Jaguar I-Pace 2019 REVIEW

The Jaguar I-Pace is the electric vehicle drivers have been waiting for. Clean, smart and safe, the I-Pace delivers sustainable sports car performance, next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) technology and five-seat SUV practicality to place Jaguar at the forefront of the EV revolution.

ELECTRIC

With a state-of-the-art 90kWh Lithium-ion battery using 432 pouch cells, the I-Pace delivers a range of 480km (WLTP cycle). Owners will be able to achieve a 0-80 per cent battery charge in just 40 minutes using DC rapid charging (100kW). Home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge in just over ten hours - ideal for overnight charging.

A suite of smart range-optimising technologies includes a battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the Jaguar I-Pace will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery to maximise range ahead of driving away.

PERFORMANCE

Two Jaguar-designed electric motors - which feature driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compactness - are placed at each axle, producing exceptional combined performance of 400PS and 696Nm, and all-wheel-drive, all-surface traction.

The high torque density and high-energy efficiency characteristics of the motors deliver sports car performance, launching the I-Pace from a standing start to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The instantaneous performance is matched with exceptional ride comfort and engaging driving dynamics.

The bespoke EV aluminium architecture uses advanced riveting and bonding technology to deliver a light, stiff body structure. Together with the structural battery pack, it has a torsional rigidity of 36kNm/degree - the highest of any Jaguar.

The battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible with a seal between the housing and the underfloor. This location enables perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity: together with the advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear axle with (optional) air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics, this delivers agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.

DESIGN

There will be nothing else on the road that looks or drives like the Jaguar I-Pace. It is designed and engineered to take full advantage of its smart electric powertrain and maximise the potential of the packaging benefits it brings.

Its sleek, coupe-like silhouette is influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar with a short, low bonnet, aero-enhanced roof design and curved rear screen. This cab-forward design contrasts with its squared-off rear, which helps reduce the drag co-efficient to just 0.29Cd. To optimise the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, Active Vanes in the grille open when cooling is required, but close when not needed to redirect air through the integral bonnet scoop, smoothing airflow.

Inside, the layout optimises space for passengers while sophisticated materials - including the option of a premium textile Kvadrat interior - and exquisite attention to detail identify this as a true Jaguar.

While a mid-sized SUV, Jaguar I-Pace's cab forward design and EV powertrain means interior space comparable to large SUVs. In the rear, legroom is 890mm while, with no transmission tunnel, there's a useful 10.5-litre central storage compartment. In the rear, tablet and laptop stowage is found beneath the seats, while the rear luggage compartment offers a 656-litre capacity - and 1,453-litres with seats folded flat.

CONNECTED-CAR TECHNOLOGY

I-Pace introduces the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system to Jaguar. Utilising an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls, Touch Pro Duo is intuitive to use.

A new EV navigation system assesses the topography of the route to destination and insights from previous journeys, including driving style, to calculate personalised range and charging status with exceptional accuracy for maximum driver confidence.

The advanced system uses 'Smart Settings' technology - driven by AI algorithms - to identify individual driver preferences, and then tailors the I-Pace's driving and interior settings accordingly.

Jaguar I-Pace will also launch an Amazon Alexa Skill. This means owners will be able to ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app. For example: Is my car locked? What is the charging level? Do I have enough range to get to work?

To ensure owners always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery energy control software, I-Pace will be the first Jaguar to provide software over-the-air - providing seamless updates.

OWNERSHIP

With competitive whole-life costs and residual values, the I-Pace will be a popular choice for private customers, professionals and companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and fleet costs.

The Jaguar I-Pace will be available from 1 March 2018, in S, SE and HSE derivatives alongside a First Edition, all inspired by the design of the original concept.

As a responsible business Jaguar Land Rover is committed to delivering a cleaner future and has plans to prolong the life of its batteries from its electric vehicle with new recycling partnerships and second life energy storage trials.

EXTERIOR

By putting the extraordinary I-Pace Concept into production virtually unchanged, the Jaguar I-Pace will transform electric vehicle (EV) design. Its dynamic looks and dramatic lines combine a long wheelbase of 2,990mm with an overall length of 4,682mm, giving the vehicle a similar footprint to the Jaguar F-PACE, with the interior space of a much larger vehicle.

The dramatic lines and bold proportions are a direct result of the advanced electric drivetrain and architecture that underpin the Jaguar I-Pace. The cab-forward profile is a natural progression of Jaguar's design language, retaining key characteristics including the grille and distinctive sweep of the daylight opening.

With its exciting proportions and sleek coupé-like silhouette, the I-Pace takes inspiration from the Jaguar C-X75 supercar - including its sweeping front fenders, dramatic curves, muscular haunches and striking waistline, as well as imposing 22-inch wheels.

Allied to aerodynamic features including a low bonnet, sweeping roofline and squared-off rear, the I-Pace has a drag coefficient of just 0.29. The grille has evolved into a bold aerodynamic feature, channelling airflow through the integral bonnet scoop and over the windscreen onto a coupé-style roofline to reduce drag. Airflow for battery cooling and the climate control system passes through Active Vanes in apertures in the front bumper, which open when required, and the grille.

Flush door handles preserve the clean lines and contribute to the superb aerodynamics, emerging from the body at the push of a button on the key fob, or when touched. This attention to detail is heightened on models equipped with optional air suspension, which improves efficiency and optimises range by lowering the vehicle by 10mm at speeds above 65mph (105km/h) to reduce drag.

Jaguar Land Rover's new Matrix LED lighting technology emphasises the clean lines of Jaguar I-Pace, resulting in compact headlights that incorporate Jaguar's trademark double-J graphic with sweeping indicators.

INTERIOR

The attention to detail, state-of-the-art functionality and advanced Touch Pro Duo 'flight deck' infotainment combine with the distinctive floating centre console to set an interior design standard for others to follow. Vibrant HD displays, touchscreens and capacitive switches complement multi-function, haptic rotary controllers for an engaging, intuitive experience.

The generous interior offers 890mm of rear legroom and includes ingenious stowage areas. With no transmission tunnel in the centre of the car, there is room for a 10.5-litre compartment in the centre console for phones, keys and other small items. Trays under the rear seats also provide perfect storage for tablets and laptops. The rear luggage compartment capacity of 656 litres is also larger than most medium-sized SUVs, increasing to 1,453 litres with the seats folded flat.

Despite the dramatic sloping roofline there is plenty of rear headroom (968mm) because of the low-slung seating position, which provides a sportier, more enjoyable driving position without compromising posture or space.

The optional, full-size panoramic roof floods the cabin with light and gives the interior an even greater sense of space. Both the glass roof and windows absorb infrared light, keeping the cabin cool and removing the need for blinds.

Customers can choose seats upholstered in either fine-grain Windsor leather or a sustainable, premium textile alternative developed with Danish textile experts Kvadrat - a high quality material that combines a durable wool-blend with recycled technical suede cloth.

Materials are carefully chosen to provide a blend of natural finishes and high-tech surfaces, including deep piano black, satin wood grain and precision-machined aluminium. The contemporary colour palette emphasises the sense of space and lightness inside, while the option of slimline performance seats further enhances the sports car feel of the I-Pace interior.

ELECTRIC LIFE

The new all-electric Jaguar I-Pace makes electric vehicle (EV) ownership more exciting, accessible and practical than ever thanks to its unique design and advances in both battery technology and public charging networks. They combine to make the world's most desirable EV easy to live with, efficient and engaging to drive.

With a state-of-the-art 90kWh Lithium-ion battery comprising 432 pouch cells, chosen for their high energy density and superior thermal management, the Jaguar I-Pace delivers a range of 480km (WLTP cycle).

Owners will be able to achieve a 0-80 per cent battery charge from empty in just 40 minutes using DC rapid charging (100kW), or top up an additional 100km in as little as 15 minutes. Alternatively, home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will take the I-Pace from empty to 80 per cent in just over ten hours, making it ideal for overnight charging.

A suite of smart range-optimising features and smartphone apps will give I-Pace drivers complete peace of mind, whether monitoring vehicle charging from home or confirming available range mid-journey. For example, owners can automatically pre-condition the battery temperature to maximise range, and heat or cool the cabin before starting a journey. Using mains power to warm or cool the car when it's plugged in means the range is unaffected.

ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE

A combination of all-wheel drive, 400PS and 696Nm of torque ensures the zero-emission Jaguar I-Pace delivers electric performance in every sense. The instantaneous torque delivery inherent in an EV gives Jaguar's new performance SUV impressive acceleration from a standing start, sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds (0-60mph in 4.5 seconds).

The two Jaguar-designed synchronous permanent magnet electric motors drive the front and rear axles. Each motor fits concentrically around a compact, single-speed epicyclic transmission and differential, enabling instant and precise distribution of torque to all four wheels as the I-Pace continuously adapts its front-rear balance to suit road conditions.

Conceived as a high-performance EV from the outset, the I-Pace delivers engaging driving dynamics, everyday usability and comfort, with a unique balance of ride, refinement and control. Jaguar has placed the battery as low as possible between the axles, providing 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity, optimising composure and reducing body roll. These inherent advantages are allied to a light, stiff aluminium EV architecture which delivers torsional rigidity of 36kNm/degree - the highest of any Jaguar.

Advanced double wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension deliver both incredible ride comfort and the lateral stiffness needed during dynamic driving, ensuring excellent handling, grip and steering responses. The compact and lightweight suspension design features aluminium suspension links and knuckles to reduce weight, while maximising interior space.

Optional air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics and continuous variable damping also give the I-Pace true sporting agility and balance. The self-levelling set-up maintains the optimum suspension geometry even when the vehicle is fully loaded. As a result, occupants enjoy supreme comfort at all times and the suspension provides a combination of bump absorption and body control that feels calm and natural in all conditions.

Jaguar engineers have replaced a conventional brake vacuum servo with an electric brake booster on the Jaguar I-Pace. This gives the brake system more flexibility when blending regenerative and traditional mechanical braking, providing consistent and precise pedal feel in all circumstances.

The I-Pace also enables the driver to select either high or low levels of regenerative braking to maximise efficiency and optimise vehicle range. When high regenerative mode is selected it effectively allows the driver to experience intuitive single-pedal driving as the car decelerates when lifting off the accelerator, reducing reliance on the brake pedal when slowing down. A maximum regenerative braking force of 0.4G is achievable.

In heavy traffic, the driver can turn off the vehicle's creep to improve comfort. The driver can then slow the vehicle just by easing off the accelerator pedal with no need to use the brakes to hold the car stationary, even on an incline.

As a responsible business, Jaguar is committed to delivering a cleaner future and plans to prolong the life of I-Pace batteries with new recycling partnerships and second-life energy storage trials.

PROVEN IN ALL CONDITIONS

Jaguar has engineered the I-Pace to perform in hot and cold climates, operating at temperatures as low as -40°C: 10°C lower than conventional EVs. The low resistance of the pouch cells, the battery pack's insulation and an advanced thermal management system work in harmony to ensure the Jaguar I-Pace delivers in all conditions.

In moderate temperatures, the battery uses a cooler to maximise energy efficiency. A refrigeration unit linked to the vehicle's main air conditioning system activates only at higher temperatures to control cell temperatures and maximise the available power.

In cold conditions, a heat pump helps to maintain optimum operating conditions for the cells and the interior. This is far more efficient than conventional heaters because it uses energy from outside and heat scavenged from the inverters and power electronics to heat the cabin, rather than relying solely on energy from the battery, and can increase range by almost 50km - even in freezing winter conditions.

TECHNOLOGY

The new all-electric I-Pace is a technological 'tour de force' and the first Jaguar to incorporate the intuitive Touch Pro Duo, 'Flight Deck', infotainment system, which uses an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls to operate key functions.

This new human-machine interface (HMI) design features two touchscreens on the centre console, designed to minimise driver distraction by separating information and interactive controls logically. Rotary controllers provide an essential physical connection between car and driver.

Jaguar's full-colour head-up display projects key information such as vehicle speed and navigation instructions onto the windscreen to enable the driver to keep their eyes on the road. This advanced technology is supported by a 12-inch Interactive Driver Display behind the steering wheel, providing enhanced clarity and flexibility.

Jaguar's new EV Navigation factors in the topography of planned routes with insights from previous journeys and individual driving styles to calculate the available range with exceptional accuracy, for maximum driver confidence.

The advanced navigation system can sync with a multi-mode smartphone travel app, making it easy for customers to plan journeys that include driving, walking and public transport. This is supported by Arrival Mode, which can suggest the nearest available parking space in networked car parks or direct the driver to the closest charging point at the end of a journey.

In addition to its state-of-the-art electric vehicle powertrain, the I-Pace uses Smart Settings technology to learn from the driver, anticipate their needs and help them focus on enjoying the journey.

By using the key fob and smartphone Bluetooth signal to recognise an approaching driver, the Jaguar I-Pace will learn their preferences and ensure their usual climate control, infotainment and seat settings are ready every time they get behind the wheel.

Over time, algorithms will offer driver-tailored choices based on the time, location, weather and behaviour patterns - for example, it could pre-heat the steering wheel and seats for a particular journey.

Intelligent Phone Reminder will also tell the driver if they leave their smartphone behind, while the Predictive Call List learns patterns of phone use to cue up popular contacts at the appropriate time.

I-Pace also launches with an Amazon Alexa Skill. This means owners will be able to ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app. For example: Is my car locked? What is the charging level? Do I have enough range to get to work?

InControl Remote also allows owners to pre-condition the battery and cabin temperature before a journey. Using mains power to warm or cool the car when it's plugged in means range is unaffected. Owners can also set home charging times to match the best electricity tariffs.

This is also the first Jaguar able to receive Software Updates wirelessly. This ensures the Jaguar I-Pace continuously improves after customers have taken delivery, by providing drivers with updates to their infotainment system, telematics unit and battery charging capability, reducing the need to visit Jaguar dealers.

Customers can also use their favourite apps with Jaguar Land Rover's InControl Apps service, while there is 4G Wi-Fi and USB charging points for all five occupants.