Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar I-Pace
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Name	Jaguar I-Pace
Manufacturer	Jaguar Land Rover
Production	2018–present
Assembly	Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr)
Class	Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
Battery	90 kWh liquid-cooled lithium ion
Range	470 km (292 mi) (WLTP)

Jaguar I-Pace is a battery-electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Jaguar Land Rover under their Jaguar brand. Unveiled in March 2018, it represented the first dedicated electric vehicle from the historic British marque. The I-Pace has been noted for its distinctive cab-forward design, high performance, and its role in establishing Jaguar as a serious competitor in the premium electric vehicle market.

Overview

The Jaguar I-Pace is positioned as a direct competitor to vehicles like the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron. Its design, led by Ian Callum, departs from traditional Jaguar styling with a low-slung, aerodynamic profile that maximizes interior space. The vehicle's architecture places the large lithium-ion battery pack low in the chassis between the axles, contributing to a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. This layout is central to its dynamic handling characteristics, which have been praised for blending the agility of a sports sedan with the practicality of an SUV.

Specifications

The I-Pace features a 90 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack supplied by LG Chem. It utilizes two permanent magnet synchronous motors, one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive and a combined output of 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque. This enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds. The vehicle supports DC fast charging at rates up to 100 kW, allowing a charge from 0 to 80% in around 40 minutes. Its aerodynamic efficiency is aided by features like an active air suspension and deployable flaps in the grille.

Development and launch

The I-Pace concept was first revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing Jaguar's intent to enter the electric vehicle segment. The production model was officially unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, with Jaguar Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth presenting the vehicle. Development involved extensive testing in extreme climates, from the frozen landscapes of Arjeplog, Sweden to the heat of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Manufacturing was contracted to Magna Steyr at their facility in Graz, Austria, marking the first time a Jaguar model was fully built by a third-party contractor.

Reception and awards

Upon its release, the I-Pace received widespread critical acclaim. It was awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year title in 2019, the first electric vehicle to win the award. It also won the World Car of the Year, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year awards in the same year. Automotive journalists from publications like Top Gear and Autocar praised its refinement, performance, and handling. The vehicle's design also earned accolades, including the German Design Award.

Motorsport

A racing variant, the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, was developed as a single-make support series for the FIA Formula E Championship. The series was announced in 2017 and commenced in 2018, running at select Formula E events including races in Saudi Arabia, Mexico City, and New York City. The race car, developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, featured modified aerodynamics, a stripped interior, and a roll cage, but retained the production model's powertrain and battery. The series aimed to promote electric vehicle technology and was contested by professional and pro-am drivers.

Sales and production

Sales of the I-Pace began in the second half of 2018, with key markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany. While specific sales figures are often consolidated within Jaguar Land Rover's broader reporting, the I-Pace has contributed significantly to the company's electrification strategy. Production at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz has continued alongside other vehicles manufactured there, such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The model received a significant update for the 2021 model year, featuring a revised infotainment system with Pivi Pro software and improved charging capabilities.

Category:Electric vehicles Category:Jaguar vehicles Category:Crossover SUVs