Looks like: A new grille adds extra bling
Competes with: Cadillac XT4, Lexus NX and Volvo XC40
Powertrain: 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 296-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder; nine-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Early 2021
Jaguar updated its smallest SUV for 2021 with mild exterior tweaks and the latest version of the automaker’s multimedia system, though its powertrain stays the same. Name notwithstanding, there’s still nothing predominantly electric about the E-Pace this year.
Related: 2021 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe Review: New Style, New Tech, Same Sexiness
Exterior
The new E-Pace’s looks have been slightly updated. The most noticeable tweak is front and center, with a new grille that features a mesh design and chrome detailing. Jaguar also says it made aerodynamic adjustments to the SUV’s bumper.
More detail has been added to the side vents, which now wear a leaping Jaguar badge. In back, the LED taillights feature a chicane graphic, complimenting the double J-blade-shaped LED headlights.
An optional Black Exterior Pack adds black to the grille surround and tips, lower bumper mesh inserts, side vents, window surrounds and rear badging.
Interior
The 2021 E-Pace uses Jaguar’s new Pivi Pro multimedia system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen on curved glass, which the automaker is rolling out across its lineup. Jaguar says the new system will be easier to use thanks to a simplified menu structure and control layout. Jaguar added more climate seat comfort controls below the screen for quicker access and control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Pivi Pro allows for over-the-air updates.
Pivi Pro is standard on P250 SE and 300 Sport trims and includes navigation. Jaguar says the system has its own dedicated power source, so navigation is ready as soon as the SUV is started. A less advanced version, Pivi (minus “Pro”), is standard on P250 trims; it only supports navigation functionality via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Jaguar cites improved cabin materials for 2021 and says it added more interesting details, such as a Jaguar animal pattern in the central cubby and in front of the JaguarDrive Selector. The JaguarDrive Selector also got a remake for 2021; the prior rotary gear selector now looks and feels more like a conventional shifter. Cabin color choices include Ebony, Light Oyster, Deep Garnet, Caraway and Cloud.
Engine and Transmission
The E-Pace is available in three trim levels: P250, P250 SE and 300 Sport, and the engines carry over from 2020. Standard on P250 and P250 SE trims is a 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 300 Sport model uses a 296-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic. Jaguar says this engine uses mild-hybrid technology; a generator in the engine bay harvests energy normally lost during deceleration. It’s then stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery in the cargo area. Jaguar says the extra energy is used to assist the engine when accelerating and support the stop-start system.
All-wheel drive is again standard, and Jaguar says the 2021 E-Pace uses the second generation of its Standard Driveline system to automatically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. The E-Pace also rides updated architecture for 2021, which Jaguar says should improve ride quality and reduce vibration and noise.
Safety
As with last year’s E-Pace, standard safety features this year include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a driver-drowsiness monitor and lane keep assist. Also standard is a 3D surround-view camera system.
New for 2021 is the optional ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror system. It uses a wide-angle rear camera and displays what’s behind the car on a high-definition rearview mirror.
Release Date
Jaguar said it expects the E-Pace to go on sale in the beginning of 2021 and start at $42,045, including destination; that’s $1,045 more than the model-year 2020 version.
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