This story first appeared in the April issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
This year will see the launch of at least two new premium – and non Tesla – electric vehicles onto the market – the Audi E-Tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
They were both beaten to market by Jaguar with its I-Pace in December last year.
While the others are outright SUVs, Jaguar has gone in its own direction, with this aggressive – and I think beautiful – sports-car crossover design.
Its a car that is hard to place how big it is, and on its own it can look little bigger than a small hatchback.
But that wheelbase is actually slightly longer than a Model X.
That said, its sporty shape and a lack of front and rear overhangs means it is more like a medium size sedan space-wise inside – though Jaguar claims the rear seat dimensions are the same as a Porsche Cayenne.
There are some cool design touches outside.
The front grille slopes back into where the engine would normally site and allows air to vent out of the bonnet – passing over the windscreen at an optimum angle.
This helps the car gain its slippery 0.29 drag coefficient.
Contrasting panels on the side that help hide the thickness required in the floor for the 90kWh battery.
The I-Pace charges through a CCS type two combination plug.
It can charge at up to 100kW DC – at least it will when we get such chargers here.
We have ben told a software update will eventually bring this up to 150kW.
The onboard AC charger is only 7kWh, which means your quickest AC charge will take around 12.9 hours.
Inside, the I-Pace feels like a comfortable sports sedan rather than an SUV.
These front seats are very supportive, and rear seat space is equally useful.
The glass roof adds to an airy feel.
The interior build quality is very impressive.
It feels far tighter and better put together than a Tesla, and feels closer in materials and quality to a Range Rover than a Jaguar.
Jaguar’s inTouch infotainment system operates across two screens and is fairly responsive.
For iPhone or android users Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, though we found CarPlay to be a little buggy and it crashed three times on us.
Jaguar have tried to be clever with these new climate control dials, that pull and push to change their function, though I am not sure they are that successful.
Along with the second screen for secondary climate and phone functions, through draw your eyes away from the road and could take some getting used to.
With an electric motor mounted in each wheel, the I-Pace produces 696Nm of driving force and a total of 290kW from two 150kW motors.
With no gearbox or other driveline to produce transmission loses, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 200km/h.
You can operate the car in Eco, Comfort or Performance mode.
This varies steering response, suspension height and firmness and ride height – which is separately adjustable thanks to adaptive air suspension.
That air suspension gives the car some off road credibility as well.Jack it up to full height and it can wade through 500mm of water – enough to embarrass Utes.
Predominately built of aluminium, the I-Pace weighs in at 2133kg.Weight is split 50/50 for excellent handling, and like all electric vehicles the weight is of course down low.On the road it has a brilliant combination of ride and handling, it is comfortable yet corners flat and fast.The steering feels tight and responsive.This is a very impressive car.
Driver assistance systems on the SE model we tested include autonomous emergency braking, a lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
Under the WLTP testing system, Jaguar claims a range of 470km for the iPace.
While that is no doubt possible, I would expect high 300kms would be the more realistic expectation.
This is, after all, a performance vehicle.
To date, the I-pace has gathered 55 Car or SUV awards from around the world, including the 2019 European Car of the Year.
This is a great car, let alone electric car, so it is not hard to see why.
Pricing here for the range starts with the S at $119,000, the SE is $130,200 and the HSE $140,800.
