There are vehicles so rare that one wonders if they truly exist. Such is the case with the Jaguar I-Pace. However, I assure you, the model is indeed real, and I've come across a few on the road over the years despite its very limited production.
You may not know this, but Jaguar is heavily involved in motorsports, with its own team in Formula E (electric). Therefore, it's no coincidence that its first electric vehicle, the I-Pace, was launched alongside the racing program in 2016. The model is thus the product of a rich heritage in motorsports, as surprising as that may seem.
The brand's goal has never been to make it a mass-production model. So, one should not rely on sales figures, as it has always been Jaguar's intention to focus on a limited offering. The electric SUV is closer to a concept than a production model, which makes it interesting for buyers. It's far from perfect, but it's a one-of-a-kind vehicle, and its driving experience is definitely unique. It's an eccentric and bold model that I personally appreciate.
Range and Price
Jaguar is a prestigious brand, reflected in the starting price of the I-Pace. It starts at $110,680 for the R-Dynamic HSE version. While this may seem steep for most people, it's important to remember that this is a very luxurious and quite capable model. The British manufacturer's SUV is only available in one version. Instead, the brand offers you to choose from certain option groups to enhance the experience. Moreover, most of the features you can add are relatively affordable, ensuring you don't end up with too hefty a bill at the end of the purchasing process, which is a good thing.
Category and Competition
The Jaguar I-Pace falls into the category of midsize luxury SUVs. It's the kind of vehicle chosen with emotion. So, I would say that competition isn't really important here. The essential thing is to be able to choose a model that pleases us. Driving a Jaguar vehicle is an experience in itself. The design, comfort, quality of finish, instrumentation, driving—all are different with Jaguar, and that also applies to the I-Pace SUV. The majority of owners I've spoken with have said it was a love-at-first-sight kind of vehicle, nothing less.
Rivals: Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Polestar 3, Tesla Model X
Design and Technologies
The design of the Jaguar I-Pace is certainly a conversation starter on its own. With its elongated hatchback look, the British manufacturer's SUV doesn't resemble anything else currently available on the market. So, needless to say, it catches the eye when you see it. Personally, I believe the brand made the right decision opting for such an aggressive design. It's the kind of risk you can't take with a mass-production model. Ultimately, it's also what gives the I-Pace a particular and unique personality.
The interior of the British SUV is sumptuous, and the quality of finish is impressive. It's also one of the most comfortable vehicles in its category. It offers a beautiful instrumentation, and the driving position is very pleasant. The steering wheel offers a good grip. In short, it's a vehicle in which you feel good. One could tell it's a luxury model even with eyes closed.
The Jaguar I-Pace benefits from a true arsenal of technology. The design of the graphic elements could certainly benefit from an update, but otherwise, everything works well. The multimedia system navigation is intuitive and fast. The driving assistance technologies are effective without being too controlling.
Performance
The 2024 Jaguar I-Pace offers a powertrain consisting of two electric motors with 197 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque each, for a total of 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. This power allows the British manufacturer's SUV to do 0-100 in 4.7 seconds, which is very quick considering it weighs over 2133 kilograms. As for the battery, it's a 90 kWh unit, allowing it to store enough energy to offer a range of 381 kilometers on a full charge.
Weaknesses
Its base price is a bit too high. Good luck finding an available unit; they're so rare in dealerships.
Strengths
It's a unique vehicle that never fails to turn heads. Its road behavior is on par with the biggest brands, and let's not even talk about its overall comfort.
Signature Element
The Jaguar I-Pace is a one-of-a-kind vehicle that stands out. It offers an interesting concept, and its enthusiasts are more than fond of it.
Closing Words
The Jaguar I-Pace is not for everyone, but that's precisely the beauty of it. The automotive industry is vast and diversified anyway. Unfortunately, most manufacturers stick to certain standards and don't exceed certain limits. That's why we appreciate vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace even more.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
