Jaguar E-Pace facelifted for 2021, Australian range simplified

Australian pricing for the new Jaguar E-Pace has been confirmed, the updated premium mid-size SUV now starts from $63,900 and boasts a more straightforward range alongside styling and chassis updates.

While form the outside the E-Pace looks like a simple evolution, under the skin Jaguar has fitted new ‘Ingenium’ powertrains and has heavily updated the underpinnings of the mid-size SUV for improved comfort and response.

Naturally, there are specification bumps across the rest of the range, notably keyless entry is now standard on E-Paces sold in Australia. Customer cars will begin arriving in the first quarter of 2021.

The front of the E-Pace has had some light nip-and-tucking with a more intricate grille design, revised lower and side air intakes, as well as the attractive ‘double J’, LED signatures seen on the updated XF large sedan. Around the back, the E-Pace remains similar, though some extra mesh adds a little extra aggression.

We reckon the tweaks have worked very well indeed, and the E-Pace still retains its Jaguar-ness which is a crucial selling point against rivals like the stunning Volvo XC40 and practical BMW X1.

Inside is where most of the changes lie, though, with the updated Pivi Pro infotainment system sitting front and centre controlled by a new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen that is coated to cut down glare and reduce fingerprints. Embossed headrests are now standard, as is a 12.5-inch digital driver’s display and there’s a new steering wheel from the electric I-Pace. As in the XF, Jaguar has ditched the rotary gear selector for a more traditional, leather-stitched item which nestles in an attractive centre console.

However, the E-Pace’s updates run more than skin deep. For 2021 Jaguar has re-worked chassis mounting points – including the suspension towers – for greater stiffness which should have the combined effect of both a more comfortable ride and sharper responses. There are new engine mounts, too, which the marque claims will make for crisper throttle response.

The E-Pace also benefits from Jaguar’s Electronic Vehicle Architecture – that doesn’t mean it’s an EV, confusingly – but rather the 48-volt electrical system has a dedicated power source for infotainment functions, allowing seamless and instantaneous booting up of electronic features.

All E-Paces are now powered by one engine – a turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder unit that is available in two states on tune. There is no more diesel. The P250 is now the entry-level power plant and produces 184kW and 365Nm which is mated to a nine-speed torque converter automatic that sends power to the front wheels only.

 For $63,900 plus on-road costs, the base model ‘S’ specification is outfitted with goodies like leather upholstery, LED headlights and sequential rear indicators.

Moving up the to ‘SE’ spec gets premium LED headlights that use a front-mounted camera to avoid dazzling other road users, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function and larger 19-inch alloy wheels for $67,200.

The $71,300 HSE trim level brings larger alloy wheels again – 20-inches this time – and a meridian sound system.

For those wanting the fastest E-Pace, the $79,600 P300 Sport will be the ticket, with 221kW, 400Nm and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system making it capable of a 6.9-second standard sprint. The Sport also features sequential front indicators and active all-wheel-drive that can disconnect the front axle to drop fuel consumption.

A 360-degree monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and AEB will be fitted to all Australian E-Paces, as well as the aggressive R-Dynamic styling package.

Additionally, a black exterior styling treatment will be available on all models, though pricing for that is yet to be confirmed and we prefer the silver anyway. The new E-Pace will arrive in Australia by the first quarter of 2021.

2021 Jaguar E-Pace pricing

All prices are before on-road costs.

E-Pace R-Dynamic S P250 AWD – $63,900
E-Pace R-Dynamic SE P250 AWD – $67,200
E-Pace R-Dynamic HSE P250 AWD – $71,300
E-Pace 300 SPORT AWD – $79,600