Car review – Jaguar I-Pace
First-born
When it entered the market in 2018, the I-Pace was the first electric car from a European premium carmaker. It has since received some technical upgrades.
The importance of range
With its 90-kWh lithium-ion battery, the I-Pace has a larger capacity than the Mercedes EQC (80kWh) and slightly less than the Audi e-tron 55 quattro which has 95kWh. Thanks to an electronic update to the operating software in mid-2020, it now takes you a theoretical 8% further than before. However, the WLTP range remained unchanged at 470 kilometres. In real life, you can expect about 350 kilometres.
If necessary, the I-Pace can be charged at a fast charger, topping up the battery from 10% to 80% in 45 minutes at a maximum of 100kW. Since the update, every I-Pace has an 11-kW on-board charger as standard, allowing people with three-phase electricity at home to charge significantly faster. A range of 53km per hour is possible on an 11-kW wallbox and an empty battery can be fully charged in 8.6 hours.
Cab Forward
Some love the look of the I-Pace and some hate it, but it is certainly original. The so-called Cab Forward design, which moves the passenger cabin quite far forward and puts the wheels in the far corners of the platform, gives you plenty of space inside. The boot is also generous, boasting 656 litres.
The seats are very good and afford and visibility to the front and to the sides is good, but the small rear window limits rearward view. Fortunately, the back-up camera brings solace. The dashboard is modern and stylish and the beautiful sports steering wheel feels great to the touch.
Silence on board is remarkable with the only really audible sound that of the tyres. The finish is at a premium level and the equipment is complete.
Performance
Its performance is remarkable, which should not come as a surprise when you know that the I-Pace has an electric motor on both axles that deliver 200hp each. The maximum torque of 696Nm is also available immediately. Aided by the four-wheel drive and the aerodynamics, the I-Pace sprints from 0 to 100km/h in a just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 200km/h. In our hands, it consumed 26.6kWh/100km, which is acceptable for a 2,133-kg car.
Handling
Handling is very reassuring and neutral thanks to the four-wheel drive and the perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The I-Pace does not sag in the corners, but the high weight is noticeable and puts the tyres to the test when cornering hard. The traction and grip are of course excellent thanks to the four-wheel drive. Although its acceleration figures suggest otherwise, the I-Pace is no sports car. Those who adopt a relaxed demeanour will be rewarded with tonnes of driving fun.
