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

Jaguar’s revealed everything about the new I-Pace all-electric crossover ahead of its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, which begins on March 6. Information including photos, videos (including one where it drags races two variants of the Tesla Model X), specifications and prices for the UK market have been released. The Model X seems to be a big target for Jaguar, after all, Tesla has had more than a year worth of headstart in markets across the world.

Design

Jaguar has been able to keep the I-Pace as close to the concept shown back in 2016 even though there have been compromises made to make it more suitable for the real world. The cab-forward design, high waistline, long wheelbase, steeply raked rear windscreen remain, while elements like the one-piece side windows, stylised side sills, front and rear bumpers and wheels have been tweaked.

The Jaguar signature grille with the Red Growler badge is closed off in the interest of aerodynamic efficiency, and because this is an all-electric crossover with no conventional engine. The headlamps, which are available with three different LED configurations, get the signature ‘J-blade’ LED DRLs. The side vents are functional, and so is the lower air dam. The latter directs air through the bonnet vent on top for better aerodynamics. The bonnet gets a power bulge like other Jaguars, a feature not seen in the concept.

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The fighter aircraft like body extensions on the side sills are less prominent on the I-Pace as compared to the concept car, but hints of it still remain. The 22-inch wheels are optional extras and mimic the radical looking units on the concept, though they have had to be modified to take on the rigours of everyday driving.

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.