Jaguar I-Pace 2021 first look review: Electric shock!

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The NamasteCar review:

Jaguar I-Pace 90 kWh Electric AWD HSE

₹1,05,91,000 – ₹1,12,29,000

Jaguar launches its I-Pace and it is unlike any other SUV that you have seen as our exclusive first look reveals why.

OVERALL POINTS: 89/100

WE LOVE: ⇑ Stunning design looks fantastic with its SUV coupe proportions, interior is lavishly kitted out with a lot of features while the range is very impressive

WE DON’T LOVE: ⇓ Quite expensive at Rs 1.05 cr plus and also India’s most expensive EV

1. Introduction

The electric car game is heating up in India with numerous launches being expected in the near future. It all started with the Mercedes-Benz EQC earlier in the year and recently, Volvo showed its XC40 Recharge while Audi is also launching its E-Tron SUV soon. However before all that, Jaguar has come in and launched its own electric SUV called as the I-Pace. The I-Pace is a luxury SUV that features a new design language plus is based on a new platform (exclusive to EVs) while it still has the usual Jaguar attributes also. So, what is the I-Pace all about? Let us take a look.

2. Looks from outside

The I-Pace is an electric car and does not look like any normal car due to its design. The I-Pace was built and designed around a new platform and not built on a current platform. Hence that car was designed with a lot of freedom since an electric car does not require many mechanical parts. It is also the reason that the I-Pace has a short front-end and a sloping coupe like rear. It is unique and while it is an SUV, the design is more of a crossover. The roof is sloping and the front has the usual Jaguar grille but everything is all different with a short hood with the hood scoop and massive wheels hiding underneath those huge arches. The I-Pace gets up-to 22inch wheels as an option and it sits well with the big wheel arches too. In terms of size, it is similar to a premium SUV like the F-Pace with a length of 4,682mm.

3. Driving feel

The I-Pace has a 90kWh lithium-ion battery which is mounted lower in the floor for better weight distribution. You also get two electric motors at each axle which in total makes 400PS and 696Nm. It gets drive modes and it does 0-100km/h in only 4.8 seconds. More important is the range and the official figure is 480km while you will get upwards of 300km in city and even that is quite good. In terms of charging, the I-Pace can charge up-to 80 percent of its battery in just 40 minutes thanks to DC fast charging. Regular charging will take place in 10 hours with an AC wall box. Jaguar will supply charging equipment and also equip its dealerships with chargers. It has also partnered with Tata Power so the I-Pace has access to 200 chargers all over India being located at convenient places.

The I-Pace gets further technology like a battery pre-conditioning system which monitors the temperature of the battery to maximize range. The India spec I-Pace gets air suspension while it is also all wheel drive which gives it more traction and grip. It is also lets the driver select various levels of regenerative braking. With a good amount of ground clearance on offer the I-Pace also makes sense for our roads. Being an SUV with all-wheel drive also expect the I-Pace to have decent off-road ability.

4. Interior features and feel

The I-Pace maybe sized like any usual midsize SUV but the actual room inside is similar to much bigger SUVs because Jaguar has given it a longer wheelbase since there is no need to have any engine. The wheelbase is very long at 2,990mm plus it has an excellent 890mm of rear legroom. Plus it has no transmission tunnel hence space for three is there. Many chauffeur driven owners would like the sense of space thanks to the airy cabin and the full length glass roof also adds to the effect. There is also plenty of storage on offer while the boot is big at 656 litres. You can increase it to 1,453 litres with the seats folded flat. The design of the I-Pace interior is more of the usual Jaguar design cues but is well built and having a lot of technology. The steering wheel has touch buttons while the instrument cluster is all digital. You can also customize the instrument cluster to different views including the navigation or more. Move to the dashboard and it has two touch screens and a round knob for the climate control. The quality is fabulous and it feels expensive with leather, knurled switchgear and other high quality materials being used everywhere.

Features

The I-Pace has plenty of options including the earlier mentioned fully digital instrument cluster and the Touch Pro Duo display. It also gets special EV navigation. Then there is a heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, Meridian audio system, powered tail-gate, dual-zone climate control, digital rear mirror which shows a screen display, surround camera, cruise control, Matrix LED lamps, 12-way adjustable seats with memory at the front, air purifier, ambient lighting, wireless charging, air suspension, connected technology and more.

5. Our opinion

Jaguar has made the I-Pace different from others and its looks will certainly draw in buyers

The I-Pace is something which is unique in the market with its styling, space or even the type of car it projects to be. Jaguar has made the I-Pace different from others and its looks will certainly draw in buyers. But for city based use, the space inside is big and impressive while it has all of the luxuries which you would expect in any other SUV at this price. Add in the fact that the I-Pace has a good range plus being more than others along with having access to a wide charging network and it makes sense. Most owners do not do the kind of range that the I-Pace can deliver at a full charge hence an electric SUV is a good statement for many luxury car buyers. We see the I-Pace being one of the better selling Jaguars in India.

Specifications –

  • Drive: AWD
  • Battery Capacity (kWh): 90
  • Maximum Power (kW/HP): 294/394
  • Maximum Torque (Nm): 696
  • Maximum speed km/h: 200
  • Acceleration (secs) 0-100 km/h: 4.8
  • Overall Length: 4682 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2990 mm
  • Overall Width with Mirrors Unfolded: 2139 mm
  • Overall Height (Coil / Air): 1566 / 1558 mm
  • Maximum loadspace volume behind second row: Dry 505 l, Wet 656 l
  • Transmission: Concentric single speed
  • Wheel: 48.26 cm (19) Style 5055, 5 Split-Spoke, Gloss Dark Grey with Contrast Diamond Turned Finish
  • Brakes F/R: Ventilated disc
  • Unladen weight (EU): 2208 kg
  • Gross vehicle weight: 2670 kg
Somnath Chatterjee
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Somnath Chatterjee

Been in love with cars for as long as I can remember and love writing about them along with driving them of course. Nothing makes me happier than a fast car and an empty road! Favourite Car: Ferrari 458 Speciale Quote: Life's too short to drive boring cars