By Breda Corrigan
Jaguar brought us the first fully-electric vehicle from an established luxury car manufacturer in 2018 with the launch of the incredible I-PACE mid-size luxury SUV. Right from the get-go, the Jaguar I-PACE proved itself to be an impressive luxury EV that combined sleek styling, clever packaging, outstanding comfort and a bespoke sense of luxury that Jaguar buyers expect, while recent improvements have made the I-PACE even more desirable than ever. The revised I-PACE gains new infotainment tech in the form of Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivi Pro multimedia system, along with a powerful Meridian 3D sound system. Additionally, Jaguar engineers have improved the car’s charging ability by adding a new 11kW AC onboard charger, which enables a 100km charge in just 15 minutes when connected to a 100kW DC power source.
Futuristic Design Language.
Blurring the lines between an SUV, a four-door coupé, and a saloon car, the I-PACE can be described as being a mixture of all of the above, and it targets a similar kind of customer as the Audi e-tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Mercedes-Benz EQC. The low roofline, squat nose and tapering window line make the I-PACE look very sporty from many angles, and this is sure to be an attraction to buyers who don’t want their EV to look dull and boring. The striking exterior design of the I-PACE is the result of the coming together of true Jaguar DNA, FIA Formula E Racing technology and contemporary British design. The bold grille curves inwards, reducing drag by channelling air through the bonnet scoop and out, where it passes over the curved roofline for maximum efficiency. Deployable flush door handles ensure the airflow moves smoothly around the entire exterior, while the swept-back and sleek headlight design emphasises the clean lines of the I-PACE, highlighting the futuristic design language.
Trim Options.
The Jaguar I-PACE is available in a choice of exterior colours, visual packs and wheel options, with S, SE and HSE trim variants on offer, along with the new I-PACE Black edition. The I-PACE Black enhances an already visually-appealing exterior with gloss black trim elements, sporty 20” alloy wheels, and a panoramic roof as standard. The I-PACE is claimed to be Jaguar’s most torsionally-rigid vehicle, and it has an ideal 50:50 weight distribution which results in terrific ride and handling characteristics. Twin synchronous permanent magnet electric motors (one at each axle) provide the I-PACE with the benefit of permanent all-wheel drive, and a large-capacity 90kWh lithium-ion battery sits under the cabin floor between the front and rear wheels.
Uncluttered Cabin.
The stylish and uncluttered I-PACE cabin offers a sumptuous design that will delight all occupants, with exquisite features – such as the new Jaguar Heritage logo monogram on the rotary controls – showing the terrific attention to detail undertaken by Jaguar’s interior designers. The cab-forward design of the I-PACE means the front seats are placed further forward. This creates more space between the front and rear seats, giving rear seat passengers added legroom. The absence of a conventional gearbox means there is storage within the ‘floating’ centre console for items such as phones, electronic devices and keys. Other practical stowage solutions within the I-PACE consist of a glove box with 7.7-litres of usable capacity, along with rear seat storage that can fit anything from headphones to umbrellas. In the boot of the car, you will find 89-litres of underfloor storage, and a 665-litre luggage compartment that is easy to access thanks to a wide boot opening.
Test Car.
My Jaguar I-PACE Black test car was finished in elegant Portofino Blue metallic paintwork which complimented the standard 20” gloss black alloy wheels. An outstanding array of standard comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features adorn the I-PACE Black, and key features include rear privacy glass, Premium LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, Duo Leather sports seats, 12-way electric driver memory front seats, 40:20:40 folding rear seats with centre armrest, Pivi Pro 10” touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Jaguar remote app, rear camera, cruise control with speed limiter, driver condition monitor, and lane keep assist. With 395bhp and a mighty 696Nm of instant torque on offer, the I-PACE can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 200km/h (where permitted). Instant acceleration allows for a near-silent thrust of power that is so well judged you can tap into the acceleration as and when you need to. As a result, the I-PACE is a supremely relaxing, refined car to drive around town and on longer journeys. Jaguar claims a real-world driving range of up to 470kms on a combined driving cycle, and charge times from 0-80% in 40 minutes at a rapid 100kW DC public charger, with AC wallbox charging (7kW) taking 10 hours from 0-100%.
Verdict;
As one of the few all-electric compact-luxury SUVs on the market, the Jaguar I-PACE is genuinely impressive and highly desirable. Despite its size and EV powertrain, the I-PACE is a true Jaguar, with car-like handling and a quiet cabin. Pricing starts at €80,380 (ex-works) for the I-PACE Black, with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and an 8-year battery warranty as standard.
