Jaguar i-PACE electric Crossover Concept revealed
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The Jaguar i-PACE electric Crossover has arrived in concept form at the Los Angeles Motor Show, with innovative design, 395bhp and 300 mile range.
With a design which manages to look Jaguar – even though it’s got proportions, thanks to there being no need to accommodate a great big IEC lump at the front, which are decidedly unconventional – the i-PACE is a bold statement of intent from Jaguar (is it just us, or is the first thing that jumps in to your mind when you see the i-PACE the Jaguar C-X75 Supercar Concept?) as it rushes to catch up with other premium makers on the EV front.
Jaguar say the production version of the i-PACE will be revealed in late 2017, and in showrooms in 2018, and will differ little either in design or form from this concept. So there’s no ‘Vapourware’ in the technical side hoping for a technology breakthrough on the horizon to deliver on its promise.
That promise is certainly impressive, for the i-PACE comes packaged as an SUV / Crossover which is a bit smaller than the F-PACE and built on a new EV platform which actually offers 115mm more in the wheelbase, so there’s oodles of room in the back.
Inside, despite the unusual exterior with its long cab-forward, short overhangs design, is more conventional, although there are a trio of HD display screens – two 12″ and a 5.5″ plus a few others – in what Jaguar call a ‘Flightdeck’ approach, and there’s lovely leather and appropriate unvarnished walnut.
All of which sets the i-PACE apart from an ICE car, but without shouting ‘Look at me I’m green’. But what matters even more than the design is what’s under the skin.
Despite sitting on a new aluminium platform and an electric drivetrain, the i-PACE borrows from the F-PACE with its double wishbones/integral link suspension, and despite its weight it manages to park the centre of gravity down low for the promise of proper Jaguar dynamics.
Power comes from a 90kWh battery pack between the axles driving a pair of electric motors – one on each axle – with a total of 395bhp and 516lb/ft of torque, enough for a 0-60mph of just 4.0 seconds. Jaguar say you’ll be able to charge the batteries to 80 per cent in 90 minutes (from a 50kW DC charging point).
The Jaguar i-PACE looks hugely promising, and it’s just the start of electrification for Jaguar Land Rover.
wolfie says
I think it looks terrific. It has been designed to look like a car should look unlike so many of the hybrid/electric cars (That Prius is just horrible). The range is getting better, but it still isn’t far enough to tempt me to buy electric.
mark geller says
Let’s face it. Most buyers for this, in the world, are in Los Angeles and other larger cities where the second home is within 150-200 miles. For instance, Los Angeleos are good in this to the Desert (Palm Springs to Indio) or the local mountains, but Vegas, at 5 hours, is going to be a stretch at 90 minutes for the charge. It’s probably irrelevant because I don’t think too many people take their 100K electric cars on road trips of any length beyond 2 or 3 hours, so that covers it with the 200. All good.
I would rather drive a Jag any day then a Tesla. Oh, and Audi, Mercedes and BMW are also going to quickly capture back “luxury” Tesla buyers when they have a decent competitor to Tesla in an all- electric. They are all waking up now as the batteries get better, lighter and less expensive.
Take note Ford. Chevy Bolt is going to be the test for the 30-35 K set to see if the market really exists beyond the measly 30,000 a year they are predicting. Bring something like the Tesla 3 or Jag shape (mini-Fusion CUV anyone?) and that kind of Ford will be able to give the Tesla 3 a run.
mark geller says
agreed on the charging. Car is fantastic though. My beef with the electric cars, Tesla included, is that they are luxury car priced, but not properly luxurious inside. I’d rather have an XJ, with 50 miles plug-in capability, which is fine daily for me. At least I would feel like i got a proper luxurious saloon.
Bona Madjam says
The short nose and long cabin design will take getting used to, but it looks Jaguar. If the range is in the real world at about 200 miles that’s good but how long will it take to charge at home? Also, 90 minutes on a 50kw charger (if you can find one) is too long for long journeys. Tesla’s supercharger is more than twice as fast. But still a good effort.