The most unique part of the Jaguar I-PACE is its drivetrain. Electric motors come in a wider range of shapes and sizes than a traditional gasoline engine, and Jaguar has found that the most efficient way of packaging their new vehicle involved having an electric motor for each axle. Jaguar claims a combined output of 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque; the latter number available seemingly whenever and at any rev range. Acceleration is incredibly fast with 0-60 coming in just 4.5 seconds. There is no sensation of switching gears since there is no transmission in the traditional sense. The center of gravity is low due to much of the weight of the vehicle coming from the batteries, while weight is balanced evenly front to aft.
For its first year in production, the I-PACE will be released with four trim levels: S, SE, HSE and the loaded First Edition.
The standard I-PACE is loaded with technology and the list of standard features is extremely long. The I-PACE comes standard with a panoramic roof, LED taillights, automatic headlights, heated doors and mirrors, rain sensing wipers, an auto dimming rearview mirror, LED reading lights, two-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, six USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 380W Meridian Sound System with 11 speakers, an emergency braking system, a lane keep assist system, a rear camera, keyless entry, a garage door opener and much more.
The SE ditches the 18-inch wheels in favor of a 20-inch design, while the LED headlights get swapped for nicer versions, which include LED daytime running lights. The SE also gets a powered rear lift gate, auto dimming heated door mirrors, leather seating surfaces with a memory function and a few more electronic safety goodies.
The HSE has an even nicer 20-inch wheel design, a powered tailgate that responds to gesture commands, Windsor leather seating surfaces with additional adjustments, an 825W sound system with 15 speakers and a Driver Assist Pack, which includes adaptive cruise control and a 360 degree camera among other things.
The First Edition includes virtually everything that's available on the car, including a heated windshield, front fog lights, headlight washers, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, even more leather on the interior and a heads-up display system.
The Jaguar I-PACE is a brand new vehicle from Jaguar. It's an all-electric, high performance SUV that should be able to transport people in style without burning a drop of gasoline. The I-PACE has exceptionally good looks, comfortable seating for five people and all-wheel drive. Unlike virtually every electric vehicle other than a Tesla, the I-PACE features a usable range. For the most part, this means that in excess of 200 miles, owners should be able to use it for a long commute with room for the occasional impromptu errand after work.
The Jaguar I-PACE is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model X. However, the I-PACE is fast and practical enough that it should really be considered a threat to high performance SUVs such as the Porsche Macan or the BMW X4. The I-PACE has a base price of below $70,000, but U.S. buyers may qualify for tax incentives to lower the price of the vehicle. Cost of ownership should also be lower than most vehicles out there considering buyers will never be asked to put a drop of gasoline in their vehicles. Now, of course, that has to be balanced with electric cars needing considerably longer time to "refuel", but Jaguar claims that the I-PACE can make it to 80% full with just 40 minutes of charging.
