Jaguar E-Pace updated with 305bhp three-cylinder hybrid and new-look interior

Jaguar has announced a series of updates to its E-Pace SUV, including the introduction of a series of hybrid models, an updated interior design and all-new infotainment system.

The rival to the Volvo XC40, Mercedes GLA, Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3 follows the rest of the updated Jaguar line with a move towards electrification, using mild and plug-in hybrids.

At the top of the range sits a new P300e drivetrain. This uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol driving the front wheels and an 80kW electric motor powering the rears to produce a combined 305bhp. Using a 15kWh battery, the plug-in hybrid offers up to 34 miles of pure-electric driving and WLTP economy of 141mpg. Zero to 60 takes just 6.1 seconds, with CO2 emissions of 44g/km.

Alongside the PHEV at the top of the range sits a 297bhp four-cylinder 300 Sport. With a focus on performance, the all-wheel-drive 2.0-litre petrol reaches 60mph in 6.6 seconds and features mild hybrid technology also seen across the rest of the range. Beneath this, 197bhp and 246bhp versions of the 2.0-litre Ingenium engine also get mild hybrid systems, all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

(Photo: Jaguar)

Jaguar continues to cater for diesel buyers as well, with an entry-level front-wheel-drive offering 161bhp via a six-speed manual. Above that are two mild hybrid all-wheel-drive variants with 161bhp or 201bhp, both offering economy of around 44mpg and sub-170g/km emissions and both fitted with a nine-speed auto.

All four-wheel-drive versions feature “driveline disconnect” technology for the first time. Also seen on the new hybrid Land Rover Defender, this allows the car to operate in two-wheel-drive mode under low-demand conditions.

Externally, the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace gets a very gentle update, with a revised lower grille, new mesh detailing on the nose, new side vents, updated all-LED headlights and a reshaped rear bumper.

Inside, materials around the cabin have been upgraded, with more soft-touch finishes to key touchpoints. The gear selector has been reshaped and finished with cricket ball stitching while new metallic finishes have been applied to air vents, speaker grilles and dials. Seats now feature Jaguar Leaper stitching in the headrests and “Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry” upholstery tags also seen in the updated F-Pace. The steering wheel influenced by the one in the I-Pace EV now features hidden-til-lit buttons and metal gearshift paddles.

(Photo: Jaguar)

Central to the interior update is the new Pivi Pro infotainment system being rolled out across the Jaguar Land Rover range. The 11.4-inch curved touchscreen is nearly 50 per cent larger than the old system and features new software for simplified menus, more functions, faster response and over-the-air updates.

Other new technology includes the ClearSight rear camera/mirror system, cabin air ionisation, an 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display and the second generation of Jaguar’s wearable activity key, which allows the car to be opened without the presence of a conventional key.

The new E-Pace is available in S, SE and HSE trim lines, all also offered in sports-styled R-Dynamic specification, plus 300 Sport trim. Pricing starts at £32,575.

(Photo: Jaguar)

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