Jaguar in recent times has shifted its focus extra towards SUVs—which is sensible contemplating the market—however that is come at a worth. Specifically, the discontinuation of the athletic XE sports sedan after simply 4 years. That mannequin’s departure leaves the subcompact E-Pace SUV because the entry level to the British luxurious model, however in some methods it is a much less appropriate ambassador.
The E-Tempo shares a platform and mechanicals with the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque slightly than using on a modified model of the larger F-Pace’s chassis. Jaguar is thought for sultry exterior styling—sadly, the E-Tempo’s stubby proportions can look awkward from some angles. Styling updates for 2021 assist conceal that considerably, however the E-Tempo remains to be no knockout. The entrance bumper has been restyled with bigger decrease air intakes, a revised grille now wears a mesh inlay, and up to date headlamps sport new LED operating lights.
The inside sees some modifications as properly, most notably ditching the 2020 model’s 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system for a brand new, bigger 11.4-inch unit that runs Jaguar-Land Rover’s newest Pivi Professional interface. The E-Tempo’s steering wheel, shifter, and local weather controls are all modified for 2021 as properly, and extra premium supplies are used all through the cabin, which helps elevate the SUV’s enchantment.
On the Street
Entry-level P250 fashions include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 246 horsepower, however our check instance was the extra highly effective P300 Sport, which makes use of a 296-hp model of that engine. Whereas the extra highly effective engine did handle faster acceleration occasions than the last P250 we tested, its 6.5-second 60-mph dash nonetheless lags behind different performance-tuned rivals such because the Mercedes-AMG GLB35 (4.9 seconds) and the BMW X2 M35i (4.5 seconds).
The Jag was even additional off the mark in our quarter-mile check, the place it wanted 15.0 seconds to cowl that distance, 1.9 greater than the quicker BMW. In the true world, the E-Tempo’s acceleration is ample, and the engine is refined and quiet. The nine-speed computerized is indecisive on downshifts, nevertheless, generally dropping down one gear, then, after a pause, dropping one other. The result’s some jerkiness when slowing to a cease. In any other case, the powertrain goes about its enterprise with out disturbing the serenity of the cabin.
The E-Tempo’s journey is agreeable, even on our automotive’s upsized 21-inch wheels, and dealing with is slightly spry. The steering really feel is artificially heavy, however turn-in is crisp, and the E-Tempo feels playful on curvy stretches of street. It is not as athletic because the XE was, nevertheless it affords sufficient on-road appeal to go for a contemporary Jag.
Inside Scoop
The E-Tempo’s cabin is roomy for front-seat passengers, with supportive bucket seats, ample cubby storage, and a snug driving place. We additionally did not discover the identical bugginess with the Pivi Professional infotainment system as now we have in different latest Jaguar-Land Rover merchandise with the identical setup. Save for one occasion the place the system failed to acknowledge a paired iPhone, every little thing labored as meant.
The rear-seat space, nevertheless, feels unusually cramped even for this subcompact SUV class. Rear-seat riders with lengthy legs will discover restricted area to tuck their knees; headroom is not notably beneficiant, both. Cargo area is aggressive with the section, however patrons who want extra passenger area will discover the Volvo XC40 extra accommodating.
Jaguar does its greatest to capitalize on the E-Tempo’s cuteness, and its place because the de facto entry-level mannequin, by incorporating a number of easter eggs within the SUV’s design. Alongside the windshield body close to the decrease left nook is a silhouette of a mom jaguar and her cub; a puddle lamp initiatives an identical picture onto the bottom outdoors the E-Tempo upon the motive force’s method at evening. The element work would not cease there, as our E-Tempo’s properly trimmed cabin featured an non-obligatory stitched dashboard cowl, supple leather-based upholstery, 16-way adjustable entrance seats with warmth and air flow, and a rich-sounding Meridian encompass sound system with 14 audio system.
Our Caldera Pink P300 Sport carried a lofty $59,805 price ticket, which highlights the E-Tempo’s largest disadvantage: It is costly. Though it now serves because the entry-level mannequin, the $42,045 beginning worth for the bottom P250 is hundreds of {dollars} dearer than key rivals. Though we did discover that our check automotive turned the heads of the precise cohort of youthful drivers it has been designed to draw, we suspect its worth could exclude it from these patrons’ buying lists. The E-Tempo is priced for perfection, and whereas its virtues converse to our irrational aspect, its compromises make it exhausting to justify to our rational one.
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