Jaguar is a small company compared to Germany’s main winner, BMW, BMW,
Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. But the British outfit managed to beat their competitors to a punch in the EV range by launching the I-Pace, Tesla’s first major competitor, TSLA,
in 2018.
Since then the German brands have joined the EV party with impressive entries, such as the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC. But the I-Pace remains our favorite with its elegant SUV design, fun performance and handling and practicality.
The I-Pace has a panoramic based sunroof.
Jaguar
With nearly 400 horsepower on tap from two electric motors, one at each axle, full wheel drive capability and a suspension system designed for enthusiastic drivers, the I-Pace is fast and fun to drive.
When the Jaguar EV was launched, we drove the I-Pace on a moderately challenging off-road course and a challenging race track, two test environments where an EV would not normally be expected to see. But the I-Pace did well in both.
The chinks in the I-Pace weapon are their battery range, developed in 2020, but still not at Tesla levels, battery charge capabilities (also falling short of Tesla) and Jaguar’s infotainment system, which still going behind the usual Audi routine.
The Jaguar I-Pace 2021
Jaguar
On the plus side, the I-Pace, like all Jaguar cars, comes with a generous and extensive warranty. For the I-Pace, this includes an 8-year / 100,000-mile battery coverage, a reassuring feature for a consumer considering EV ownership.
What’s new for 2021?
Jaguar made a few meaningful tweaks to the I-Pace in 2020, including a battery-powered software change that expanded the range from 234 to 253 miles.
For 2021, developments for specific U.S. market models have not yet been announced, but the global changes Jaguar announced for the I-Pace include a number of useful changes that we plan to highlight here.
Connections are enhanced with a recommended 4G plan and wireless device cost, Spotify SPOT rooted,
music app and Bluetooth connections for two phones simultaneously added.
The driver benefits from a new 3-D surround camera and a “digital” background mirror that is fed by a full-angle high-resolution camera mounted in a pod at the back of the top. The driver can use a switch to switch to a normal mirror if desired.
Exterior, a new optional Bright package features a chrome exterior trim and an Atlas Gray grille finish. The package is available on all trim levels of the I-Pace. 19-inch wheels are introduced with a new design.
The Jaguar’s editorial is updated with a new version of Jaguar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system. This reflects improved navigational capability and the ability to add the most suitable cost station locations to a route, as well as predict cost times.
Read also: Review: Porsche Taycan 2021, all-electric luxury sports sedan
Speaking of charging, the I-Pace 2021 will get a new 11-kW charger on board as usual, compared to the previous 7-kW charger. Connected to a 240-volt store, this more powerful charger will reduce the charge time for a reduced battery from 12.6 hours to 8.6 hours. Jaguar says that when at a public charging station, a 50kW charger will add up to 39 miles in 15 minutes. A 100-kw charger will charge up to 78 miles over the same period.
The things we like
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Cool design language
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Fun performance
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Features a multi-shaped SUV
What we don’t have
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Battery range could be better
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Infotainment system still without class management
How much?
The price of the I-Pace 2020 went from $ 69,850 to $ 80,900. We do not expect to see much price increases for 2021 models.
Fuel economy
The I-Pace 2020 was validated by the EPA using the mileage per gallon equivalent (MPGe) formula established to evaluate electric vehicles. So it returned 80 MPGe in the city, 72 MPGe on the highway and 76 MPGe combined. We expect the numbers to remain unchanged for 2021.
Custom features and options
The I-Pace range starts with the S trim ($ 69,850). There are two electric motors in the body design of a five-passenger SUV style for 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.5 seconds, claims Jaguar. Air suspension is standard as are 18-inch alloy wheels. New 19-inch wheels are optional (for 2021 the larger wheels can be standard). A panoramic based sunroof helps illuminate the cabin.
Internally, the infotainment system has 10-inch high and 5.5-inch lower touch screens to manage navigation systems and other vehicles. Front seats are capable of changing 8-way power and rear folding seats are 60/40 split.
It has six USB ports, Apple AAPL,
CarPlay and Android Auto integration for smartphones and 11-speaker Meridian audio system. An optional 3-D Meridian surround sound system features 16 speakers and one subwoofer.
Typical safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, forward crash warning with automatic braking, road maintenance assistance and rear cross-traffic warning.
See also: 2021 Mustang Mach-E Review: Ford’s new EV offers space, value, performance and style
The SE trim ($ 76,250) complements the S equipment with 20-inch wheels, adjustable cruise control, power lift gate, leather chair trim, power folding mirror and LED daytime running lights. Blind spot inspection has been added to the safety equipment.
Heated front and rear seats are optional.
The HSE trim trim range ($ 80,900) has heated and cooled front seats, with power-adjustable side bolts and extended cushions, rear heating seats and a more powerful Meridian sound system as usual. Flexible marine control has been added, as has a 360-degree camera system and hands-free lift gate operation.
Safety
As explained above, the I-Pace has a wide range of standard safety systems and driver support. The Jaguar has not yet been accidentally certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or other third party organizations.
Behind the wheel
The I-Pace stands out among today’s luxury EVs for its dynamic styled appearance and attractive handling, not to mention spiritual performance.
Comfortable behind the wheel in a sturdy padded chair, the I-Pace has a sleek and elegant look. The driving experience follows more on the sporty side with handling that is cumbersome and tightly controlled on winding roads.
At the same time, the cycling quality of the I-Pace is remarkably made up for by the car’s sporting appeal, partly due to the standard air suspension system.
You may also like: The Jaguar XF 2021 is elegant, energetic and at an attractive price
Overall, the I-Pace may not be as sleek or elegant as major competitors from Audi or Mercedes-Benz, but its unique design and attractive driving character are strong spots.
Other cars to consider
2021 Audi e-tron—We are following the e-tron. Although its battery range is subpar, it is hard to surpass the elegant engineering and finished interior.
2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC– Discounts, comfortable ride and complete upgrade are the main attractions of this Mercedes EV.
2021 Tesla Model S.—Fast and wild, the Model S is aging and not as ready-made as other major EVs, but it still commands attention.
Tesla S model used– Tesla’s flagship flagship is the only luxury EV that has been around long enough for used prices to be more affordable.
Autotrader Advice
The I-Pace S trim comes with a good fit and buyers can add a few desirable features, such as variable cruise control, but still save money over the SE model.
Run this story first Autotrader.com.