Jaguar has just unveiled it’s first ever all-electric vehicle, the I-PACE. It promises sports car performance, next-gen AI technology, combined with the practicality of an SUV.
Thanks to a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery with 432 pouch cells, the I-PACE claims a maximum range of 298 miles (475 km), with owners then able to charge the car to 80% in 85 minutes using 50kW DC charging. Go for a 100kW rapid charger, and that time drops to just 40 minutes.
“We set out with a clean sheet approach to harness new battery electric technology with an architecture engineered from the outset to optimize performance, aerodynamics and interior space. The result is the I-PACE – a true Jaguar and truly driver-focused EV,” stated company exec, Ian Hoban.
“For I-PACE customers – fuel stations are a thing of the past, after overnight charging they’ll wake up every morning with a ‘full tank of fuel’!”
Those who will utilize home charging via an AC wall box (7kW), will get to 80% charge in just over ten hours, so overnight should be fine, as long as you plug the car in no later than the evening.
In order to get it moving, Jaguar placed two electric motors at each axle, producing a combined 400 PS (395 HP) and 696 Nm (513 lb-ft) of torque, with everything getting sent to all four wheels.
Drivers can launch the I-PACE from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds. As for handling characteristics, this SUV features a torsional rigidity of 36 kNm/degree, the highest of any Jaguar model, plus an optional air suspension and perfect 50:50 weight distribution thanks to the placement of the battery – the British automaker used phrases like “exceptional ride comfort” and “engaging driving dynamics” to describe what the I-PACE is like to drive.
The design of the I-PACE is sleek, almost coupe-like, an according to Jaguar, it was influenced by the iconic C-X75 supercar. Thanks to the cab-forward design and squared-off rear, the drag co-efficient is just 0.29Cd. Meanwhile, to strike a balance between cooling and aerodynamics, there are Active Vanes in the grille which open whenever the car needs air.
Inside, passenger room is comparable to that of a large SUV, says the automaker, despite the I-PACE’s overall mid-size dimensions. You get 890 mm (35 inches) of legroom in the rear, and 656 liters (23.1 cu.ft) of luggage space, or 1,453 liters (51.3 cu.ft) if you fold the seats.
As for tech, the I-PACE comes with Jaguar’s new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, combining touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls. Other features include the new EV navigation system, Amazon Alexa Skill and over-the-air software updates – the first ever Jaguar model to do so.
The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is priced from £63,495 in the UK and is already available to order in S, SE and HSE specs, along with a First Edition model.
