Move over, Tesla Model X. Here comes the I-Pace! It’s Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle. The crossover delivers exhilarating performance, 240 miles of range and a luxurious interior packed with tech and safety features. This new cat sets the pace, or should I say I-pace, for luxury EVs!
The five-passenger I-Pace is new for the 2019 model year. It’s expected to go on sale in the U.S. in February. There are four trims: S, SE, HSE and First Edition with starting prices ranging from $69,500 to $85,900. It comes standard with all-wheel-drive.
The I-Pace is powered by two Jaguar-designed electric motors that are placed in front and in the rear at each axle. The Lithium-ion battery pack is placed low and centrally between the two motors for 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Total output is 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. The I-Pace can go from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds! And with all-wheel-drive, the I-Pace is ready for the snow and slick driving conditions we experience in the Pacific Northwest.
Yes, driving the I-Pace is a blast. It accelerates like a torpedo, whether you’re at a standstill or passing other cars on the freeway and stays planted when cornering. Steering is responsive. The regenerative braking system can be set on Low, with a feel similar to gas-powered vehicles, or the more aggressive High setting for one-pedal driving. There are three driving modes: Comfort, Eco and Dynamic. (When Dynamic is selected, some engine noise is piped into the cabin so you feel as if you’re really revving a traditional engine.) Visibility to the rear is limited due to the small rear window.
Not only is the I-Pace extremely sporty but it also has respectable off-roading capability. It can be raised to have 5.6 inches of ground clearance with the standard air suspension system.
The I-Pace has a range of 240 miles, one of just a few EVs that can go 200 miles or more on a single charge. It takes about 10 hours to charge to 80-percent with a 220-volt charger, or about one hour with a DC fast charger.
EPA ratings for the I-Pace are 80 MPEe city and 72 MPEe highway with a combined rating of 76 MPGe. I got 77 MPGe during my test drive.
The stylish interior is beautiful and upscale as you’d expect in a Jaguar. Materials look and feel great. My tester has the saddle quality Windsor leather in snazzy red and the suedecloth headliner. Seats are supportive and comfortable.
Standard features include push button start, rear view camera, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power adjustment, synthetic leather, panoramic roof, dual-screen infotainment system, navigation, smartphone integration, Bluetooth, six USB ports, Meridian audio system, satellite radio, HD radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and cool retractable door handles that started a few conversations in parking lots during my test drive!
Standard driver assistance features include low speed automatic front braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, parking assist for parallel and perpendicular parking, and parking sensors. The clear exit monitor alerts passengers in the back seat when there’s something such as a car or bicyclist approaching before they open their door.
Available features include a 360-degree camera system, grained leather and Windsor leather, suedecloth headliner, memory settings, 10- and 18-way power adjustments, four-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, surround-view camera system, head-up display, hands-free liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, high-speed automatic front braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, steering assist and stop-and-go.
The I-Pace has some of the latest technology, but not all of it is user-friendly. The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system has two screens on the center stack that can be slow and clunky to use because some functions require you to go to different menus and submenus. On the plus side, graphics are stunning. And there are some handy features including a navigation system that assesses the route and your driving style to calculate the range and find the nearest charging stations.
You can also communicate with your I-Pace through Amazon Echo devices. You can ask Alexa about the car’s charging level and whether you have enough range to get to work. And if you drive away from home without your smartphone, the I-Pace will alert you!
The I-Pace has 25.3 cubic feet of storage in the rear hatch and 51 cubes with the back seats folded. The rear seats split 60/40, providing flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. There’s room under the front hood to hold the charging cable. Several cubbies in the cabin provide space for stashing small items including room for tablets and laptops under the seats.
The good:
Tremendous performance
240 mile range
Upscale, roomy interior
Lots of technology
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Off-road capability
The not-so-good:
Clunky infotainment system
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $80,500. The black exterior pack with exterior styling accents is $170. The front heated and cooled performance seats with 14-way adjustments and heated rear seats are $2,400. The head-up display is $970. The light oyster suedecloth headlining is $900. Four-zone climate control is $800. Adaptive dynamics are $700. Yulong white metallic paint is $575. 20-inch, five-spoke style 5068 gloss black wheels are $500. Configurable ambient interior lighting is $250. Activity key is $200. Adaptive surface response is $150. Front fog lights are $100. Cabin air ionization is $100. Delivery fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $89,310.
Bottom line:
Wow! Performance. Range. Luxury. Technology. Sleek looks. And zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. This new electric cat will definitely put a big smile on your face! Definitely check out the I-Pace if you like the idea of a fun-to-drive luxury crossover that’s all-electric with zero emissions.
