The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is here. While Jaguar’s rear end designers are probably vacationing every year with their counterparts from Volvo, everywhere else, the vehicle looks fantastic. The Jaguar I-PACE is Jaguar’s first ever all-electric vehicle and Brits promise sports car performance, next-generation AI technology, gorgeous design and uncompromising luxury, all combined with the practicality of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). It’s a vehicle that competes directly with the Tesla Model X in fully electric capability, if not size, and, indirectly, with the likes of the BMW X4 and Audi Q5.
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“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.
The I-PACE utilizes a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery with 432 pouch cells, allowing the vehicle to achieve a claimed 298 miles (475 km) maximum range. Additionally, thanks to the ability to charge the batteries to 80 percent in just 85 minutes – by using 50kW DC charging – longer range trips should be possible without too much hassle. If you manage to find a 100kW rapid charger (Supercharger, anyone?) that time is shaved off to a rather quick 40 minutes, rivaling that of the Tesla Model S and Model X.
“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’!”
When the owners utilize a standard, home AC wall box (7kW), the vehicle will charge its batteries to 80 percent in just over ten hours, making overnight charging at home highly doable. This brings that everyday utility plenty car makers are looking for, as the maximum range (298 miles / 475 km) will be plenty for 90 percent of users on a daily basis. You just need not forget to plug in the car in the evening – just like your mobile phone.
The performance aspect can be considered thrilling for an SUV. The Jaguar I-PACE uses two electric motors at each axle, combining for a total power output of 400 PS (395 HP) and 696 Nm (513 lb-ft) of torque. All of this power is getting sent to all four wheels. This allows the I-PACE to sprint from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.
As for handling, the lowered center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack placement), the vehicle handles rather nicely. The I-PACE features a torsional rigidity of 36 kNm/degree, the highest of any Jaguar model. Furthermore, the optional air suspension and a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution will allow the I-PACE to achieve an “exceptional ride comfort” and “engaging driving dynamics”. For us, BMW aficionados, the near perfect weight distribution and low center of gravity are what makes BMW cars such fun cars to drive, and other manufacturers are taking notice.
The design of the Jaguar I-PACE is highlighted by aggressive lines through the entire exterior. The sleek, almost coupe-like outer design adds to the aggressive exterior design note, making it one of the best looking vehicles in its segment. The various added indentations, shapes and sizes, make its exterior a detailed and rugged looking item. For example, the front fascia features Active Vanes in the grille which open whenever the car needs air. Additionally, the vehicle features a cab-forward design, matched by a squared-off rear – something that we consider the only letdown of this entire vehicle – allowing the I-PACE to achieve a drag coefficient is just 0.29Cd.
The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE is already available on the UK market, for a price tag starting from £63,495. Customers will have the option to choose from S, SE and HSE specs, along with a First Edition model. You can get a closer look at the I-PACE in the media gallery right below.
Other than the black blade on the side that tries to visually slim the car it’s a winner for an EV. And I’m not a fan of Jaguar but I would consider this one. Although I think the range based on the US cycle is closer to 240 miles vs the stated 298 miles in the article.
Yes, you are correct. The information we have is from the UK based spec sheet, but the US range is the stated 240 miles.
Why the difference, if I may ask, in range between the UK vs the US version? When you say “US cycle”…what does that mean? Are the vehicles different? Or are the tests different?
Here’s the disclaimer put in the press release:
“Figures shown are Manufacturer’s fuel economy and driving range estimates. Actual range may vary. EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for updated EPA estimates.” – Jaguar
Basically, just an estimate. No way anyone can prove them right or wrong in most real life scenarios. It’s not just the road, gradient, weather and other items, it’s temperature, whether you use or don’t use your A/C or heating, in-car entertainment systems, seat heaters etc. But yes, NEDC and EPA cycle tests vary and are somewhat different, but you need to check with the manufacturer for the exact reasons why the test results and estimates are so different. This is just guesswork.
now jaguar, then mercedes benz eq, audi’s coming soon with their e-tron, porsche mission e and bmw has their i division. be careful tesla. competition of electric vehicles are going to get heavy!
This is nice! I’m not sure what the perceived issue is with the rear design; it looks fine to me. I think this is a cleaner, more fuller expression of Jaguar’s design language than ever. I’m sure this will be a big success for them.
Directly from the rear, it does look good. But any other angle – like rear quarter view – looks really, really odd. But that’s more of a joke directed at Volvo’s designers, than anything else. As stated in the article, the car looks really good design wise.
Oh, OK. Although…I actually kind of like Volvo’s current designs, so maybe that’s why I don’t get the joke.
To be fully frank, if Volvo didn’t mess up the rear end of the S90, that would be one of the most gorgeous looking cars in that segment.
Well done Jaguar, It’s quite a looker, I love it.
luxury?
Jaguar have found a way to get this out and possibly soon to market rather quickly. Well done to them and other manufacturers who get in as quick as they can. About time Tesla start to get beaten at their own game.
Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport. They cant be “beaten” (according to their rules, financial health is a whole other story) because the whole point of their existence is to get all the other manufacturers to hurry up and get EVs to market. If anything, they’re winning quite splendidly as just this week we’ve had the Jaguar I-PACE and the Hyundai Kona announced. Tesla’s really done a lot to put EVs on the radar in some really aggressive ways, especially with what we’ve seen them do to the premium sedan market and their sales numbers overshadowing BMW, Mercedes, etc. combined.
To the actual article, I think Jaguar’s done a great job with the design on the whole and I really like it, though some of the straight side shots make it look a bit … chunky (actually, it’s the same with the Model X). As for the interior, it looks absolutely amazing. I’m not really a fan of the subcompact SUV segment, but it makes sense since the initial target market is the EU. I still can’t wait until BMW gets their iX3 out to market for a really great compact SUV with my design language of choice (I’m on BMWBlog for a reason), though I bet Mercedes will have their EQC out a good bit before that time. It’s going to be a great 2-4 years.
You’re correct on Tesla’s raison d’etre and they’re fulfilling it somewhat but I fear for them in the automotive segment. Jaguar’s just out put a video of i-Pace in comparison to Model X and i-Pace is faster than Model X (both 75D & 90D) and with far better braking distance. It also costs significantly less than the Teslas. In fact, Model X P100D can buy 2 i-Pace cars, with change left. Plus the i-Pace is lighter and sportier. And that’s just Jaguar. BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche are still coming. Seems Tesla is in for a rather gruesome competitive market.
That’s very true. Tesla will have stiff competition coming soon though they still have about 2-3+ years before they really get direct competition in some pure-EV segments. I say this because not only do they have the Supercharger network, but Model 3 and S currently have no competition in the electric sedan category, and Model X is still a(n up to 7-seater) large SUV for families with no direct EV-SUV competition. I agree from the perspective that I fear Tesla’s production output and quality will be a real focus point vs the other manufacturers. For competition (which I always want as a consumer), Porsche’s Mission E should thankfully give Model S some great competition, and the Mercedes EQC, I-PACE, and the other hatchback/subcompact SUVs will be out before Model Y. That subcompact/compact SUV segment will really be a problem for Tesla. (And again, since I’m here on BMWBlog, I wish BMW would hurry up…the Brits just handily beat them to the market with an EV years in advance.)
Regarding the Jaguar performance video of the I-Pace vs the Model X, the I-Pace is smaller and lighter (about 5-6″ lower, 14″ shorter in length, and ~200kg lighter) than the larger and heavier Model X 75D and 100D. The P100D version has much higher performance output than the I-Pace, 0-60 in 2.9 sec or so with Ludicrous mode too, vs the 0-60 in ~4.7sec. You cant configure the I-PACE with 6 or 7-seater mode either. The size and mass is going to affect the non-P variants a lot for acceleration and braking with the momentum a good bit. What was sketchy too was that the driver of the 75D even asked for a P100D, and Jaguar gave him a 100D non-P. So all that did was increase the weight to let the I-PACE be 350 kg lighter without much more performance (0-60 in 0.2 seconds faster). But for cost, you’re absolutely right. I really welcome more competition to drive these down, because this is still way too expensive still.
You hit the nail on its head