Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar i-Pace

As a more recent addition to the Jaguar range, the i-Pace is right on trend as one of the first ever fully battery-electric sports utility vehicles (SUV). Garnering awards almost from the outset, it’s a fast-charging, practical and good-looking crossover with a range that should suit most daily uses.

The Exterior

New from the ground up at launch, the striking, modern profile features the familiar Jaguar face, embellished with pronounced front wheel arches, the design being especially aerodynamic to optimise range and stability. This is further enhanced by the bold grille which curves inwards – reducing drag by channelling air through the bonnet scoop and out, where it passes over a roofline that, again, is curved for maximum efficiency.

LED headlights are standard as always but, optionally for greater night-time visibility, new car buyers can choose Matrix LED headlights with a system that maintains continuous use of the high beam but automatically adjusts the shape of the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles.

Other choices include a range of alloy wheels, from 18” to 22”, and a panoramic roof. Below the hatchback rear door the low air splitter is not interrupted by tailpipes; a thing of the past on this fine electric car.

The Interior

The driver does not sit as high as on regular SUV’s but even entry-level S models have part-electric adjustment to help get settled. On higher trim levels fully electric seats have a memory function. The standard sports seats in the front look great and offer lots of support, aiding comfort over long distances. Further, air quality is improved with cabin air ionisation now featuring filtration to capture ultra-fine airborne particles and allergens. The i-Pace can even filter its cabin air before a journey begins.

Clearly there will be no standard dashboard. This is the modern world of electric cars so the i-Pace forgoes the traditional dials for a smart touch sensitive 12.3” digital display allowing the driver to select the information shown. On the S version the screen has a touch-sensitive panel low in the centre console to control functions such as the air conditioning. That’s replaced by a 5.5” touchscreen on higher trim levels. It takes a little getting used to but the screen is intuitive and most drivers will soon get to grips with it.

New and used Jaguar i-Pace models are available to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere. A more recent upgrade has been the addition of Jaguar’s state-of-the-art Pivi Pro infotainment and navigation system with wireless charging.

Driving The Jaguar i-Pace

With two especially-designed electric motors at each axle, a huge combined performance of 394bhp (400PS) is delivered with a mighty 696Nm of pulling power. This is helped by an aluminium construction and that low-slung centre of gravity. The i-PACE offers an unrivalled balance of all-wheel drive performance, refinement and agility with up to almost 300 miles of un-interupted driving, depending of course on terrain and conditions. As expected all the latest in safety technology is on board, with a wide range of options to choose from on new models.

Charging is getting faster, in this case thanks to an 11kW on-board charger as standard, enabling customers with access to three-phase electricity supplies to enjoy significantly faster charging. When connected to an 11kW wall box 33 miles of range per hour can be achieved, while a full charge from empty now takes only 8.6 hours. To top up when charging ‘on the go’, a 50kW charger will add up to 39 miles in just 15 minutes, whilst a 100kW charger will add up to 78 miles over the same period. That should cover most eventualities.

The ride is fine over most surfaces on the standard suspension but buyers can opt for an adaptive system too; at extra cost. It’s fun to drive this car, the absence of a gearbox making life easier and the handling is good on corners. Although there’s a huge amount of power readily on tap, almost-silent progress is smooth with a light foot. Just select drive and go. Obviously, smooth driving will enhance the range capability.

Should You Buy One?

For daily urban and suburban family motoring this crossover is hard to beat. For most users most of the time the range is more than adequate usually with plenty of charge left over. Long range driving is increasingly viable too thanks to faster charging and more public charging points.

Electric cars are less complex too so maintenance should be easier and cheaper. The technology has settled in and no major reliability issues have been reported. Get in touch with us here at MHH International for more information about the i-Pace and other Jaguar models.