Reviewed: Last ever Jaguar E-Pace premium SUV
The Ultimate Edition priced at $89,000 with $14,000 worth of extras. Photos: Liz Dobson
It’s time to say toodle pip to the British Jaguar E-Pace with a special model, the Ultimate Edition priced at $89,000 with $14,000 worth of extras.
Jaguar unveiled the E‑Pace in London on 13 July 2017, and deliveries began in early 2018 based on JLR’s PTA platform shared with the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport.
When Jaguar announced it was making a compact SUV, you’d think that the designers at the HQ in the UK would just make a scaled-down version of the F-Pace off-roader.
Instead, Jaguar looked at another vehicle in its range for inspiration; the F-Type sports coupe.
The Jaguar E-Pace Ultimate Edition has 20″ gloss-black alloy wheels.
Jaguar was keen to show off the F-Type DNA in the E-Pace with the headlights, featuring assemblies that extend into the front guards with J-blade daytime running lights, just like they do on the F-Type.
It also had similar tail lights and a coupe-like window line, while the cabin had strong F-Type elements such as a deeply recessed driving position framed with the same centre stack as the F-Type and even to the grab handle positioned on the front passenger side.
A facelift in late 2020 introduced refreshed styling, full LED lighting, and a new mild‑hybrid system across engine lines.
By mid‑2024, Jaguar announced that E‑Pace production would cease in December 2024, as part of a major shift to an all-electric luxury brand from 2025.
The Jaguar E-Pace Ultimate Edition has Clearsight interior rear‑view mirror.
The issue with the E-Pace is that it sits in the crowded premium subcompact SUV segment. Its chief rivals included the BMW X1 and X2, Audi Q3, Mercedes‑Benz GLA, Volvo XC40, Lexus UX, and in‑house competition like the Range Rover Evoque.
Jaguar New Zealand has a limited number of the Ultimate Edition with the bonus line-up including: Black Exterior Pack, red brake callipers, privacy glass, fixed panoramic roof and powered tailgate
20″ gloss-black alloy wheels, LED DRLs with animated indicators
Heated steering wheel, heated front & rear seats, Clearsight interior rear‑view mirror
DuoLeather sports seats, Ebony Morzine headlining, metal treadplates and pedals
Meridian sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, 360° camera
Driver aids: adaptive cruise, blind‑spot assist, lane keep, rear‑traffic monitor, surround‑view camera and more
The last ever Jaguar E-Pace has a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
The Jaguar E-Pace P250 Ultimate Edition is equipped with a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 184kW of power and 365Nm of torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The "P250" designation refers to the engine's horsepower output.
I had five days testing the British beauty, and I was impressed with what the $89,000 product had to offer.
It is a stylish, sporty model that is fun to drive, well‑equipped and distinctly Jaguar in flavour.
It has dual exhausts and the engine produces 184kW and 365Nm of torque.
Despite its relatively tall stance, the E‑Pace has nimble dynamics, responsive steering, and well‑tuned suspension.
It took in on my usual testing route; the motorway to notice its overtaking prowess and maneuvering at speed, then onto a winding country road, where I pushed it into sport mode, which firmed the steering and suspension and held the gears longer.
Then it was back to the city where I appreciated the compact nature of it, especially parking in small spaces.
It’s going to be sad to see the last of the Jaguar E-Pace, but I’m curious about the future of the Jaguar brand.
