Jaguar E-Pace review

Like the Range Rover Evoque, the Jaguar E-Pace commands a higher list price than many of its rivals. However, unlike the Evoque it doesn’t counter that with the promise of really slow depreciation. In fact, the E-Pace is predicted to shed value at a much quicker rate than the Volvo XC40.

If you’re buying on PCP finance, monthly fees might not be as high as you'd expect, although an equivalent XC40 will probably still cost you less. Likewise, regular petrol and diesel E-Pace models can be more expensive to run as a company car than most of its rivals because of its relatively high CO2 emissions. The one exception is the P300e because its decent EV range and low CO2 emissions provide it with a competitive benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rate.

Fuel economy isn’t anything to write home about on diesel versions compared with the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, and the petrols are even thirstier.

Even the most basic Jaguar E-Pace comes with 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic LED headlights, and front and rear parking sensors with a 360deg camera system (see visibility section).

However, we'd recommend upgrading to S trim because it adds the 12-way electrically adjustable leather seats we mentioned earlier, power-folding door mirrors, larger 18in alloys and an upgraded infotainment system that also includes traffic sign recognition.

That said, if you’re willing to spend a little more, SE trim is well worth considering – it adds a powered tailgate and automatic high-beam assist for the headlights. You’ll probably still want to add keyless entry and the Drive Pro pack, but doing so is still cheaper than going for range-topping HSE trim. Likewise, avoid the R-Dynamic versions unless you're desperate for a sportier look, or are going for a P300e model, because then you have no choice.

Jaguar performed rather poorly in the What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing below BMW and Volvo in a disappointing 21st place out of 31 manufacturers. The E-Pace itself was one of the least dependable family SUVs, finishing near the bottom in 22nd place out of 25.

Like all Jaguars, the E-Pace comes with a three-year warranty as standard, although this can be extended if you’re prepared to pay extra.

The Jaguar E-pace earned the maximum five-star rating when it was tested for safety by experts at Euro NCAP. A closer look at the scores reveals that the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 all scored higher marks for adult occupant crash protection, partly due to their superior whiplash protection.

The E-Pace has lots of technology to prevent you from having a crash in the first place, though, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance and a system that alerts the driver if he or she is showing signs of tiredness. 

All models except for the most basic trim level get traffic sign recognition, while SE versions have blindspot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert (you can also get these features on the lesser S trim by adding the Driver Assist Pack, which also gets you adaptive cruise control).

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