With 400 HP, the I-Pace is the first electric vehicle from British automaker Jaguar. It accelerates from 0 to 60 m/h in just 4 seconds, with the benefit of having a surprising range of over 220 miles thanks to its modern high-speed battery, capable of recharging 80% in only 90 minutes.
Jaguar’s first electric car, I-Pace.
The automotive industry is undergoing a definitive change that encourages the use of new technologies that come with sustainable engines. Among the high-end manufacturers, Tesla has defined the guidelines within the industry. Traditional automakers have followed suit: Audi has its Q6 e-Tron, and Mercedes Benz, the EQC. In anticipation of the hybrid and electric engines that will soon dominate the market, Jaguar couldn’t resist the new trend and introduced its first electric model.
The emblematic British automaker waited for electric motorizations technology to allow for longer range and competitive performance. The challenge was to design an SUV that respects the brand’s sporty tradition while maintaining the level of luxury and comfort to which we have grown accustomed.
The absence of a traditional engine on the front allows for a short hood, featuring a dramatic air intake and a classic Jaguar grille, with its piano black rhombuses and angular LED lights, giving it a feline and aggressive look.
The front windshield has a steep incline that extends into a rounded roofline. In combination with the optimized rear end, the result is an excellent aerodynamic coefficient of 0.29. The sides of the model have muscular fenders that accentuate its sporty identity. The gigantic 23-inch wheels and a slim waistline links it to the brand’s most radical coupes.
The interior of the vehicle is astoundingly roomy. By having two separate electric motors, one in each traction train, the designers were able to move the passenger compartment forward, extending the wheelbase and providing plenty of interior space by eliminating the transmission tunnel. The dimensions are so generous that even the trunk of the vehicle offers 140 gallons of capacity, much larger than competitors’ averages.
Luxury interiors of the ecological car of Jaguar.
The interior’s futuristic design was achieved by combining cutting-edge technology with high-end materials. The instruments and the central console are made of high definition screens. Luxury materials, such as satin aluminum, wood, micro-perforated metal wheels for the air conditioner, and natural textiles for the floor are a testament to Jaguar’s elevated standards. The seats are true designer pieces, and the wraparound sunroof is decorated with a rhombic pattern made of carbon. The modern and classic elegance highlight a well thought-out, exquisite interior.
Its low driving position reinforces the Jaguar identity, and along with the same suspension and direction scheme of the F-Pace model, they provide the driver with a superb connection to the road.
The two electric motors add almost 400 hp and 516 lb/ft of torque, available continuously, and allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. The batteries, cooled by liquid and high-speed charge, are located under the floor of the cabin and were developed by Jaguar for its Formula E team.
Jaguar has given us one more reason to celebrate with this high-end alternative in the emerging luxury electric SUV niche. ■
