New Jaguar I-Pace – An Electric SUV That Looks Good

Tesla proved that electric cars could be attractive with the Model S sedan, but dropped the ball with Model X SUV. Well, Jaguar has picked up that ball with the I-Pace, an electric SUV that actually looks good from just about every angle.

As Jaguar’s first ever electric vehicle, the I-Pace has the performance chops to match the style. It offers an open cabin, a lot of horsepower and more than 220 miles of all-electric range on a single charge. Here are the high points:

• The i-Pace looks nearly identical to the concept that previewed it, featuring a slick, cab forward and coupe-like design that will definitely turn heads. The Model X looks like an oversized egg by comparison.
• The interior is just as attractive as the exterior. It has a high-tech, futuristic vibe and is highlighted by Jaguar’s new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which combines touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls. A standard glass panoramic roof absorbs infrared light to make the cabin feel airier and cooler. The side windows can also absorb infrared light and eliminate the need for a blind.
• Despite the I-PACE’s mid-size dimensions, its passenger room is said to be comparable to a large SUV, thanks in large part to the lack on an engine allowing designers to position the front seats much farther forward than normal.
• Power is provided by a 90kWh battery, twin electric-motor drivetrain that pumps out 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, allowing the i-Pace to reach 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. That’s faster that not only every version of the Model X excep the performance-focused Model X P100D, but also many of the world’s most respected sports cars.
• The electric Jag is said to also ride and handle great, thanks to having the highest a torsional rigidity of any Jaguar model ((36 kNm/degree), an optional air suspension and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
• There is a maximum driving range of 240 miles (386 km), and the battery can be charged up to 80% from empty to in 40 minutes on a 100kW fast charger or in 10 hours when using 240-volt system.
• Drivers are able to preserve energy with one-pedal driving and a navigation system that has been optimized to choose efficiency-maximizing routes.

The i-Pace is Jaguar’s foray into the electric car segment, and the company clearly didn’t hold back. Do you like how it turned out, and do you want one?