Let the Good Times Roll: Jaguar Introduces the E-Pace
Jaguar is hoping buyers will flip for their new small SUV.
If you tuned in to Jaguar’s Facebook livestream of the new E-Pace unveiling, there was a lot to take in. Interviews with designers, an overview of Jaguar’s current lineup, daredevil stunts, and your first look at Jaguar’s new entry-level model.
Since the E-Pace is positioned to compete with small, luxury SUVs like the Porsche Macan, its job is to introduce you to the brand and make you a Jaguar fan for life. Jaguars are all about character, and despite the E-Pace’s entry-level position in the lineup, it’s packed to the gills with small details that remind you that you’re in a special car.
The windshield frame features a graphic of a mother jaguar with her cub in tow, a metaphor for the car’s position in the lineup and a nice Easter egg for owners. The important features of the car were treated to the same level of detail. For example, the climate control knobs were designed to give the same satisfying tactile feedback as twisting the lens on a high-end SLR camera.
Features like these belie the E-Pace’s low starting price of $38,600, making you feel like you’re in, well, a Jaguar. It will be a nice introduction to the brand for many and should be the sales leader for Jaguar family once introduced. Orders for the new E-Pace are already open online and buyers can expect their new baby Jaguars in about 6 months.
During the unveiling of the E-Pace, Jaguar attempted a world record by doing a James Bond-style mid-air barrel roll and obtaining a Guinness World Record in the process. Driver Terry Grant piloted the E-Pace down the 160-metre run-up and succesfully completed the 15-metre record leap, experiencing a G-Force of 5.5 while in a 270 degree twist. We here at JaguarForums think it’ll be the first of many awards and accolades piled on Jaguar’s newest model.
The E-Pace is expected to be an impressive performer in its class. The standard engine is a 246-horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder that sends power to all four wheels. R-Dynamic models will come with a whopping 296 horsepower from the same 2.0 liter four.
It’s downright impressive that Jaguar is able to pack so much character and performance into such a small, affordable package. We can’t wait to get our paws on one to drive.
Check out the full live reveal video below and let us know if you’re flipping for the E-Pace!
