All-Electric Jaguar I-PACE launched from sub-$120k

Jaguar’s first ever all-electric car has arrived in the form of the I-PACE. Unveiled today in production guise, the Jaguar I-PACE is the world’s first full electric premium compact crossover that is due to arrive into Australia later this year priced from $119,000 plus on-road costs.

Powertrain

With a 90kWh Lithium-ion battery, the I-PACE is claimed to deliver a range of 480km. Owners will be able to achieve a 0-80 per cent battery charge in just 40 minutes using DC rapid charging (100kW). Home charging with an AC wall box (7kW) will achieve the same state of charge in about ten hours (overnight charging).

The I-PACE features a suite of range-optimising technologies including a battery pre-conditioning system: when plugged in the I-PACE will automatically raise (or lower) the temperature of its battery to maximise range ahead of driving away.

Performance

Two Jaguar-developed electric motors – which feature driveshafts passing through the motors themselves for compactness – are placed at each axle, producing all-wheel drive performance with 294kW (400PS) of power and 696Nm of torque.

The high torque electric motors are able to launch the I-PACE from a standing start to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

To enable perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity, the battery is placed centrally between the two axles, and as low down as possible with a seal between the housing and the underfloor.

The electric crossover is claimed to have the highest torsional rigidity of any Jaguar thanks to the bespoke EV aluminium architecture that uses advanced riveting and bonding technology.  Together with the double wishbone front and Integral Link rear axle with (optional) air suspension and configurable Adaptive Dynamics, the I-PACE promises agile handling and outstanding ride comfort.

Design

The I-PACE’s sleek, coupe-like silhouette is influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar concept with a short, low bonnet, aero-enhanced roof design and curved rear screen. Jaguar says this cab-forward design contrasts with its squared-off rear, which helps reduce the drag co-efficient to just 0.29Cd.

To optimise the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, Active Vanes in the grille open when cooling is required, but close when not needed to redirect air through the integral bonnet scoop, smoothing airflow.

Inside, the layout is designed to optimise space for passengers. In the rear, legroom is 890mm while, with no transmission tunnel, there’s a useful 10.5-litre central storage compartment. In the rear, tablet and laptop stowage is found beneath the seats, while the rear luggage compartment offers a 656-litre capacity – and 1,453-litres with seats folded flat.

Connectivity

The Jaguar I-PACE introduces the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system to Jaguar that uses a combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls.

Making first application in a Jaguar is the new EV navigation system which assesses the topography of the route to destination and insights from previous journeys, including driving style, to calculate personalised range and charging status.

The advanced system uses ‘Smart Settings’ technology – driven by AI algorithms – to identify individual driver preferences, and then tailors the I-PACE’s driving and interior settings accordingly.

I-PACE will also launch an Amazon Alexa Skill. This means owners will be able to ask an Alexa enabled device for information held in the Jaguar InControl Remote app. For example: Is my car locked? What is the charging level? Do I have enough range to get to work?

To ensure owners always have access to the latest infotainment, telematics and battery energy control software, I-PACE will be the first Jaguar to provide software over-the-air – providing seamless updates.

Pricing

The Jaguar I-PACE is available for ordering now in S, SE and HSE derivatives alongside a First Edition priced from $119,000 plus on-road costs.

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