Hi Mgb,
I wouldn't recommend the D180 Auto First Edition if it were the last car on the planet. I'm currently in talks with the dealership to take mine back and get something else. Owned since March and so disappointed I now barely go out in it.
It's noisy, doesn't seem to know what gear it wants to be in and is not smooth at all, lags massively and then accelerates too fast. When starting from cold, feels like there is an imaginary handbrake still on, you take your foot off the brake and literally nothing happens. When you take it out of reverse to move forward, it falls back and vice versa. There is a secondary noise that kicks in around 50 mph like a high pitched whirring noise that is audible over the engine and is enough to drive the driver insane. Loads of non specific rattles, vibrations and other noises when driving around town.
Biggest problem with the first edition though is the housing on top of the dashboard that covers the speed projector to the windscreen. At best, you are constantly looking through the reflection to see the road ahead and in certain light conditions the reflection becomes opaque and it is impossible to see the road. The car is dangerous to drive. I'm just back in after a longish journey and on roads where there is tall vegetation + bright light, it's bloody scary.
I had a courtesy car last week when they took it in. My heart sank when I saw it was an estate, never liked them. It was the XF Sportbrake. After two days driving this car, I did not want to give it back. it was everything one imagines a Jaguar to be and drive like, a pleasure to be in. I look at my car and I love the colour, I love the shape...I get in it and I want to cry for the money I'm spending.
This is just my subjective opinion and others are more complimentary about their cars. The last cars I've owned have been Dynamic Luxe Evoque 2.2D, Range Rover HSE Sport, Audi A3 Sport and TT 2.0l and 3.2l petrol - I'd like to think I know what a luxury sport car/4WD is. The E-pace is quick to accelerate on the straight but that's about all I have to say in its favour. Sorry it's not more positive but hope it helps.