New lights and grille
You'll be able to spot the updated E-Pace thanks to its new styling, which consists mostly of a new mesh-style grille, and new headlights that are full LED units and which incorporate the brand's new 'Double-J' daytime running signature. The change isn't enough to dramatically alter the look of the E-Pace, but it does make it seem a little sleeker than before.
Those headlights get adaptive beam technology and auto high beam assist, while the rear lights are also fully-LED items now, and feature scrolling indicators. Higher spec models get front scrolling indicators. For a sportier look, there's a new optional 'Black Pack' that takes all the exterior chrome and replaces it with trim finished in 'Narvik Black.'
Inside, while the E-Pace's architecture remains the same as before, there is a claimed boost in quality, and a big new 11.4-inch infotainment screen. This is running Jaguar's impressive new 'Pivi Pro' software, which features a more intuitive menu layout, and which includes full internet connectivity and over-the-air software updates. It includes built-in apps for Spotify, Deezer and TuneIn, and connects to both Google and Microsoft calendars. There's also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger.
There's also a new digital instrument display for the driver, the 'clear sight' digital camera-based rear-view mirror and a new Driver Condition Monitor system.
On top of that, a new gear selector (borrowed from the also-updated F-Pace) features heavily textured 'cricket-ball' stitching, and a little tag on the front seats that reads 'Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry,' which is a nice touch.
Julian Thomson, Design Director, said: "New E-Pace features key design elements from across the Jaguar family, enhancing the exterior and introducing beautiful new details to the interior. All this ensures the latest model has a more grown-up appeal while retaining its compact performance SUV sensibilities."
Plug-in hybrid version
The biggest change, of course, is the addition of the 309hp P300e plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is also available in the Land Rover line-up. It uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and an 80kW electric motor, which draws power from a 15kWh battery. Charge up the battery and, according to Jaguar, you can go for 55km on zero-emissions power, with that electric motor powering the rear wheels alone. Combine both petrol and electric power, and the now four-wheel-drive E-Pace P300e can sprint to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds. CO2 emissions are quoted at 44g/km on the new WLTP test, while the official fuel consumption figure is 2.0 litres per 100km (141mpg).
Or, you can have that same 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine as a 160hp mild-hybrid unit, driving just the front wheels, with CO2 emissions of 181g/km and official fuel consumption of 8.0 litres per 100km. It's the new entry-level model in a revised E-Pace engine line-up that also includes a new 163hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, and a 204hp mild-hybrid version of the same diesel engine. CO2 emissions for the diesel E-Paces start from 158g/km.
If it's petrol power you want, there's a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with a choice of either 200hp (which'll do 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds) or 249hp (it's badged as a P250, with 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds). There's also a range-topping 300hp P300 turbo petrol version, which will cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
Updated chassis
This update means that the E-Pace moves to Jaguar's 'Premium Transverse Architecture,' which is basically the same steel-based platform as before (one that dates back as far as the 2006 Ford Mondeo), but which has been much-modified to make it lighter, stiffer and able to package the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Jaguar says that the bodyshell's noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance is also improved and the front suspension has been retuned. There's a new traction system called 'Standard Driveline' that automatically sends power to the wheels best able to cope in slippery conditions and, on four-wheel-drive models it disconnects drive to the rear wheels under light throttle loads to improve fuel economy and emissions. There's a driving mode selector that allows the driver to choose from Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow (on front-wheel-drive models) and Dynamic modes, and Adaptive Surface Response for four-wheel-drive versions.
Irish pricing for the updated E-Pace will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
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