Jaguar E-PACE P250 AWD Review: Is This Entry-level SUV Daily Driver Material?
Jaguar E-PACE SUV is a little jaguar cub, with a big thirst.
When Jaguar launched the entry-level E-PACE SUV last year, I had the opportunity to review a loaded P300 model in Europe. The overall package struck me as a great runabout for small families and people who want a sharp looking SUV.
But that’s a fully loaded model. How does a real world-ready, mid-spec E-PACE work in the real world? Fortunately, Jaguar tossed me the keys to an E-PACE SE with the less powerful P250 powertrain for a week to find out just that.
What is the E-PACE SE?
There are three basic trims of the E-PACE to start with, which includes E-PACE, E-PACE R-Dynamic and E-PACE First Edition. The R-Dynamic and First Edition models score a 296 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a lot of sporty trimmings. This standard E-PACE works with a less powerful variant of that engine, called P250, that produces 246 horsepower. Both engines are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and, in the United States, all-wheel drive is standard.
From there this P250-powered Jag, which starts at a reasonable $38,600, gets a $5,700 price bump to the SE model. This SE trim adds a powered liftgate, Meridian audio system, 14-way adjustable leather seats with memory settings, auto-dimming and folding power mirrors with ‘approach’ lighting (commonly known as puddle lamps), and the ‘Drive Pack,’ which includes Jaguar’s suite of safety technology. The Drive Pack features adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, auto-emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
From there, this particular E-PACE had a lot of additional options boxes ticked. This includes upgraded 18-way ‘Light Oyster Windsor’ colored leather seats, a $1,530 uptick, gorgeous 20-inch ‘Style 5051’ satin gray wheels ($1,430), the fixed panoramic roof ($1,225) and heated seats, front and rear for $1,020. Interestingly, every color other than Fuji White is optional upcharge. This gorgeous Caesium Blue hue will set you back an extra $590. Oh, and don’t forget the interactive driver display, a $565 option. Toss in satellite radio, keyless entry and a bunch of other niceties and the price tag balloons to $54,190 after the $995 destination and delivery charge.
That’s a big chunk of change for the little cat
The luxury SUV segment is exploding in popularity, and, as a result, is fiercely competitive. So, luxury manufacturers, like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and now Jaguar, are throwing everything they’ve got at their lifted rides, and their price tags all reflect that. A loaded E-PACE, much like a BMW X3, Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC will easily crest $60,000.
With the disclaimers disclaimed, let’s talk about how this Jaguar cub works when it gets stuck in Los Angeles traffic, or tries to find beach parking. After all, it’s not every day you get to rip through the European countryside at full blast with the Jag. But, we all sit in traffic, and we all do have to deal with the real world in our cars. To that end, this review is segmented by exterior, interior, the driving experience and my concluding remarks.
Continue reading about the Jaguar E-PACE.
