Jaguar I-Pace Sets Its Prowling Eyes On Tesla Model X

The openable part of the rear window has become very small, thanks to the aggressive design of the rear door, the large quarter panel should let in a lot of light, though. The Jaguar signature flared rear haunch and high-set waistline are present in the company’s first ever all-electric vehicle.

The I-Pace gets a noticeably large diffuser at the back, which should help the crossover be more aerodynamically sound for improved mileage/range. It is not known if the diffuser has been designed to help improve handling.

The rear tail lamps have been given a thorough redesign. Unlike the concept car, these are more ‘digital’ and are a futuristic take on the lights which were first seen on the F-Type.

Inside

The I-Pace is similar to the concept car on the inside too, albeit with more practical touches. The three-spoke steering wheel, three digital screen setup (instrument cluster, infotainment and secondary central), exposed storage behind the centre console and practical A/C vents disrupt the otherwise flowing design of the I-Pace’s dashboard.

The two-step digital console in the centre makes its debut on a Jaguar product, the setup has been lifted straight from the Range Rover Velar though it gets modifications to make it better suited for the I-Pace.

The I-Pace is a five-seat crossover, which is the first disadvantage it has in its fight against the Tesla Model X. The Model X can be configured to seat up to 7 fully grown adults. The I-Pace can be had with an optional panoramic sunroof, making the compact crossover feel more spacious on the inside.

Tech

The I-Pace will be built at Magna Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria. Jaguar had earlier planned to make the I-Pace and future all-electric cars in its lineup in the UK. Built on an all-aluminium chassis like other Jaguar cars, the I-Pace is unique in that it has to accommodate a battery pack and not a traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) powertrain. While the I-Pace is only 10mm longer than the Jaguar XE sedan, the absence of an engine at the front has allowed Jaguar engineers to stretch the wheelbase of the car a full 160mm more. Naturally, the I-Pace is able to seat 5 people more comfortably than the XE.

Under the floor sits a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 432 cells, powering two motors - one on each axle - with a maximum power output of 400PS and maximum torque of 696Nm. With a starting unladen weight of just over 2.2 tonnes, the I-Pace has a claimed 0-100kmph time of 4.8-seconds.

Jaguar was too happy to show off the I-Pace’s straight line drag prowess by pitching it against the Tesla Model X 75D as well as the X 100D at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez E-Prix circuit in Mexico City. It beat both the variants of the Model X, of course, it won’t be so triumphant if the race was between it and the Model X P100D, which is capable of hitting a ton in just 2.9 seconds in Ludicrous Plus mode!

The I-Pace’s electric drivetrain is not all about performance though. Under ideal conditions, a fully charged I-Pace can cover 480kms, which is better than the Model X 75D but not as much as the Model X 100D. The I-Pace is shipped with a 7kW AC wall box for customers who want a charging point at their homes. This can charge a fully depleted battery to 80 per cent in 10 hours. If you can find a 100kW DC charger anywhere, the same can be achieved in 40 minutes.

Price

Jaguar has announced the prices of the I-Pace in the UK. It will be available with three regular variants - S, SE and HSE - and a limited-run First Edition. The prices are as follows:

I-Pace S - £ 63,495 (Rs 56.97 lakh)
I-Pace SE - £ 69,495 (Rs 62.35 lakh)
I-Pace HSE - £ 74,445 (Rs 66.80 lakh)
I-Pace First Edition - £ 81,485 (Rs 73.11 lakh)

Jaguar has not confirmed if it will launch the I-Pace in India anytime soon. Currently, the country lacks the infrastructure to support EVs such as the I-Pace and Tesla Model X.

Source: zigwheels.com