The range will also include the first front-wheel-drive Jaguar since the X-Type saloon last built in 2009. However all but entry-level E-Pace variants will have an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
Jaguar is also promising the very latest connectivity for E-Pace owners. The car’s 4G wi-fi hotspot will provide content streaming through up to eight devices simultaneously, while a Touch Pro infotainment system will allow occupants to access their favourite smart device apps through the car.
The E-Pace was unveiled during a large-scale event in London’s Excel exhibition centre, which included stunt driver Terry Grant setting with a record 15.3 metre, 270-degree barrel roll in the car.
A third SUV model is to follow – Jaguar will complete its line-up with an electric model, the I-Pace, which is expected to go into production early in 2018.
