The Jaguar I-Pace, introduced by the British carmaker in 2019, heralded the advent of the electric age. As demand for more economical crossovers rises, it is still among the few electric luxury alternatives available in 2023. Jaguar still intends to transition to an all-electric vehicle by 2025. Still, it will need to quicken its pace given that the I-Pace is now the only available all-electric vehicle and hasn’t significantly improved its electric performance. Similar to the Polestar 2, the slinky-looking crossover is difficult to categorize. Still, it has sensual lines, an opulent interior, and a sporty spirit, making it appear like a Jaguar inside and out. After all, it is a performance SUV.
Over the years, the I-Pace hasn’t always been the best-selling vehicle: worldwide, less than 7,000 I-Paces were sold in its first year. Due to supply chain concerns, the I-Pace was put on hold until 2021 before coming back in 2022 with a much-reduced price. Only 7,307 vehicles were sold internationally in 2022 with its reappearance. The sole trim, the previous top-spec HSE, which cost $82,050 in 2020, is still available for a little higher, $71,300, including a $1,275 destination charge. New paint colours and technological extras are available for 2023; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are two significant appeals.
While the Jaguar is still a desired vehicle in the rapidly evolving EV market, it is up against the Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge (and the related C40 Recharge), and the less expensive Ford Mustang Mach-E. Except for reputation, the newcomer Fisker Ocean is ready to undercut in most areas. Compared to the Audi e-tron, it performs better. You can see the I-Pace outfitted with autonomous vehicle technology on the top as part of Waymo’s self-driving taxi service in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
The I-Pace provides significant speed in the torquey, muscle-car-like manner most EVs do, with a baseline dual-motor arrangement producing 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. Still, it’s also a delicate handling and corner carver, as a Jaguar should be. It weighs close to 4,800 pounds due to the 90 kWh battery pack that is skateboard-style hung below the cabin, yet its responsive handling belies that weight. Like most Jaguars, it’s still enjoyable to drive.
The sleek SUV is all about the EV future and classic Jaguar past, with a drag coefficient of just 29. The EPA estimates that the crossover’s range is roughly 246 miles. Even with its new inbuilt charger, the I-Pace’s once-slow home charging will still take an hour to add 33 miles. It will charge 80% on a 150 kW DC charger in 40 minutes. Because of its rivals’ more excellent total range, the I-Pace will need to raise its MPG closer to 300 by 2024.
Drivers and passengers will find lots of technology and active safety features within the luxury interior, which is finished in luxurious materials like Windsor leather. Although the interior room is somewhat constrained by the low-slung design, the I-Pace is a comfortable vehicle despite the seats’ tendency to lean more toward solid and supportive than soft. Jaguar’s first EV is an unconventional option among EV crossovers that do need certain concessions, but it’s still sleek and engaging and is far less expensive to purchase.
What’s New?
- The only trim option is still the HSE trim.
- The destination cost has increased slightly to $1,275, and the price has increased slightly to $71,300.
- Officially extended range and quicker charging 246 miles and 33 miles per hour of content.
- There are new metallic paint colours called Eiger Grey and Carpathian Grey available.
- What3words navigation and Alexa voice control are included with wireless Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Performance: Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is a dual-motor EV by default, powered by two electric motors that provide 512 pound-feet of torque and 394 horsepower. The two motors are standard with all-wheel drive. For a large, battery-heavy SUV, the I-Pace can reach 60 mph in roughly 4.5 seconds, which is astounding. Jaguar’s performance excels in this area because of its deft handling and responsive steering. The four driving options—Rain/Ice/Snow, Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic—uniquely affect the suspension settings, throttle tuning, and range. Although it gives up a bit of content from Eco, the dynamic mode is the most interesting and maintains earlier Jaguars’ customary speed and elegance. Although the I-Pace’s AWD traction is remarkable, and its suspension can be adjusted from 5.6 to 7.8 inches, it is not designed for serious off-roading.
The I-Pace employs regenerative braking like most EVs and is designed to be driven chiefly with one foot. However, the feedback may sometimes seem abrupt or inconsistent.
The United States expects a broader variety in 2024 with R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, and R-Dynamic HSE.
Range, power use, and charging
The EPA estimates the I-Pace’s maximum range to be an improved 246 miles. This is still superior to the 208-mile range of the Audi e-tron, but it falls well short of the 260-mile range of the Polestar 2 Dual Motor and the 290-mile range of the Mustang Mach-E Extended. All pale in comparison to the 330-mile range of the Tesla Model Y. In addition, according to the EPA, the I-Pace will get 89 MPGe in the city, 82 MPGe on the highway, and 85 MPGe overall, which is a gain but still less than most rivals except for the e-tron, which struggles to achieve 73 MPGe combined. The 2024 model will have an increased range, increasing its charge to approximately 300 miles and making it more competitive.
On a 150 kW fast charger, the I-Pace can charge to 80% in under 40 minutes; however, it will take somewhat longer on a 50 kW charger. Even at home, this automobile demands slowly. When plugged into a 240 volt 30 amp charger, the vehicle predicted that a full charge from 44% would take more than 9 hours. The new-for-2022 11 kW onboard charger reduced home 240 volt Level 2 charging from 12.6 to 8.6 hours.
Safety and driver support technology:
The I-Pace loses points in our review since it has not undergone evaluations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) awarded it a five-star overall rating in 2018. This EU institution conducts testing similar to IIHS and NHTSA.
Jaguar has many active safety elements in the I-Pace, including the crash structure and passive safety systems. They include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, safe exit aid, automated emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a driver condition monitor. Although the I-Pace’s adaptive cruise is faultless, its lane-centering system sometimes seems too aggressive.
Comfort and Space
The inside of the I-Pace is upscale and comfortable thanks to the top-of-the-line HSE as the standard. Legroom in the back seats is the one significant drawback, but the back passengers should still feel comfortable. The I-Pace’s 35 inches of rear legroom is narrower than the Mach-E, XC40 Recharge, or Tesla Y (the class leader) but better than the Polestar 2 and the Polestar 2. Even so, a 6-foot person may ride comfortably in the rear, and there is enough space for kid seats, with the front seats set for drivers who are a little over 6 feet tall.
After eight or nine hours, the solid-feeling front seats may not be as comfy. Still, both the front and back seats can be heated (the front seats are also ventilated), and the interior can be virtually customized for each passenger with four-zone temperature control.
Infotainment: Jaguar I-Pace
A smaller 5.5-inch display stores the temperature settings, and a 10-inch top screen controls the freshly revised infotainment system. Although it’s easy to learn and intuitive, the inputs sometimes seem sluggish. Thankfully, the system still has a few physical controls, and the HVAC settings are controlled via push-pull-twist knobs.
A free 4G internet plan, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 825-watt Meridian sound are included with every I-Pace. What3words navigation and Amazon Alexa voice control are also included as standard.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The I-Pace has a load volume of 23.2 cubic feet behind the back seats and 54.1 with the rear seats folding. This sits in the center of the field: It trails the Tesla Y and Mustang Mach-E, puts it on par with the Audi, and outperforms the XC40 and Polestar 2 by a wide margin. Although the I-Pace’s sloped rear side reduces the space that may be used, there is still enough room for a full-fledged shopping binge that includes some big-box products.
The areas for storing little items are neatly designed and simple to utilize. A front trunk, or “frunk,” is present, although it is so tiny that it is only usable for a few cables.
Design: Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace, Jaguar’s first all-electric car, has a distinctive appearance and name. But while being packaged in a reasonably contemporary manner, it nevertheless uses many classic brand motifs. Although sleek and low-slung, it is a crossover. It has the same perplexing posture as the Polestar 2 and might pass for a large hatchback or a compact SUV, but it looks fantastic wherever you park it.
Black accents may make some white, silver, and red variants appear bolder than monochromatic alternatives that feel more wallflower-like. New premium metallic satin colors seem like massive money for relatively modest colors ($7,450 for Eiger Grey and Carpathian Grey).
The I-Pace’s interior is a testament to its standing as a luxury vehicle, particularly when contrasted to the Tesla Model Y’s basic cabin. The availability of three Windsor leather variations is an excellent touch for the more costly EV.
Is the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace Worth it?
For those who struggle to make decisions, the 2023 I-Pace lineup is simple: the $71,300 HSE is the best option by default. Despite the I-Pace’s sporty, attractive looks and competitive performance, there are better alternatives in the increasingly congested electric crossover market.
The internal space of the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the hatchback shape of the Polestar 2 are well combined in the Jaguar, but both provide greater power, a comparable range, and stable performance for less money. The Polestar 2 Dual Motor costs $52,600 to purchase. Although the Jaguar is a better performance with finer inside materials, the higher-spec Kia EV6 cars are also range-forward choices with luxury-adjacent aesthetics ($61,600 for the top version). Although it costs less ($63,995) and has a more excellent range than the I-Pace, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT doesn’t have the same luxurious feel.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Jaguar I-Pace Cost?
Insurance for the I-Pace is not inexpensive, but many of its rivals are. Our findings show that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate paying an average yearly premium of $3,175 across all 50 states. The Audi e-tron costs $3,530, the Volvo XC40 Recharge $2,789, the Tesla Model Y $3,144, and the Polestar 2 $2,784 (US). Less expensive EVs include the Mustang Mach-E.
Verdict
In terms of appearance, the Jaguar I-Pace will make a massive comeback in 2023. Choosing an all-electric Jaguar is simple since the once-top-spec HSE is still the sole trim. The 2024 model will be more powerful and have a smoother front end. However, it is now sporting the 2022 redesigns (such as enhanced infotainment and navigation capabilities, quicker at-home charging, and standard driver-assist gear). The I-Pace is essentially unchanged from when it made its 2019 premiere, no matter how you look. It still has a distinctively electric Jaguar appearance and feels, but it’s still a pricey, opulent choice as more accessible and competent EVs take over the market.
