Jaguar E-PACE PHEV: the entry point to the plug-in hybrid SUV range of Jaguar

The plug-in hybrid range of Jaguar includes two SUVs that use different propulsion systems, but with one common feature: the combination of efficiency, performance and refinement. They represent the “bridge” towards full electrification: let us recall that Jaguar has already announced that from 2025 onwards, all of its new vehicles will be 100% electric.

And plug-in hybrid PHEV technology is a good starting point… as well as an alternative to the diesel and petrol versions that Jaguar still offers in its SUV range, with a very complete offering that also gives access to Mild-Hybrid models, with DGT ECO label. Among these PHEV versions, the entry-level model in the Jaguar range “with a plug” is the E-PACE PHEV.

Jaguar E-PACE PHEV: the electrified compact SUV

The Jaguar E-PACE is one of the premium compact SUVs with the most mechanical options to choose from. It is available with a 163 hp diesel engine and front-wheel drive as the entry variant, and there are also diesel mild-hybrid MHEV versions with 163 or 204 hp, both with all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Also with MHEV technology, you can choose from four petrol engine options: a 1.5 three-cylinder with 160 hp and front-wheel drive, or a 2.0 in versions of 200, 250 and 300 hp, with all-wheel drive.

Probably the most balanced versions in terms of price-to-performance ratio are the 2.0 Diesel MHEV of 204 hp, starting from around 52,000 euros; and the 2.0 MHEV petrol of 200 hp, available from around 50,000 euros. But the star if we value performance and consumption is the E-PACE 1.5 MHEV… although it also has its say when it comes to price.

And the fact is that the PHEV costs around 10,000 euros more than the 1.5 three-cylinder with 160 hp on which this version is based, but it nearly doubles the power and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. If we compare within the range with the 2.0 i4 of 250 hp with MHEV technology, the plug-in hybrid, as it is exempt from the Registration Tax, costs about 2,000 euros less for the same equipment! And that is despite it featuring much more technology and offering all the advantages of plug-in hybrids.

All-wheel drive, 309 hp of power

The plug-in hybrid system of the Jaguar E-PACE uses the 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol combustion engine with 200 hp on the front axle, to which is added an electric motor of 109 hp coupled to the rear wheels, with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 15 kWh. It is the same system used in the Land Rover Evoque P300e PHEV and the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e PHEV. The maximum system power reaches 309 hp, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 216 km/h. The homologated average consumption on the WLTP cycle is 2 l/100 km, and the electric-mode range reaches 55 km.

In hybrid mode it can take into account the route programmed in the navigation system to modify the interaction between the engines, in order to achieve maximum efficiency. It also has a mode that allows charging the battery while driving. It accepts AC charging at 7 kW of power, which allows the Jaguar E-PACE to be charged in an hour and a half; charging time from a domestic socket is about 5 hours.

At the wheel, it seems incredible that the “main” engine of the E-PACE has only 3 cylinders and 1.5 litres: the contribution of the electric motor makes you feel as if you have twice the cylinders and capacity, with a forceful throttle response and consumption that can drop below 3 l/100 km while the battery has charge.

A practical, elegant and refined compact SUV

The restyling of the Jaguar E-PACE presented at the end of 2020 not only brought the addition of new engines, including the plug-in hybrid. Many chassis components were also adjusted, giving the Jaguar SUV a more precise behaviour, without neglecting comfort and refinement, something that is noticeable when driving on the motorway, but especially on winding roads.

This PHEV version keeps its practical side, retaining the same boot capacity as the rest of the versions, with 470 very usable litres. In addition, the Pivi Pro multimedia system has been updated with an 11.4-inch touchscreen that presides over a very elegant dashboard, offering much more intuitive operation and the possibility of online updates.

Together with the quality conveyed by the materials used, the greater resolution of the digital instrumentation and the luxury atmosphere felt inside, the E-PACE PHEV is an interesting alternative to cars such as the Audi Q3 TFSIe, the Mercedes GLA PHEV and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Image gallery Jaguar E-PACE PHEV

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverJaguar E-Pace8 versions · from 58,350 €