2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Look Review

Jaguar unveiled the third member of the “Pace” SUV family today. Set to compete against the likes of the BMW X1, the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace will offer two engine options when it goes on sale in the U.S. next year.

The compact crossover joins the larger F-Pace and the upcoming all-electric I-Pace in the automaker’s rapidly expanding lineup, but the new model has its own distinct look. It features LED headlights similar to those on the F-Type sports car, and a raked roofline lends it the appearance of a coupe. Short front and rear overhangs complement a teardrop design to the side windows, another element inspired by the F-Type.

Unlike the F-Pace SUV, the E-Pace has only been announced with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine for our market. Standard models make 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, but buyers can also choose a version offering 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar estimates a 0–60 time of 5.9 seconds for the more powerful model and 6.6 seconds for the standard version. All models come paired with a nine-speed ZF automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Thanks to Active Driveline technology, the E-Pace utilizes all four wheels only when needed. The system can transfer almost all engine torque to either the front or rear axles in extreme conditions. Standard brake-based torque vectoring improves cornering ability, and a low-speed cruise control automatically adjusts engine and brake settings to help drivers maintain control in low-traction situations. Drivers can choose between four driving modes, which include Normal, Dynamic, ECO, and Rain, Ice, and Snow.

Inside the cabin, the E-Pace features a standard 10.0-inch touchscreen and very few extraneous buttons on the dash. Buyers can opt for a 12.3-inch instrument panel display and a new head-up display that projects brighter, clearer graphics onto the windshield. Other features on the roster include a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation with real-time traffic and parking info, a gesture-controlled tailgate, and up to five USB charging points.

Prices for the E-Pace start at $39,595. To receive the more powerful 296-hp engine, buyers must opt for the R-Dynamic model, which also adds a unique front bumper with deeper outboard air intakes, body-colored sills, and lower rear bumper surfaces with a gloss black rear valence. Inside, look for sport seats with heavy bolstering and leather finished in vibrant colors with contrast stitching.

Starting from $54,545, First Edition models top the range and receive special interior materials, including soft-grain Windsor leather in Ebony with red contrast stitching. Available only in the first year of sales, it shares specification with the R-Dynamic line and gets unique First Edition carpet mats and tread plates. The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace models will arrive in dealerships in the beginning of 2018.

Jaguar also announced that the E-Pace set an official Guinness World Records title for the Furthest Barrel Roll in a Production Vehicle. Check out the photos below to see the SUV jump 50 feet and complete a 270-degree barrel roll.

The post 2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Look Review appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2sUAQ9f