All-electric SUV comes with near-500km driving range and 400hp performance.
Has it changed much from the preceding concept car?
When Jaguar revealed the all-electric I-Pace in concept form last year, it said that the production-ready model – as seen here in official pictures – wouldn’t differ much.
While the shape remains basically the same as the show car, some of the concept car’s exaggerated dimensions – like the wide stance – have been toned down for the showroom.
Actually, Jaguar has become the first luxury car brand to chase for the success of the Tesla Model X ahead of the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQ C.
BMW and Volvo are also planning to join the BEV (battery electric vehicle) race with all-electric SUVs by 2020.
The Jag’s specs seem familiar…
That’s because the specification has been mostly summed up last year at the concept car’s reveal.
The I-Pace has two electric motors, one driving the front axle and another the rear one to essentially make it four-wheel-drive.
The 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack is placed beneath the cabin floor designed on a dedicated platform for BEVs. Jaguar promises a good handling and ride balance in the brand’s usual fashion.
As its badge suggests, the I-Pace has 400hp and 696Nm of torque to help propel itself from 0-96kph in 4.5sec. The driving range is rated at 477km under Europe’s new WLTP test cycle.
With a rapid charging system, the I-Pace’s battery can be rejuvenated up to 80% in 85min; a 30min charge is claimed to be sufficient for 128km of driving.
Although not announced yet, expect different battery sizes to be offered in the future depending on what buyers prefer (more performance or more driving range).
Will it sell in Thailand?
As with other premium car brands in Thailand, the decision to sell a BEV would probably not be about making money at the moment for all the obvious reasons.
Sure, the Thai Jaguar importer could opt to sell the I-Pace for the kicks targeting customers who have several other cars parked in their garages. The current import tax in Thailand would make the I-Pace cost over 5 million baht.
It’s also interesting to note that the UK, for one, has measures in making BEVs not only attractive in price but also in usage terms. Some of them include lower road tax and reduced tolls – something never mentioned by the Thai government when promoting BEVs.
