All-new Jaguar I-Pace electric crossover makes no compromises
Jaguar’s first ever fully electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles are great and all, but what about those times when it’s just you, your car and the open road? The all-new Jaguar I-PACE ensures there needs to be no compromise made between sustainability and performance. Read on.
Announced just last year, the crossover has already been named the European Car of the Year and the World Car of the Year, among other numerous accolades. Not bad for the brand’s first stab at an EV.
“The Jaguar I-PACE is the complete package. Breathtaking design and innovative engineering combine to deliver thrilling EV performance, SUV practicality and zero emissions,” said line director Ian Hoban.
Some highlights: 395 horsepower, 513 lb-ft of torque and 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. A 90 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery providing up to 470 kilometres of range. Front and rear mounted electric motors delivering true all-wheel drive. Double wishbone front and independent rear suspension.
You might not expect a crossover, especially one laden with power cells to provide a dynamic driving experience. But engineers have made sure to place the battery as low as possible, in-between the axles, to lower the centre of gravity and ensure 50:50 weight distribution. A structure and chassis made of primarily aluminum and high-strength steel mean less weight to throw around.
Then there’s how it looks. The low, sloping roofline, defined haunches, LED lighting and aggressive mesh grille means the I-PACE looks less like an alternative fuel vehicle and more a sporty premium European product.
Similar to most models in the segment, unused energy created from braking is recirculated back into the system. Users are able to select either a low or high setting depending on preference – the former allows so-called one-pedal driving where one simply needs to lift off the accelerator to slow down rather than depressing the brake pedal.
From empty, up to 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just over 10 hours when plugged into a 240-volt home wall box. A commercial DC fast charger will speed that up to 40 minutes.
The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is available now, starting at MSRP $86,500.
