[Surge]

Now the majority of owners will never take this car off the pavement, there are many automotive publications who are curious about its off road capability. We've seen that the new I-Pace is better than many anticipated off road, but this test appears to be a bit too severe for the EPace's AWD system to handle.

 

[PickyTheMove]

Surely it's not supposed to be a Land Rover Defender... Anyway, here in Switzerland you drive more on snow than off road.

 

[JagMan]

Fair test given the fact its an SUV and certain expectations arise from that. In a way it helps those of us only looking to drive it in the city because its a high bench mark test as to what it can take on in extreme situations.

 

[Darius]

For dirt roads and winter conditions the E-Pace will be more than capable. While I appreciate these guys testing in the extremes, its not really a measure of anything that regular owners will require or use. There are many JLR alternatives if you are looking for off road prowess.

 

[JagMan]

I would say a better set of tires would help but sometimes higher performing all season tires are all you need.
However investing into a good set of mud and snow tires can pay off even with mild off roaders like the E-Pace.
If anyone does go that route I'd love to hear what tires you're considering

 

[Surge]

The short wheelbase should give it some good off road dynamics for a crossover. For more aggressive trails and terrain you will definitely have to look into aftermarket tire setups. Jaguar did do some pretty extreme off road testing for this car during development.

 

[JagMan]

It seems like the Evoque is what JLR will be pushing as the true entry-level off roader as they have since its inception. Fact is, no one buying a Jaguar product is going far away from the city or suburban area.

 

[Darius]

Many people buy cars based on capabilities that they never plan on fully exploring. We are seeing a trend with newer crossovers to be focused around outdoor lifestyles and that's probably why JLR felt the need to ensure the E Pace could handle light off roading. The I-Pace was put through nearly identical tests.

 

[JagMan]

Many people buy cars based on capabilities that they never plan on fully exploring. We are seeing a trend with newer crossovers to be focused around outdoor lifestyles and that's probably why JLR felt the need to ensure the E Pace could handle light off roading. The I-Pace was put through nearly identical tests.

I think its far more simpler than that. They buy for styling and character which is influenced by capabilities they're not entirely aware of. Most people are scared to pop the hood and wouldn't know where to start.

 

[papageno]

Good AWD and high ground clearance are also important in sunny Southern California where our unpredictable rain season brings heavy downpours that make the roads slippery or flooded (8 inches in some places).

 

[JagMan]

Good AWD and high ground clearance are also important in sunny Southern California where our unpredictable rain season brings heavy downpours that make the roads slippery or flooded (8 inches in some places).

Its why I can't wait for EV's to come out from JLR. Flooding shouldn't be much of a concern due to how well sealed they might be compared to ICE vehicles.