“Where other companies talk about the future, we build it. We have torn up the rule book to create the newest member of the Pace family, the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace,” boasts Dr Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.
The new I-Pace, which should go on sale here in early summer, was designed from the outset as an electric vehicle, and offers a bold aero-efficient design with a sleek, coupe-like silhouette.
To optimise the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, active vanes in the grille open when cooling is required, but close when not needed to redirect air through the integral bonnet scoop, smoothing airflow.
Inside, the layout optimises space for passengers, while sophisticated materials and great attention to detail identify this as a true Jaguar.
While a mid-sized SUV, I-Pace’s cab forward design and EV powertrain means interior space is comparable to large SUVs. In the rear, legroom is 890mm while, with no transmission tunnel, there is a useful 10.5-litre central storage compartment. In the rear, the tablet and laptop stowage is found beneath the seats, while the rear luggage compartment offers a 656-litre capacity – 1,453-litres with seats folded flat.
Jaguar says the I-Pace is designed and engineered to take full advantage of its smart electric powertrain and maximise the potential of the packaging benefits it brings. A suite of smart range-optimising technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the I-Pace will automatically raise (or lower ) the temperature of its battery to maximise range ahead of driving away.
It also tells us the aluminium architecture uses advanced riveting and bonding technology to deliver a light, stiff body structure. Together with the structural battery pack, it has a torsional rigidity of 36kNm/degree, the highest of any Jaguar.
The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible, with a seal between the housing and the underfloor. This location enables perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity: together with the advanced double wishbone front and integral link rear axle with (optional ) air suspension and configurable adaptive dynamics, this delivers agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.
It also claims the I-Pace delivers electrifying all-wheel drive performance from twin Jaguar-designed motors with a combined 400PS and 696Nm, delivering 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The instantaneous performance is matched with exceptional ride comfort and engaging driving dynamics.
The 90kWh lithium-ion battery delivers up to claimed 298mile/480kms range, with EV navigation employed to ensure range-optimised routing. It offers rapid public charging from 0-80 per cent in 85 minutes (if using a 50kW DC charger ), but that would be less than half using a 100kW charger, which will enable a 0-80 per cent charge in 40 minutes. Jaguar also promises that a 30-minutes charge (using a 50kW DC charger ) would give about 80m/129kms additional range. Finally on home charging with an AC wall box (7kW for example ), Jaguar says it will achieve the same state of charge in a little more than 10 hours – ideal for overnight charging.
Standard specification as featured on the entry-level I-Pace S includes 18" 15 spoke 'Style 1022' alloy wheels, LED headlights, eight-way semi-powered Luxtec sport seats, touch pro duo, interactive driver display, Meridian sound system and park pack.
Connectivity features include: remote, Navigation Pro, Connect Pro (Smart Settings, Pro Services, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot ), smartphone pack and secure tracker
Customer peace of mind from what is being spoken of as an eight-year battery warranty and 21,000m (33,800km )/two-year servicing intervals.
With zero tailpipe emissions, I-Pace owners are eligible to benefit from electric vehicle purchase grants (see www.seai.ie ), vehicle registration reliefs (see www.revenue.ie ), lower annual road tax (€120 per annum ), and we are told that on the way is waive toll charges.
Smart settings use artificial intelligence algorithms to tailor the I-Pace to individual driver preferences.
And to ensure owners always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery energy control software, I-Pace will be the first Jaguar to provide software over-the-air, providing seamless updates.
There was no Irish price available at the time of writing. UK prices start at £63,495.
