As the first premium, all-electric SUV to go on sale, there’s no questioning the critical acclaim enjoyed by the Jaguar I-Pace. Since its original introduction in 2018, the I-Pace has won more than 80 global awards as well as the World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car. As trophy cabinets go, the I-Pace’s is full to bursting.
With rivals expanding their own electric ranges though, Jaguar has given its latest I-Pace a host of updates to keep it competitive and bring it up to date.
JAGUAR I-PACE – DESIGN
In reality, there’s not much changed in the way that the new Jaguar I-Pace looks, but then again, not much needed to. New grille surrounds and new colours are now on offer as well as 19-inch alloy wheels on the entry-level S replacing the old 18s, but other than that, it’s pretty much as before.
To our eyes, that’s just fine and inherent ‘rightness’ of the I-Pace’s original design, especially when compared to more conventional and conservative rivals like the Mercedes EQC and Audi e tron. While it’s not always necessarily an advantage, casual observers will know that you’re driving an electric car too – something that’s not always immediately obvious with others.
JJAGUAR I-PACE – POWER AND RANGE
The 90kWh battery continues in the new Jaguar I-Pace as before with its equivalent 400bhp going to all four wheels and with a 292 mile range. Crucially though, the I-Pace now has a 11kW on-board charger as standard enabling much faster charging at home and when out on the road. A 7kW home charger can now add 22 miles of charge per hour and takes just under 13 hours for a full charge, although a 100kW charger will add up to 78 miles in just 15 minutes.
Those are some important numbers for the I-Pace compared against up-and-coming rivals which will only grow in number in future years. Then again, nobody is ever going to question its performance with a 0 to 60mph time of just 4.5 seconds. A Type 2 cable and three-pin domestic cable both come as standard.
JAGUAR I-PACE – ON THE ROAD
When we first drove the Jaguar I-Pace back in 2018, it was its on-road ability that perhaps most shone through. The message then was clear. This might be a whole new way of powering a Jaguar, but above all it remains a Jaguar.
The same remains true today. In fact, if anything, we’d even forgotten just how good the I-Pace feels on the road. Its immediate, low-down grunt is always on tap at just a light flex of your right ankle, while dynamically, there’s a creditable lack of body roll and the steering feels sharp and alert in a way that only Jaguars seem to.
It’s not all perfect though. Our car had the optional active air suspension fitted (at an extra £1,120) and even in comfort mode we still felt it was marginally firmer than you might have imagined. For that you can partially point the finger of blame at the I-Pace’s 2208kg kerb weight, which never really fully escapes your mind, no matter how well the Jaguar handles through bends. And furthermore, it’s worth noting that that’s still considerably lighter than the likes of Audi’s e tron which is all too obvious when driving quickly.
One new addition is a digital rear-view mirror which we’re not big fans of. Yes it gives a wider and lighter view than usual, but the need for your eyes to rapidly refocus means we preferred to switch it across to its standard mirror mode.
JAGUAR I-PACE – INTERIOR
Like the outside, the interior of the I-Pace was always another high point for praise and now it’s only more so. There’s a new 12.3-inch screen with virtual instruments in front of the driver as well as 10-inch and 5-inch upper and lower touchscreens between them and the front passenger. The on-board infotainment system and also battery management and charging can also now be updated remotely too, enabling the I-Pace to be continually improved.
In terms of finish and overall feel it certainly feels a step up from the original I-Pace and the long dashboard and large front windscreen bring a lot of light into the interior on a dark day. Having said that, a panoramic roof wouldn’t go amiss to bring some more light to those in the back seats.
Talking of those in the back, there’s still good head and legroom on offer although taller passengers might find limited space for their feet if the front seat is in its lowest position. They also get two USB C sockets as well as a conventional 12v socket and seat heaters too.
JJAGUAR I-PACE – SUMMARY
Jaguar has proven that the I-Pace has no shortage of staying power in the executive electric car market. Its combination of good looks inside and out, excellent handling and a very useable everyday range, make it an obvious contender for anyone looking for an electric car at this level.
For us though, it’s the I-Pace’s individuality that really sets it apart from its rivals and, especially with its weight advantage over the Audi e tron and Mercedes EQC, its driving dynamics are a notable step up too. One of the best electric cars on the market just got even better.
Fact box
Model: Jaguar I-Pace 21MY
On sale: now
Price: from £65,195
Power: Electric – 90kW
Range: 292 miles
Average consumption: 2.8mls/kWh
Average charge time on a domestic wallbox: 12.75hrs
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Rating: 9/10