mReview: Jaguar I-PACE Singapore

(Photo Credit: Jaguar)

Introducing Jaguar’s first ever all-electric performance SUV, the I-PACE. With plenty of new features and a sporty look, this car will be the envy of many drivers.

Taking inspiration from its racing background, Jaguar has married performance technology and an electric powertrain to create its first electric Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The I-PACE has won many awards already, including but not limited to:

• Golden Steering Award for Best SUV (2019)
• World Car Design of the Year (2019)
• World Green Car of the Year (2019)
• Best Electric Powertrain (2019)
• Best New Engine (2019)

Let’s have a closer look at what Jaguar has done to achieve all this.

Design

(Photo Credit: Roadshow)

Did you know that one of the most important factors in the sport of racing is aerodynamics? A race car would have to be designed to reduce air drag, allowing it to travel further and faster in a shorter amount of time.

The I-PACE’s aerodynamic features have been emphasised greatly. Each component of its exterior has been refined to increase the car’s range efficiency. Even the door handle sits flush so as to not disrupt airflow.

The front grille is mounted with active vanes, which open when the car requires cooling, and close back up for aerodynamic airflow.

From the front bumper to the rear diffuser, every part of the car helps to increase its range efficiency. Also, with a fully-charged battery, the I-PACE can reach up to 470km range distance, according to the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

WLTP is a process that measures fuel, energy consumption, range and emissions in passenger vehicles in Europe. Its purpose is to provide figures closer to the behaviour of real-world drivers.

Drivetrain and Performance

(Photo Credit: Jaguar)

As mentioned above, Jaguar has used its technology and intelligence from its motorsport line to implement features in the I-PACE, such as torque vectoring, where braking is independently controlled on the front and back wheels so as to enhance cornering agility.

The I-PACE is powered by a 90kWh battery with two Synchronous Permanent Magnet Electric Motors that are mounted on the front and rear axles. As such, this electric vehicle (EV) is able to generate up to 696Nm of torque.

It can reach 0-100km/h, aka the century sprint, in 4.8 seconds.

This car is smart too. It’s able to understand the user’s needs and adapts to it, all while maintaining top performance.

Charging the battery is efficient as well – the I-PACE automatically cuts off power once its fully charged, so you never have to worry about overcharging. It takes 13 hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%, but a quick 15 mins charge using a 100kW power supply can provide you with up to 270km range distance.

Being an Electric Vehicle (EV), the car doesn’t emit any carbon emissions, but you’ll still hear the familiar engine acceleration noise from Jaguar’s sound design.

Interior

(Photo Credit: Autocar)

The interior of this car is just beautiful. You will get a pure luxury feel from the different combinations of materials, comfort and design the I-PACE provides. With options such as Sport or Performance seats to a large array of interior colour options, you’ll have a blast customizing your I-PACE to fit your style.

Conventional transmission is not required for this EV, hence there is no lag or gearshift interruptions. This also allows the I-PACE to have a floating center console, which gives you extra storage. It even comes with a high-resolution 10-inch Apple touch screen in the center dash display.

Alternatively, you could get a 12-inch interactive driver display instead. It has more features such as maps, a speedometer, range and other vital information that a driver needs while driving.

The I-PACE also gets a full-length panoramic glass roof, which not only makes the interior pop, but also optimizes the cabin temperature. This helps to conserve energy by keeping your interior cool.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

(Photo Credit: Jaguar)

In our opinion, this car is simply amazing! From its motorsport background to its own unique style and performance, the I-PACE is probably our favourite electric Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on the market.

While Tesla’s Model X is a tough competitor, the I-PACE tops the list with its lower cost of S$354,999 compared to the Model X’s higher cut off at about S$440,000.

Yes, although there are other alternatives like the Audi E-tron (which you may get to see at the Singapore Motor show 2020), the Jaguar I-PACE is a clever and intelligent car that not only looks good, but is also luxurious and futuristic in terms of look.

The I-PACE surely is a brilliant investment. If you can afford it, you'll definitely be the envy of many drivers on the road!

Read More: mReview: Audi A3 Liftback Coupe

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