MOTORING
Plug me in
WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY
The new I-Pace EV400 has arrived.
There is no doubt in my mind that electric cars will be the future of driving on our roads. I had the privilege of being offered Jaguar’s first full electric I-Pace for review, thanks to Damien Holley at Bruce Lynton Jaguar.
Jaguar’s design team have again produced something exceptional to look at, keeping some of the features from existing models that are easily recognisable.
The prominent rectangular grille with its rounded edges sits between slim headlights that look like the eyes of a predator. Plus, we can really see the power of electric cars and impressive combined technology these days.
This Jag produces a whopping 394 horsepower and 512-pound feet of torque from two electric engines.
These numbers are super-impressive in anyone’s eyes — especially mine! As you plant your foot to the floor, the car effortlessly and ever-so-quietly launches you into your drive.
Our HSE tester carried LED headlights with automatic high beams, a glass roof, both the touchscreen displays as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The I-Pace’s cabin is thoroughly modern, with three displays for all the pertinent information and touch-capacitive controls. The floating-bridge design for the centre console looks great and gives the cabin a cockpit-like feel, while details like the harness loops in the two-piece seats feel impressively sporty.
Range
One full charge provides a range of 470km on the WLTP cycle*.
Performance
Instant torque and all-wheel drive traction gives the I-Pace the acceleration of a sports car. It reaches 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Battery
I-Pace’s 90kW/h battery is made up of high energy-density lithium-ion pouch cells. Its design and state-of-the-art thermal management system supports longevity and periods of sustained maximum power.
Charging
With a 50kW DC rapid charger — the kind found at most public charging stations — the I-Pace can achieve up to 270km of range per hour1.
Jaguar’s braking system is very impressive. When you hit the brake pedal, it’s regeneration from the motors that is reining the I-Pace down to a certain speed, which is when the friction brakes kick in.
Technology these days — who would have thought we would be driving electric cars that are fuelled by your own power supply in the garage… How times are changing!
Be sure to talk to the team at Bruce Lynton Jaguar for your chance to drive this amazing electric motor car.
Test vehicle
Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE (19MY)
Corris grey with sienna tan windsor leather performance seats and ebony interior
– Electronic air suspension
– 22-inch alloy wheels
– Carbon fibre exterior pack
– Fixed panoramic roof
– Gloss black window surrounds
– Head-up display
– Aluminium weave carbon fibre trim finish
– Ebony Morzine headlining
– Charging cable
– 14-way heated/cooled electric memory performance seats