“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.
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.
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 zero to 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 zero to 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, making it ideal for overnight charging.
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.
There was no Irish price available at the time of writing.
