There are few cars coming this year that will ruffle the automotive feathers as much as the Jaguar I-Pace.
As the British brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the SUV-styled model will lead the way into the electric future for the manufacturer that has always appeared to be quite traditional.
The official production version won’t be revealed until March 1, but we can assume many of things seen on the concept model over the last year or so will be carried over into the version going on sale this year.
So, what will the I-Pace have to offer and what is so special about it? We take a closer look…
It has an all-electric setup – with development help from Formula E
The I-Pace will be powered by two electric motors – one motor each on the front and rear axle – and that will mean four-wheel drive with no emissions whatsoever. The liquid-cooled 90kWh Lithium-ion battery pack is built into the chassis under the cabin, meaning a low centre of gravity for better performance. It can be charged to 80 per cent in just 90 minutes at a fast charging point, with a full charge achieved in just two and a half hours. All of Jaguar’s EV technology is being aided by the brand’s participation in the FIA Formula E racing series, with any steps forward made in the sport likely to be applied to future road cars for both Jaguar and partner Land Rover. We’ll come back to its performance later…
SUV styling that is oh so popular right now
As the market shifts further towards off-road inspired styling, the SUV is becoming more popular by the day, and Jaguar has seen this trend. With the I-Pace, Jaguar has given it a built-up look that matches public tastes but carries over many of the brand’s design features that make them so recognisable, such as the rectangular grille and sharp body lines. As it is aimed more at the compact end of the market, it does have compact dimensions. But what can be said is that it is likely to be the best-looking option in the small SUV market.
It isn’t short of practicality
As the I-Pace doesn’t have a conventional internal combustion engine setup, there is no need for a transmission tunnel through the cockpit and there is no engine in the front. That means that even with the 530-litre boot storage capacity, more space is on offer as there is luggage space under the bonnet and the interior has plenty of storage options too. Five people can sit in comfort inside and with the flat floor, you can use all of the space to your advantage.
The I-Pace has lots of performance on offer
With the dual-motor setup that is mounted on both axles, power is diverted directly to the wheels and with the high amount of power available, the I-Pace has almost 400bhp at its disposal and 700Nm of torque – meaning excellent acceleration. Although that is slower than its main rival, the Tesla Model X, it has a better range than the top-spec P90D – with the quoted range set at a claimed 313 miles.
Could it be a true rival to the Tesla Model X?
It is an interesting time for Jaguar as this car could really catapult the British manufacturer towards the forefront of the electric vehicle industry. The leading electric SUV is the Tesla Model X – though this had been plagued by murmurings of poor build quality and the vehicle not having the best looks in the world. The I-Pace could get ahead of the Tesla thanks to much better looks and a more premium feel, and even though it isn’t as large, the Jaguar has a better range and – due to its reputation – more reliability. The price point for the Jag is also expected to be much lower than the Model X, with the I-Pace set to be half of the price of the Tesla – a real factor when it comes to buying.
The interior looks forward
To make sure the driver knows what is going on, the I-Pace has no less than four screens – with two central touchscreens providing all of the information you need. A 12-inch display fills the instrument binnacle and replaces the conventional dials, while a large head-up display means the driver can keep his eyes on the road. The design of the I-Pace’s interior is also well ahead of its time, with the look of the cockpit’s features well ahead of the rest of the compact SUV market – making the I-Pace a very tantalising option.
