New Jaguar I-PACE ‘Black Edition’ fully-electric Luxury SUV is put through its paces.
Jaguar I-PACE Black Edition offers an Electrifying Drive.
Tasked with creating the best electric vehicle on the planet, Jaguar aimed ambitiously high with its new I-PACE mid-size fully-electric luxury SUV, and that is exactly what has been done. By embracing the lessons learnt from their electric racing series, Jaguar’s first all-electric performance SUV is able to take you from 0-100km/h in 4.8-seconds, and it does so in near-silence, with zero tailpipe emissions. Jaguar’s vision of a more sustainable, smarter driving experience is brought to life in the new I-PACE, and it cleverly embraces the dynamism and design for which Jaguar are renowned.
All-Wheel Drive.
The Jaguar’s chassis cradles a large, flat 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack beneath the floor, and this can store enough energy for a driving range of up to 470kms. There is an electric motor for each axle, resulting in the I-PACE benefitting from all-wheel drive capability for incredible drivability on all road surfaces. The electric motors are identical, so each contributes equally to the SUV’s combined 400PS (396bhp) and 696Nm of torque.
Award-Winning Design.
The distinctive front grille on the I-PACE curves inwards, reducing drag by channelling air through the bonnet scoop and out again, where it passes over the curved roofline for maximum efficiency. Deployable flush door handles ensure the airflow moves smoothly around the entire exterior, while the swept-back and sleek headlight design emphasises the clean lines of the I-PACE, highlighting the futuristic design language. In fact, the I-PACE has achieved global recognition and won multiple awards for its outstanding design. The interior design of the I-PACE reimagines the classic Jaguar balance of sports car focus and innovative architecture, resulting in the combination of luxury craftsmanship with generous amounts of interior space and storage. The cab-forward design means the front seats are placed further forward . This creates more space between the front and rear seats, giving rear seat passengers ample legroom. The absence of a conventional gearbox means there is storage within the ‘floating’ centre console, with this space ideally suited to the placement of mobile phones, house keys, and other small items. The instrument panel in the I-PACE is classy and it adds great character to the spacious and elegant cabin, while an impressive 505-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats can easily swallow enough suitcases for the whole family.
Trim Variants & Charging.
The new Jaguar I-PACE is available in a choice of four trim variants – S, SE, and HSE, along with a special edition I-PACE Black – all of which can be charged using a professionally installed home charger, a domestic socket, and at public charging locations throughout Ireland. A full charge (0-100%) from a 11kW home charger can be completed in around 9 hours, with a 7kW home charger providing the same service in just under 13 hours. Rapid 50kW DC charging at a public charger will provide approximately 63km of range in 15 minutes, with a 100kW public charger increasing the range to around 127km in the same time frame.
Car on Review.
My review car was a Jaguar I-PACE Black Edition, which looked stunning in its Portofino Blue metallic paint. The I-PACE Black Edition enhances an already visually appealing exterior with gloss black details, 20” gloss black alloy wheels, and a panoramic roof as standard. Other key features include rear privacy glass, Premium LED headlights with signature DRL (Daytime Running Lights), Duo Leather sports seats, 12-way electric driver memory front seats, 40:20:40 folding rear seats with centre armrest, Pivi Pro 10” touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, Jaguar remote app, rear camera, cruise control with speed limiter, driver condition monitor, and lane keep assist. Although the I-PACE tips the scales at close to 2,200kg, its performance on the road is on the wild side of exciting to say the least, with no lag and no gearshift interruptions to spoil the excitement. Initial acceleration from a standing start is nothing short of amazing, and you can certainly feel the immediate benefit of the mighty 696Nm of torque on offer. This results in a distinctively smooth and responsive driving experience at all speeds. The I-PACE steers and handles with great grace and precision, while its ride comfort is superb, and the noise levels within the cabin are impressively low.
Summary & Pricing.
The award-winning, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV is spacious, beautifully detailed, and is enhanced by technology that is seamlessly integrated. Thanks to the combination of amazing acceleration, excellent handling, adjustable drivetrain characteristics, a sumptuous cabin, and outright practicality, the Jaguar I-PACE is a very compelling fully-electric luxury SUV in every respect. Pricing starts at €80,380 (ex-delivery). Visit www.jaguar.ie for further information.
Text & images by DG/Motoring Matters.
