Jaguar is credited with being the first legacy carmaker to introduce a luxury electric vehicle here, back in 2019, and was rewarded for its efforts with more than 90 global awards for the I-PACE, including the 2020 South African Car of the Year title. But does being first to market necessarily translate into sustained success?
Jaguar has as celebrated a history of performance and innovation as any notable automaker, having produced riotous racing machines and distinguished luxurious cruisers that have set the pace on the racetracks and roadways of the world for over 100 years.
In the new era of sustainable mobility, like many of its peers, Jaguar is taxed with reimagining this performance pedigree in the face of mounting pressure from a growing list of agile competitors seeking to carve a new niche in the age of electrification.
In the years since its initial introduction, the fully-electric I-PACE has received global recognition for its forward-thinking design, successfully translating the iconic British marque’s historical ICE-powered charm into an all-electric template.
CONSISTENT IMPROVEMENT
With a low centre of gravity, advanced suspension systems, and notably efficient electric motors on each axle, the I-PACE balances all-wheel-drive performance, refinement, and agility in tandem with enviable real-world range and day-to-day usability. While the I-PACE’s technology and features have been improved over the years using over-the-air software updates, subtle exterior enhancements (offered from the second quarter of last year) endowed the five-seater crossover with a more distinctive design, richer specifications, striking satin metallic paint options, and the addition of an R-Dynamic model in HSE specification – now the only derivative available in South Africa.
REFRESHED DESIGN
The I-PACE’s cab-forward profile, short overhangs and taut, muscular haunches are instantly recognisable and set it apart from other all-electric SUVs. This award-winning design has now evolved with subtle, carefully considered enhancements that deliver an even greater presence.
The front grille now has a smooth form in striking Atlas Grey. Replacing the previous gloss black lozenge pattern, this gives a simpler, cleaner finish to the front of the vehicle while strengthening its inherently electric DNA. Atlas Grey is also applied to the vertical blades at the outside of the front apertures. A further detail change is the new black and silver Jaguar badge.
The front bumper finishers, lower door finishers and rear diffuser are now body-colour instead of Gloss Black.
Jaguar has also added the option of a contrast panoramic roof that, for the first time, permits the selection of a black finish for the rear section of the roof (previously body-coloured) to complement the large glass roof panel.
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
With its height-adjustable suspension granting the I-PACE light off-road abilities, and its aerodynamic exterior honed for wind-cheating efficiency, the I-PACE certainly intends to deliver a true Jaguar driving experience.
Swapping the aggressive attitude of its fire-breathing history for two light, compact, and efficient electric motors (integrated into the front and rear axles), the I-PACE can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds, and will attain a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Delivering its 294 kW of power and massive 696 Nm of torque to either axle, the four-wheel-drive Jaguar is surefooted and remarkably agile – despite weighing 2,208 kg – although an overly weighty steering feel hampers its low-speed handling response. At higher speeds, the I-PACE delivers on Jaguar’s hereditary comfort and agility, with its advanced double wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension, together with the low centre of gravity and light, stiff aluminium body structure, play a fundamental role in its dynamic capability.
Height adjustable air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics electronically-controlled damping enhances open-road ride and handling while also granting the I-PACE light off-road ability.
RANGE AND CHARGING
I-PACE’s 90 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers up to 470 km range (WLTP), a comparable number to its peers, such as the BMW iX and Audi e-tron Sportback. When charging using the growing network of public chargers, a 100 kW DC charger can add up to 127 km of range (WLTP) in just 15 minutes. South African customers with three-phase electricity and an 11 kW home wall box can add up to 53 km of range (WLTP) per hour; a full charge takes only 8.6 hours. Customers with single-phase electricity using 7kW wall boxes can achieve up to 35 km of charge per hour and a full charge in 12.75 hours.
To maximise the benefits of off-peak energy, there’s the Low Cost Hours Only feature: just set start and stop times that match your tariff – typically overnight – and charging will only occur during that period.
Customers can also set charging to stop when the battery reaches a specific level, which is especially useful when using public chargers, as you can add only the range you need to reach your destination.
Preconditioning is another easy-to-use technology that enhances the driving experience. While the vehicle is plugged in, it automatically heats or cools the battery to its ideal temperature and does the same for the interior, ready for the start of your journey. Using power from the mains instead of the battery is more energy efficient and maximises range. With the timed charging functions, preconditioning can be set using the vehicle touchscreen or the Jaguar Remote App.
INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
Inside I-PACE’s spacious interior, there’s all the technology you need to make every journey more enjoyable. Every model in the range has the fast, intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity and what3words navigation – although most users will likely mostly use the in-built wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
LAST WORD
As Jaguar’s flagship (and only) electric offering in South Africa for now, the I-PACE beautifully represents the brand’s capability as a luxury carmaker while successfully condensing its robust heritage into an all-electric form. Yet, with its premium peers continually diversifying their product ranges, and the prospect of more affordable electric mobility on the distant horizon, Jaguar will need to follow suit with the kind of new energy icons that will see it remain relevant for another 100 years.