The luxury carmaker Jaguar has released the first official pictures of its new E-Pace model, which will go on sale later this year.

All new 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is smaller and more intensely priced than the F-Pace. Its design, one of the most expressive in its class, is very distinct from that of the larger F-Pace and will be, along with its dynamic ability, among the car’s key selling features. 

The five-door, five-seater will be built in Austria, rather than at Halewood, UK alongside the Discovery Sport and its Range Rover Evoque sibling. This is because the UK plant is running at capacity and won't be able to churn out the expected six-figure annual production run of the E-Pace.

The design of the front corners and the long horizontal front headlights disguise the long front overhang. The roofline and sides have been inspired by the F-Type. At the rear, there are large LED lights with a 'chicane' graphic. Alloy wheels up to 21 inch in diameter are offered; the standard size wheel is 17-inch.

The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that behaves like a smartphone and a 12.3-inch TFT display in the instrument panel which can display maps in 3D. An additional optional head-up display can also be available. The E-Pace also comes with a waterproof activity key from which you can locate your SUV and even check the fuel level.

JLR's full range of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines will be offered in the E-Pace, including a range-topping 300hp, 2.0-litre petrol version. This engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic sending power to all four wheels, helps the E-Pace hit 100kph in 5.9sec and propels it to a claimed top speed of 242kph.

The new 2018 Jaguar E-Pace has MacPherson struts front and multi-link rear suspension. Jaguar has tuned the chassis, along with the four-wheel-drive control system and Adaptive Dynamics dampers, for a sporty on-road drive. To that end, the camber has also been changed on the front axle and there is a semi-solid mounting for the front sub-frame for a more connected steering feel.

All new 2018 Jaguar E-Pace is likely to launch the E-Pace in India by the end of 2018 with prices starting from the Rs 50 lakh mark. It will compete with the SUVs like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and the upcoming Volvo XC60.