2018 Jaguar E-PACE First-Drive Review: Grace, Pace, and Space

The latest Jaguar is also the brand’s most important vehicle to date.

That headline is pretty catchy, isn’t it? Well, at least I think so, and I’m not alone in that sentiment. Sir William Lyons, co-founder of Jaguar, actually came up with it. Lyons famously insisted that all Jaguar motor cars must possess the qualities of grace, pace, and space.

That brings us tidily to the Jaguar E-PACE. Why do I say that? Well, take one guess where the “PACE” name comes from. Okay, but what is the “E” in E-PACE? Is it electric? No. Good guess, but no. The all-electric Jaguar, the I-PACE, is coming out next year.

Actually, it’s quite simple. All we have to do is look at Jaguar’s line up of sedans, and all becomes clear. From small to large, it’s the XE, XF and XJ, and Jaguar’s SUV lineup is following the same cues. In 2016, we saw the launch of the F-PACE SUV, a larger, but not massive family hauler that slots between the BMW X3 and BMW X5, while simultaneously stealing the Audi Q5’s lunch money. Now, we have the E-PACE, which is a compact SUV. If the German analogies work for you, E-PACE is, size-wise, between the BMW X1 and X3, and, again, makes the Audi Q3 look like chump change.

The E-PACE is a BIG deal for Jaguar.

F-PACE has been the brand’s volume-seller since its debut two years ago and has led a massive sales growth for the company. The worldwide market for sport utility vehicles is booming, and every manufacturer is riding the wave. Specifically, the market for premium, compact SUVs is growing and offers a lucrative place for premium brands to capitalize. With a starting price of $38,600, the Jaguar E-PACE is the perfect gateway vehicle to bring new customers into the fold.

In short, the E-PACE needs to be a knock out, and it is a crucial vehicle for the continued growth of Jaguar, especially in key markets like North America and China. So, is it any good? Jaguar invited me halfway around the world to experience the all-new E-PACE SUV, and I was eager to find out.

Continue reading about the Jaguar E-PACE on the next page!

Jake Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, and former content editor for Internet Brands Automotive which he joined in 2015. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon.

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