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 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.
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 and 696 Nm of torque, with everything
getting sent to all four wheels.
Drivers can launch the I-PACE from zero to 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 of legroom in the rear, and 656 liters of luggage space, or 1,453 liters 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.
