Jaguar updates I-Pace EV

JAGUAR has updated its trailblazing all-electric I-Pace luxury SUV for the 2021 model year, which brings faster charging times, new infotainment technology and a host of other improvements.  

Local pricing was also released this week in conjunction with the new model’s overseas unveiling ahead of its launch here in the third quarter, with all grades incurring an increase.

At the entry level, the S variant is now $4760 higher at $128,860 plus on-road costs, while the mid-spec SE has risen $3060 to $138,460.

The biggest price increase belongs to the flagship HSE which now retails for $152,060 plus on-roads, up $6060.

An extensive tech upgrade for the MY21 I-Pace helps offset the higher pricing, headlined by the move from a 7kW on-board charger to a new 11kW unit that enables owners with access to a three-phase electricity supply to slash charging times.

Jaguar claims that one hour of charging connected to an 11kW wallbox will provide drivers with 52km of range, while a full charge from battery depletion now takes 8.6 hours – down from the almost 13 hours it takes with a 7kW wallbox.

Using a 100kW quick-charger, up to 127km can be added to the range in 15 minutes of charging, Jaguar says, while a 50kW unit will reportedly add up to 63km.

The 90kWh battery itself remains unchanged, as does the effective driving range of 470km and total system output of 294kW/696Nm from two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. 

These are mounted on opposing axles, providing variable all-wheel drive via a single-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, there is a wealth of new features and technology upgrades to match the enhanced charging capabilities, including Jaguar Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system, making the I-Pace the first Jaguar to be fitted with the system.

“The Pivi Pro infotainment system makes it easy to use public charging networks. It can also tell you where charging stations are,” said I-Pace vehicle engineering manager Stephen Boulter.

“We know that most customers charge their I-Pace at home but we wanted to make charging on the go just as simple – and our new infotainment system makes that possible.”

Other new standard features include a 360-degree camera, ClearSight rearview mirror and updated four-zone climate-control system with ‘cabin air ionisation’ (air filtering).

Wireless charging for two devices is now possible – as an optional extra – under the floating centre console, as well as signal boosting.

According to I-Pace vehicle line director Alan Volkaerts, the British car-maker wants the I-Pace to be seen as “the world’s most desirable electric vehicle”.

“I think we’ve achieved those ambitious goals, and now we’ve made it even better with a new infotainment system, three-phase charging and technology that benefits driver and passengers alike,” he said.

“We’ve also subtly enhanced the design with an Atlas Grey finish to the grille mesh and with the new Bright Pack option.

“I-Pace was the first premium all-electric performance SUV; every change we’ve made ensures that it’s still the benchmark in its class.”

The Bright Pack is one of two optional exterior packs which adds a ‘Noble Chrome’ grille surround, ‘Atlas Grey’ door mirror caps and rear diffuser, and ‘Satin Chrome’ window surrounds.

The contrasting Black Pack continues as before except for the new gloss-black rear badging, while other MY21 changes include a revised paint palette and the move to 19-inch wheels (up from 18s) with a bigger range of designs.

So far this year ending May, JLR has shifted 27 examples of the I-Pace, accounting for just 0.4 per cent of the $70,000+ large SUV market and marking a 55 per cent drop in sales compared to the same period last year. In its first full year on sale (2019), Jaguar sold 155 units.

2020 Jaguar I-Pace pricing

*Excludes on-road costs