Jaguar has finally taken the wraps off its first
all-electric production vehicle, the I-Pace. The EV slots in between the E-Pace and F-Pace in terms of size,
and will compete against the Tesla Model X.
Built on a bespoke aluminium architecture, the
I-Pace boasts a stiff body structure that has the highest torsional rigidity of
any Jaguar at 36 kNm/degree. The 90 kWh lithium-ion battery (with 432 pouch
cells) are positioned on the vehicle floor, providing up to 480 km (WLTP cycle)
of range.
Rapid charging is present on the
I-Pace, following the Combined Charging System standard and with a Type 2
connector. It takes just 40 minutes to charge from 0-80%, while 15 minutes
plugged in is enough for 100 km of range. If you’re not in a rush, home
charging with a 7 kW AC wallbox will achieve the same state of charge in about
ten hours – ideal for overnight charging.
The batteries supply power to two electric motors,
one for each axle to provide the vehicle with all-wheel drive. With a total
system output of 400 PS and 696 Nm, the I-Pace will get to 100 km/h from a rest
in just 4.8 seconds.
Jaguar says the packaging of the I-Pace’s electric
powertrain enables for a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of
gravity. Other handling-related bits include a double wishbone front and
multi-link rear suspension with optional air suspension as well as a
configurable Adaptive Dynamics system.
Design-wise, it’s certainly a challenge to tell the
production car apart from the concept, seeing how they are very similar at
first glance. Tweaks to the front bumper, a reshaped sunroof, revised
taillights and a new rear diffuser are just some of the differentiating
elements. The British carmaker says the sleek, coupe-like silhouette is
inspired by the C-X75 with a short, low bonnet, aero-focused roof design and
curved rear screen.
The feature-packed shape isn’t just to attract
eyeballs, but helps contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. Furthermore,
active vanes in the front grille open when cooling is required, and remains
close when not needed to send air through the bonnet scoop to smoothen airflow.
Inside, the I-Pace is almost identical
to the concept, save for the addition of things such as air vents and revisions
to the switchgear. Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is present too,
and can be interfaced with using a combination of touchscreens, capacitive
sensors and tactile physical controls.
Other features include an EV navigation system
calculates personalised range based on previous journeys, artificial
intelligence to identify individual driver preferences and Amazon Alexa Skill.
The I-Pace also comes with a heads-up display, semi-autonomous driving features
(adaptive cruise control), Activity Key, Remote Pack and supports over-the-air
software updates.
Jaguar says the I-Pace offers interior space
comparable to larger SUVs, largely thanks to its cab forward design and
powertrain layout. Within its 2,990 mm wheelbase (4,682 mm overall length),
passengers in the rear will get to enjoy 890 mm of legroom and 968 mm of head
room. Those at the front will have 1,013 mm of headroom and 1,040 mm of legroom
instead.
There’s also plenty of practicality to be had, with
a 10.5-litre central storage compartment in the rear along with stowage space
for tablets and laptops under the rear seats. Boot space is listed at 656
litres – and 1,453 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
The I-Pace will make its public debut at the
upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but is already on sale in the United Kingdom.
Prices start from 63,495 Pounds, and buyers will get to choose from
four variants – S, SE, HSE and First Edition – with the last one being offered
in limited numbers.