Geneva show: Jaguar uncovers I-Pace all-electric SUV

JAGUAR has detailed its all-new I-Pace electric SUV ahead of next week’s Geneva motor show, with the new emissions-free high-riding wagon set to arrive in Australian showrooms in October priced from $119,000 plus on-roads for the entry-level S variant.

Arriving a couple of months earlier than initially anticipated, the I-Pace will compete predominantly with the Tesla Model X, which also starts from an identical $119,000 plus on-roads for the 75D variant.

The pricing structure is consistent with Jaguar Land Rover Australia’s desire to bring the I-Pace to market for under $150,000, and will place it slightly above other premium medium SUV offerings such as the Audi SQ5 ($99,611), BMW X3 M40i ($99,990) and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 ($102,111).

Two other more highly-specified variants – SE and HSE, as well as a Launch Edition – will also be offered, with pricing to be revealed once the Geneva show starts next weekSeparating the I-Pace from the aforementioned petrol-powered rivals will be its meaty 294kW/696Nm output from its pair of “Jaguar-designed” electric motors, one for each axle for all-wheel-drive traction.

Completing the zero to 100km/h sprint will take 4.8 seconds, while the 90kWh lithium-ion battery system allows for approximately 480km of driving range.

Charging the battery from zero to 80 per cent can take 40 minutes through a 100kW DC fast charger, while a regular 7kW AC charger will require just over ten hours for the same amount of charge.

The battery pack is centrally located between the axles, down low to help the vehicle’s centre of gravity – which is 130mm lower than the F-Pace – and positioned to allow for 50:50 weight distribution.

Bespoke EV aluminium architecture has been used for the I-Pace, resulting in the greatest torsional rigidity of any Jaguar model, while a double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension aid ride comfort.

Air suspension and configurable adaptive dynamic control will be available as options, while owners can control the strength of the regenerative braking system to maximise efficiency and vehicle range.

Jaguar designers looked to the C-X75 concept supercar for the I-Pace’s design inspiration, with a low, curved bonnet, coupe-like rear roofline and bonnet scoop that helps improve drag coefficient to 0.29.

Inside, the packaging of the batteries and electric motors allows for extra storage, including a 10.5-litre centre storage compartment, 890mm and 968mm of rear leg- and headroom respectively, and luggage volume of 656L that can be expanded up to 1453L with the rear seats folded flat.

Owners can specify upholstery in leather or a wool/recycled suede composite, while piano black, satin wood grain and aluminium trims are offered. A full-size panoramic glass roof is available as an option.

A 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and full-colour head-up display are included, while Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system combines touchscreens, capacitive sensors and tactile physical controls for ease of use.

Using AI algorithms, the Touch Pro Duo system can identify individual driver preferences and tailor the I-Pace’s driving and interior settings accordingly.

The new EV navigation system uses topography and data from previous journeys to calculate available range, while the system can sync with a smartphone travel app that help plan journeys involving driving, walking and public transport, as well as locating a parking space in networked car parks and giving directions to the nearest charging point at the end of a journey.

A system called Amazon Alexa Skill will be launched with the I-Pace, which allows owners to remotely clarify information such as whether their vehicle is locked, what the charging level currently is, and whether they can make it to work on the current level of charge.

Battery and cabin temperature can also be remotely set, which leaves range unaffected if the vehicle is plugged in, according to Jaguar.

The I-Pace will come with a three-year/100,000km warranty, while the battery itself will be offered with an eight-year/160,000km guarantee.

Order books open today for the I-Pace, with first deliveries expected in October.