- Jaguar E-Pace
- Powertrain and performance
- Standard equipment
- Price and value proposition
- The competition
- BMW X2
- Mercedes-Benz GLB
- Facts and figures:
Those in the market for a premium compact SUV are spoilt for choice, with the likes of the Jaguar E-Pace, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLB all considered solid options. Which one would we choose, though?
The Jaguar E-Pace might lack the aluminium construction of its larger F-Pace sibling, but it has still managed to cement its place among the best premium compact SUVs on the market. The E-Pace faces stiff competition from the likes of the BMW X2 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The models we have chosen for this comparison combine sporty performance with a premium appeal, but which one would we choose, though?
Jaguar E-Pace
Powertrain and performance
Powering the E-Pace is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 184kW and 365Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.7 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The E-Pace, in R-Dynamic SE guise, gets 19-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a rearview camera, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, electrically operated front seats, keyless entry/start, front and rear electric windows, cruise control, LED headlights, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist and leather seats.
Safety
The E-Pace was crash tested by the Euro NCAP in 2017, achieving a 5-Star rating, including 86% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 77% for pedestrian safety and 72% for its safety assistance systems.
Practicality
The Jaguar boasts the largest boot among the trio, with 577-litres of space, and an impressive 204mm of ground clearance along with all-wheel drive, making the E-Pace the most capable product in this comparison.
Price and value proposition
The E-Pace is the most expensive product in this comparison, but it offers solid performance and specification versus its rivals.
The competition
BMW X2
The M35i features a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 225kW and 450Nm and is also paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 4.9 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km.
The X2 is nearly R80 000 cheaper than the E-Pace, but has less specification, and does not have climate control, keyless entry/start and the semi-autonomous aids found in the Jaguar. The X2 was also tested by Euro NCAP, but in 2015 and received 5-Stars, however, the rating has since expired. The X2 is smaller than the E-Pace and has a smaller boot at 470-litres. From a value perspective, the X2 is cheaper than the E-Pace, and offers better performance, making it reasonably good value.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 165kW and 350Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The GLB will sprint from 0-100km/h in around 7.1 seconds and will sip fuel at a claimed rate of 7.4 L/100km.
In the specification department, the Mercedes-Benz is nearly identical to the BMW but has the most airbags, with 7 as standard. The GLB was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, where it achieved a 5-Star rating. Looking at the GLB from a value perspective, it sits between the BMW and Jaguar in terms of pricing, while offering good speciation, impressive interior space and the best claimed fuel consumption figure.
Facts and figures:
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, we would be most tempted by the BMW X2 as it offers the best performance, solid specification and the lowest list price.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Jaguar E-Pace vs BMW X2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB: Here's our winner