The iconic British marque launches its EV future in an unconventional way
As the automotive industry continues to race towards an electrified future, renowned British automaker Jaguar announced a bold claim: it would go fully electric by 2025, carrying over none of its current legacy products. To kick things off in our Jaguar I-Pace review, it debuted a dedicated electric vehicle built from scratch. Unveiled in 2018, the I-Pace signified Jaguar’s new commitment to electric mobility with an…unusual look. For a brand known as one of the sexiest marques on Earth, a compact SUV that came off more like a lifted sedan was a hard pill to swallow for fans. Nevertheless, it still had some signature Jag design cues and definitely had a uniqueness factor going for it.
Jaguar I-PACE: EVU Hot Take
Pros:
- Unique and striking design that is still Jag with focus on aerodynamics
- They aren’t everywhere like Tesla Model 3s
- Agile handling thanks to a low center of gravity, essential to the Jaguar driving experience
Cons:
- Premium price for a slightly awkward package and uncompetitive stats
- Charging outside of Tesla networks mean long wait times and unreliability
- Competition of 2023 wipes the floor with the I-Pace in many ways
Jaguar I-PACE Review: Exterior Design and Packaging
The Jaguar I-Pace is a head-turner, but we fear some may call it that without positive meaning attached. Its aerodynamic profile and sculpted body create a striking presence on the road, while still maintaining the signature Jaguar design language. The front end has a slight underbite effect, but a 2022 minor facelift corrected the proportions a bit with larger headlights. It’s not that the I-Pace is bad looking, but when compared to its own brand’s other vehicles like the most recent XJ and XK, it becomes a tough proposition to swallow. It has enough saving graces to be more appealing than some other EV non-SUVs.
Jaguar I-PACE: Interior, Features and Tech
Despite a different exterior, the interior is befitting of the Jaguar badge. The high-quality materials, including premium leather and brushed aluminum accents, create an upscale atmosphere. The minimalist design focuses on functionality, with intuitive controls and a driver-centric layout. The centerpiece of the interior is the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which consists of dual screens that provide access to a plethora of features and settings. Advanced driver assistance systems and safety tech are here, much like any other JLR product.
Jaguar I-PACE: Driving Experience
Climbing into the Jaguar I-Pace immediately offers a sense of exhilaration, a promise of a unique driving experience. Pressing down the accelerator, you can feel the car’s instantaneous response, a testament to its dual electric motors that together output 394 horsepower. Power surges to all four wheels, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride regardless of the terrain or conditions.
As the speedometer needle sweeps towards 60 MPH – a mark it hits in a swift 4.5 seconds – the I-Pace truly comes into its own. While this speed may be surpassed by other EVs in the market, the experience is undeniably Jaguar. The handling remains sharp and precise, making tight corners a thrill rather than a challenge. The power is also impressively quiet, allowing for a peaceful cabin environment, a stark contrast to the rush you feel gripping the wheel.
However, it’s not just about speed. The I-Pace’s driving dynamics exhibit a fine balance between performance and luxury. The vehicle’s weight is low, thanks to the underfloor battery, giving it a grounded feel and enhancing its agility on the road. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or cruising on the highway, the I-Pace delivers a confident, engaging ride that makes you forget you’re driving an electric vehicle.
But it’s important to note that while the I-Pace offers a distinctive and enjoyable ride, there are other EVs currently in its price bracket that edge it out slightly on pure performance metrics. Regardless, driving the I-Pace feels special, truly embodying Jaguar’s legacy of combining style and performance.
Jaguar I-PACE Review: Electric Range and Charging
Equipped with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Jaguar I-Pace achieves an EPA-estimated range of up to 246 miles on a full charge. While it’s not top of the pack, it’s more than most people need in a day and it’s far from the bottom of the pack (read: Lexus’ otherwise nice RZ being hampered by an abysmal 190 mile range). Additionally, the I-Pace supports fast charging, enabling up to an 80% charge in approximately 40 minutes using a DC fast charger. Jaguar has partnered with various charging networks to provide convenient access to an expanding infrastructure of public charging stations, but as many EV drivers know, these are inconsistent and unreliable often.
Jaguar I-PACE: Pricing
The Jaguar I-Pace comes with a premium price tag. The sole trim offering for 2024 is HSE, and it stickers for $72,000 or so before any options. It isn’t the most expensive EV SUV, but a huge proliferation in competition since its 2018 introduction has rendered it quite expensive against its competitive set. For luxury EV buyers with deep pockets, the BMW iX and other European competition is just $10,000 away, and much larger products like the Rivian R1S can theoretically be had for just $6,000 more in base form. The I-Pace is appealing in a vacuum, but when you lay out its pricing against other options, it becomes a head scratcher. You have to really want Jaguar look and feel.
Final Thoughts
In our review, the Jaguar I-Pace is an achievement for the British automaker, no question. Successfully combining electrification and performance that has long been synonymous with the Jaguar brand is no small feat, and by many accounts, they did pull it off. The issue is that an avalanche of competition arrived soon after its debut, and that’s rendered the I-Pace awkwardly designed, outflanked on specs, and not competitive on price. As a first effort, it’s a huge step – and we have no doubt Jaguar’s upcoming GT four door EV will be stunningly beautiful like its other current products. But it begs the question – why not have built an electric version of the gorgeous (and wildly successful) F-Pace SUV as a transitionary product? These will likely have collectible value in the future, but don’t make a ton of sense now.
Images are Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover Limited
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