Genesis GV70 vs Jaguar E-Pace

What's the difference?

The updated Genesis GV70 Electrified Signature Performance is packed with features, effortless on the road, and backed by fantastic ownership value. This isn’t just polished luxury, it’s smart luxury, making it a vehicle worth serious consideration. The only caveat? I’d opt for a different interior colour to white if you have kids or pets.

The Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 is a compact, polished premium SUV package. Good value, super safe and spacious, it combines brilliant practicality with comfort and healthy performance. It’s a little thirsty, there are some relatively minor dynamic niggles, and Jaguar’s ownership package needs to lift its game. But for those who don’t have a lot of room to spare, yet don’t want to skimp on the luxury experience, it’s a compelling option in a highly competitive category.  

Although slightly smaller than some rivals at 4715mm long and 1630mm tall, the GV70 comfortably fills out its medium SUV stature with a pronounced nose, wide stance, and pillowed, swoopy rear end. The update adds an exclusive reverse G-Matrix pattern in the grille, new 20-inch alloys, and a rear aerodynamic spoiler for a more distinctive presence.

Inside, there are three interior colours to choose from. Our test model’s white leather looks stunning but isn’t the most practical choice for families, pets, or anyone frequently navigating unpaved roads. A rainy day could make you anxious! The quilted leather upholstery shines visually, complemented by the new ‘Milky Way’ ambient lighting panels in the doors.

The electrified platform gives the cabin a flat floor, which improves legroom for middle-seat passengers, though it does mean there’s no space for a spare tyre in the boot.

Other notable updates include intelligent Matrix LED headlights, smart key sensors on all door handles, and new paint options. I particularly like the hidden charging port cover integrated into the grille; a subtle, clever touch. Overall, the GV70 is a handsome SUV.

Ian Callum. Jaguar’s design director for 20 years, from 1999 to 2019, evolved the brand’s look and feel from traditional and conservative, to cool and contemporary, without throwing the heritage baby out with the new design bath water.

The E-Pace will be one of the last Jaguars to emerge under his full-time direction (Callum remains a consultant to Jaguar) and at the time of its global launch in 2018 he was keen to highlight the car’s gender neutrality, summing it up as, “Not too genteel; muscular and curvaceous at the same time.”

And it’s hard to argue the point. The E-Pace follows the distinctive Jaguar design template set in place by breakthrough models like the F-Type sports car, and larger F-Pace SUV.

At just under 4.4 metres long the E-Pace is smaller than mainstream medium SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, but it’s appreciably wider, giving it a broad footprint and athletic stance.

Ultra short front and rear overhangs, and black 19-inch, five-spoke alloy rims enhance that impression, at the same time highlighting a relatively lengthy 2681mm wheelbase.

The Chequered Flag’s dark mesh grilles across the nose, and long tapered LED headlights, complete with ‘J-blade’ LED DRLs around their outer edges, create a recognisably feline face, with dark accenting on the fender grilles and window surrounds adding an extra air of intensity.

A raked, almost coupe-style roofline, tapered side glass, and broad haunches combine to accentuate the E-Pace’s dynamic look, the long, slim, horizontal tail-lights and fat chrome-tipped exhaust outlets both current Jaguar hallmarks.

The interior feels as tightly wrapped and carefully designed as the exterior with the instruments, media screen and key controls clearly oriented towards the driver.

In fact, a specific defining edge sweeps down from the top of the dashboard, around the centre stack and across the console to form a flying buttress barrier (complete with left-side grab handle) between the driver and front passenger.

And if you’re still associating Jags with walnut veneer interiors, think again. An understated ‘Noble Chrome’ finish is used to highlight the gearshift surround, instrument panel, and other details across the dash and doors. 

The upright sports gearshifter is a distinct departure from the rotary controller used in older Jaguar models, yet according to Jaguar, the beautifully tactile front ventilation dials were inspired by the rings of a classic Leica camera lens.

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance feels spacious and comfortable front to back. Up front, the seats are thickly padded and packed with features, making it easy to find a good driving position. The electrically adjustable steering wheel adds to the ease, and the 172mm ground clearance with wide door openings makes getting in and out effortless.

Storage up front is a bit limited. The middle console and glove box handle most of the load, while door drink holders are slim. I do like the dedicated phone tray and sunglasses holder, which add some practicality to everyday use.

The 27-inch multimedia and instrument cluster display is sharp, high-tech and intuitive, while the responsive touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make connectivity easy. The system includes built-in sat-nav, and you can customise it to fill the full screen while keeping a small speedo widget visible.

Charging is well-covered with two USB-C ports per row, a wireless charging pad, a 12-volt socket and a 250-volt domestic plug in the boot. Small practical touches like extendable sunvisors, manual rear sunblinds, smart key sensors on each door and the ability to move the front passenger seat or operate the boot from the driver’s seat add extra convenience.

In the rear, legroom is good and while I’m comfortable behind my driving position at 168cm, taller passengers may need to shuffle seats to optimise comfort. Seat cushioning is excellent, and the outboard seat heaters are a welcome touch. The bench is wide enough for three adults for short trips, and families will appreciate the two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points. Amenities include climate control, rear air vents, sunblinds and charging ports, although storage is limited to a couple of cupholders and map pockets. The pull-down armrest sits a little low for me, but my kid has no concerns.

Boot space measures 503L with all seats in place, the smallest compared with nearest rivals. That said, it easily accommodates my family of three’s groceries and school gear. There’s a small underfloor pocket for the tyre repair kit and home cables, plus a 22L frunk for extra storage. The powered boot lid is a practical convenience I always appreciate.

For a car measuring less than 4.4 metres between its bumpers, a 2681mm wheelbase is lengthy, and interior space is also enhanced thanks to the E-Pace’s broad beam and relative height.

Somehow the front part of the cabin feels cozy and spacious at the same time, this strange dichotomy created by the steeply sloping dash and centre console increasing the feeling of space, yet keeping key controls and storage options within easy reach. 

Speaking of which, front seaters are provided with a generous lidded storage box/sliding armrest between the seats (housing two USB-A ports, a micro SIM slot, and 12V outlet), two full-size cupholders in the centre console (with a smartphone slot between them), a loose items tray ahead of the gearshifter, a sizeable glove box, an overhead sunglasses holder and big door bins with enough room for large bottles. 

Special note on the centre storage box. The space extends forward, a long way under the console, so a pair of 1.0-litre bottles can be laid down flat, with plenty of space still on top. And a net pocket on the underside of the lid is great for small, loose items.

Move to the back, and again, despite the E-Pace’s diminutive size accommodation is good. Sitting behind the driver’s seat, set for my 183cm (6.0ft) position, I enjoyed plenty of leg and headroom, even with the inclusion of a standard glass sunroof. 

Shoulder room is pretty handy, too. And backseaters are provided with a lidded storage box and two cupholders in the fold-down centre armrest, netted pockets on the front seatbacks, and useful door bins, with enough room for standard bottles. There are also adjustable centre air vents housed with a 12V outlet and a trio of storage hidey holes.

Cargo space is another plus for the compact E-Pace, offering 577 litres with the 60/40 split-fold rear seat up, expanding to a substantial 1234 litres with it folded down. 

Multiple tie-down anchor points are helpful for securing loads, there are handy bag hooks either side, as well as a 12V outlet on the passenger side, and a netted bay behind the driver’s side wheel tub. A power tailgate is also a welcome inclusion.

Towing capacity is 1800kg for a braked trailer (750kg unbraked) and a ‘Trailer Stability Assist’ system is standard, although a tow hitch receiver will set you back an extra $730. A steel space spare sits under the cargo floor.

At $63,600, before on-road costs the Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 lines up against a formidable bunch of Euro and Japanese compact SUV competitors, like the Audi Q3 40 TFSI Quattro S Line ($61,900), BMW X1 xDrive25i ($64,900), Lexus NX300 F Sport ($61,700), Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic ($63,000), and Range Rover Evoque P200 S ($62,670). All tough nuts to crack, and all AWD, except the FWD Lexus.

And when you’ve entered the $60K bracket it’s fair to expect a lengthy list of standard features, and aside from the safety and powertrain tech detailed in the Safety and Driving sections, the top-of-the-pyramid Chequered Flag grade delivers a fixed panoramic glass sunroof, grained leather seat trim (with contrast stitching), 10-way adjustable heated electric sports front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch ‘Touch Pro’ multimedia screen (with swipe, pinch and zoom control), managing audio (including digital radio), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, sat nav, and more.

Other boxes ticked include the ‘Black Exterior Pack’, adaptive cruise control, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and power-folding door mirrors (with approach lights), rain-sensing wipers, auto LED headlights, LED DRLs, fog lights (front and rear), and tail-lights, a power tailgate, ‘Ebony’ headlining, ‘R-Dynamic’ leather steering wheel, black gearshift paddles, keyless entry and start, ‘Chequered Flag’ metal scuff plates, and bright metal pedals. 

Our ‘Photon Red’ test example was also optioned with a head-up display ($1630), Meridian audio ($1270), privacy glass ($690), and rear animated directional indicators ($190).

In fact, the Jaguar E-Pace options list is stuffed with individual features and packs, but the standard fit-out delivers good value in terms of the asking price and category competition. 

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance is a fully electric SUV with dual motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 320kW of power and 605Nm of torque. Activate Boost Mode, and those numbers climb to 360kW and 700Nm, giving the GV70 a serious edge when you need it.

Despite its name, this grade isn't pitched as a performance EV but it's definitely no slouch with a 0 -100km/h sprint time of just 4.4 seconds with Boost Mode, or 5.0 seconds in standard mode. That’s quick enough to hold its own against rivals in the luxury electric mid-size SUV segment, while still delivering smooth, linear acceleration that’s effortless in everyday driving.

The E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol version of Jaguar Land Rover’s modular ‘Ingenium’ engine, based on multiples of the same 500cc cylinder design.

This ‘AJ200’ unit features an aluminium block and head with cast iron cylinder liners, direct injection, electro-hydraulically-controlled variable intake and exhaust valve lift,  and a single, twin-scroll turbo. It produces 183kW at 5500rpm, and 365Nm from 1300-4500rpm. 

Drive goes to all four wheels via a (ZF-sourced) nine-speed automatic transmission, and an 'Active Driveline’ all-wheel drive system. With a default rear axle bias, it constantly monitors driving conditions, updating torque distribution every 10 milliseconds.

Two independent, electronically-controlled (wet-plate) clutches distribute drive between the rear wheels, the system able to send 100 per cent of that torque to either rear wheel if required.

The GV70 Signature Performance runs on a new 84kWh lithium-ion battery, giving a WLTP driving range of up to 462km which is a solid figure for both city commuters and regional drivers, provided you charge regularly. Genesis includes a couple of charging cables, and the SUV also offers V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, ideal for powering larger devices while stopped.

Charging options are strong. The Type 2 CCS port accepts up to 11kW on AC chargers and up to 350kW on DC fast chargers, allowing a 10 - 80 per cent charge in as little as 19 minutes on a 350kW unit or seven hours and 35 minutes on an 11kW AC charger. Realistically, most DC chargers on the road operate closer to 170kW or below, which still delivers a very usable recharge.

The GV70 also features four levels of regenerative braking, including a one-pedal mode. Staying mostly in this mode over the week, I achieved an energy consumption of 21.0kWh/100km, which is very close to the claimed 20.0kWh/100km and again, is a solid result for a car of this size and outputs.

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 7.7 litres/100kmL/100km, the Chequered Flag P250 emitting 174g/km of CO2 in the process.

In our week with the car, over close to 150km of city, suburban and freeway conditions (including a cheeky B-road run) we recorded an average of 12.0L/100km, which is getting up there for a compact SUV. That number equates to a real-world range of 575km.

And it’s worth noting that despite the use of lightweight aluminium for key body panel and suspension components, at a touch over 1.8 tonnes the E-Pace is line ball for kerb weight with its larger F-Pace sibling.

Minimum fuel requirement is 95 RON premium unleaded, and you’ll need 69 litres of it to fill the tank.

My kid called the GV70 the 'Marshmallow Limo' this week, and it’s an apt description for the ride comfort. The SUV probably delivers the one of the most comfortable rides I’ve experienced, thanks to soft suspension and new hydro bushings in the rear, which smooth out most vibrations. The trade-off is that it feels dampened when cornering and you glide over the road rather than feel it, which I find a little soft, but my husband loves.

The dual motors provide strong, prompt acceleration, and Boost Mode adds an extra kick when you need it. The cluster pulses red while active, which is a fun touch.

Visibility is excellent. The wide windows give a clear view around the car, and none of the pillars obstruct from my driving position. The digital rear-view mirror is particularly handy when carrying passengers or cargo.

Regenerative braking is easy to control via the steering wheel paddles. Mode 3 and the one-pedal function deliver strong regen without being harsh, but you need to adapt your braking technique, otherwise passengers might feel a little queasy.

Despite looking larger than it is, the GV70 is simple to park, thanks to an 11.5m turning circle and a 360-degree camera system, though the multiple view modes can feel overwhelming at first. I also love the remote parking via keyfob, which comes in handy in tight carparks or garages.

The E-Pace’s bonnet, front guards, roof, tailgate and key suspension components may be made of weight-saving alloy, but this chunky little SUV still tips the scales at a sturdy 1832kg. Nonetheless, Jaguar claims the Chequered Flag P250 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.1sec, which is quick, if not blindingly so.

The 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo-petrol engine delivers a solid block of (peak) torque (365Nm) from just 1300rpm all the way to 4500rpm, which combined with no less than nine auto gear ratios means healthy mid-range punch is always available.

The transmission’s adaptive shift system reads the way you’re driving to tailor its behaviour accordingly, and it works well. But shifting gears manually via the wheel-mounted paddles adds to the fun and accuracy.

Thing is, despite being finished in racy black, the paddles themselves are plastic which feels ordinary and is a letdown in an otherwise high-end environment. 

Suspension is strut front, ‘integral’ multi-link rear, and ride quality is surprisingly cushy for a high-riding car of this size. No tricky active dampers here, just a well-engineered set-up tuned to cope with a variety of conditions.

That said, the ‘JaguarDrive Control’ system offers four modes - ‘Normal’, ‘Dynamic’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Rain/Ice/Snow’ - tweaking things like the steering, throttle response, transmission shifts, stability control, torque vectoring, and AWD system.

Dynamic is the sweet spot, buttoning everything down just a little tighter, without any major effect on refinement, the car remaining quiet and composed even when driver enthusiasm starts to take the upper hand. 

The variable ratio ‘Speed proportional’ electrically-assisted steering is nicely weighted and points nicely, but road feel is mediocre. On the flip side, the torque vectoring system, which uses the brakes to put the squeeze on a wheel breaking traction in cornering, works seamlessly. 

Brakes are 349mm vented discs at the front and 300mm solid rotors at the rear, and although they arrest the car well enough, initial pedal feel is ‘grabby’, especially at slow speeds. It’s a challenge to grease your pedal application to the point where the effect goes away.

Under the heading of General Notes, the ergonomic layout is hard to fault with super clear instruments and user-friendly switchgear, but the ‘Ebony’ headlining darkens the interior too much. Even though the huge (standard) glass sunroof lets in a lot of light, we’d prefer the lighter ‘Ebony’ shade available on other E-Pace grades (but not this one).

Speaking of the interior, the sports front seats are grippy yet comfortable on longer runs, and their (standard) heating is a big plus on chilly mornings, the (21:9) wide format hi-res media screen is a pleasure to use, and the level of quality and attention to detail all around the cabin is impressive.

The Jaguar E-Pace received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment in 2017, and boasts a solid roster of active and passive safety technology.

To help you avoid a crash, there are the expected features like ABS, BA, and EBD, as well as stability and traction controls. While more recent innovations like AEB (city, interurban, and high-speed, with pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control (with ‘Queue Assist’), ‘Emergency Brake Light’, lane keeping assist, park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, are also included in the Chequered Flag spec.

A reversing camera, a ‘Driver condition monitor’, and ‘Trailer Stability Assist’ are also standard, but a 360-degree surround camera ($210), and tyre pressure monitoring ($580) are options.

If an impact is unavoidable six airbags are located inside (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain), while a pedestrian protection system features an active bonnet that lifts in a pedestrian impact to provide greater clearance from hard parts in the engine bay, and a specific airbag to offer greater protection at the base of the windscreen. 

There are also three top tether points for baby capsules/child restraints across the rear seats, with ISOFIX anchors in the two outer positions.

The GV70 Electrified Signature Performance comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, putting it in line with its rivals. What sets it apart are the extras included at no additional cost.

Genesis provides free scheduled servicing for five years or up to 75,000km, along with five years of roadside assistance through Assist Australia, and if you service through Genesis, that cover extends to ten years.

Owners also receive a complimentary five-year subscription to Genesis Connected Services and can choose either a five-year Chargefox subscription or an at-home wall-box charger.

Another practical bonus for regional drivers is that you aren’t limited to Genesis dealerships for servicing. You can use any of the hundreds of Hyundai service centres for scheduled maintenance, which makes ownership far more convenient. Overall, Genesis makes it easy and appealing to own a GV70.

Jaguar’s three-year/100,000km warranty, is well off the mainstream pace, which is five-years/unlimited km, with some brands at seven years. And even in the luxury segment, newcomer Genesis, and the most established of them all, Mercedes-Benz, have recently dialled up the pressure with the offer of a five year/unlimited km warranty. 

Extended Warranty Insurance is available for 12 or 24 months, up to 200,000km.

Service is scheduled every 12 months/26,000km, and a ‘Jaguar Service Plan’ is available for a maximum five years/102,000km, for $1950, which also includes five years roadside assistance.