If you sit in a 2020 Volvo XC40 or XC60 and see how brilliantly the interiors utilize space, you'll think Jaguar went braindead on the E-Pace interior in comparison. But I look at the E-Pace as a sports car more than a luxury soccer mom car and sports cars traditionally have a simplistic or minimalistic interior.
I imagine the stick style shifter will go away and become a round dial like other models have. I can't think of many improvements to make. I like the way everything is laid out and that the MAX A/C gives a good blast in the face in you aim it there. When I start the car my iphone instantly pairs with the sound system and I'm good to go. I have Cinemix downloaded (free) on my phone and iPod. It plays nonstop movie soundtracks if I need classical mood music.
And for once the wipers are truly smart wipers. In my Fords I was always manually controlling the wipers because non of the speeds were correct. The E-Pace wipers are mind readers.
That is exactly how I feel about the E-Pace. It "feels" like a sports car as an SUV. Sure there are differences, but if you are going this route and want that kind of sporty feel, I could not find anything better. Of course, I did not even test drive the Cayenne or Stevia (one too pricey, other too new)...but I am happy for the (hopefully) next 10+ years.
I like the stick shifter. In sports manual, I have more fun with it than the paddles.
I like the pairing of the phone. In my G37, it paired, but just for phone calls. For music, I needed an adapter, and that needed to be turned on each time I got in the car. I dont know if it is a software glitch, or my not reading the manual, but if my iPhone is not playing music the car automatically tunes to an FM station. I am version 19A, so I need to go to the dealer and get that updated.