2018 Jaguar E-Pace Release Date, Specs News: British Automaker to Expand SUV Lineup With Small Crossover
Jaguar's exhibit at the Geneva Motor Show may be focused on the I-Pace, a battery-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was first introduced last year, but behind the scenes, the British automaker is already working on another SUV called the E-Pace, which is expected to be unveiled this summer.
Impressive sales performance of the Jaguar's first SUV, the F-Pace, has motivated the automaker to quickly expand its SUV lineup. The F-Pace was introduced in 2015 and since going on sale last year, the midsize luxury crossover has accounted for more than half of the brand's sales. It is also considered as the fastest-selling Jaguar in the company's history.
With that in mind, it makes sense for Jaguar to expand its SUV lineup to include more models.
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In terms of size, the E-Pace will sit below both the F-Pace and the I-Pace SUVs. It will be similar to the Range Rover Evoque, which should be expected since the E-Pace will be using the same LR-MS steel platform.
Though the British automaker has yet to official announce the E-Pace, prototypes of the upcoming vehicle have already been spotted testing. Spy shots reveal that the new five-seat crossover will have a design language similar to the F-Pace, specifically with its front fascia and roofline.
It is also expected to be equipped with the latest iteration of Jaguar's InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, possibly similar to the version introduced in the recently unveiled Range Rover Velar.
According to AutoCar, the Jaguar E-Pace will be powered by a variety of 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium powertrains. The entry-level diesel engine could deliver 161 horsepower while a mid-range variant could up the performance to 178 horsepower. Meanwhile, a turbocharged model may produce around 237 horsepower.
Furthermore, there's also a chance that the E-Pace will be offered with a hybrid powertrain, composed of a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 1.5-liter three-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine.
The powertrains will be mated to six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions. The E-Pace will also be available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive systems.
The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is expected to be officially introduced this May and will go on sale later this year. Once launched, it is expected to compete with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.
