The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace is now ranked as number one among luxury compact SUVs, luxury crossover SUVs and even electric and hybrid SUVs. Jaguar practically proved the fact that it can launch a vehicle that is battery electric while also being polished, comfortable and thrilling, all while offering 240 miles with an electric charge.
We are faced with an SUV that is near-silent when accelerating, offering exhilarating driving dynamics, an all-electric range and an elegant cabin with enough space. The only real con that we can highlight is the fact that the infotainment system is often slow in response and is sometimes wonky.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace – An Excellent SUV
This crossover is really fun to drive, a really well-rounded electric vehicle. You need to be nitpicking to find performance faults. This is why the only conclusion possible is that, if you can afford it, this SUV is one you want to consider buying. It can even go off road as it is helped by AWD and adaptive air suspension.
I-Pace comes with a sticker price that starts at around $70,000. This is definitely more than most of the luxury compact SUVs. If you cannot afford it, the Audi Q5 stands out as a more performance-oriented budget alternative, one cheaper by around $30,000. The top of the line I-Pace First Edition costs around $86,000.
Some Comparisons
- Tesla Model X vs Jaguar I-Pace
These two are market leaders in luxury hybrid vehicles. Tesla has a huge notoriety, with many interesting features available, but is also larger, offering 7 seats. When you do not need extra space, the I-Pace is definitely a better choice.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e vs Jaguar I-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is instant opulence, with an interior that simply screams out refinement. Seats are sumptuous, with standard materials like linden wood inside the cabin. The hybrid powertrain is also polished but the all-electric range is just 9 miles. For the rest of the trip you need go deal with 74 miles per gallon. Jaguar offers a sportier performance if you are willing to trade the flashy interior.
- Jaguar E-Pace vs Jaguar I-Pace
It is not that fair to compare the two, although many want to do it. E-Pace is not as roomy, smaller, with a polar opposite powertrain. E-Pace has 2 gasoline engines. They do not offer the torque that the electric motors of the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace offers. The only reason to opt for E-Pace is the price.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace Interior
As a passenger, you have enough space. You have enough legroom and kneeroom as an adult, even in the back. All materials are delightful but some reviewer will tell you that driver outward visibility is not as great as it could be.
Most of the interior is exactly what you would expect from Jaguar: elegant. There is ambient lighting, plush synthetic leather seats, and panoramic sunroof as standard features. Upgrades include Windsor leather seats, surround sound system, illuminated metal door sills and suede headliner.
Rear seats offer 60/40 split, in the event that you need to take them down, resulting in a maximum cargo space of 51 cubic feet, with 25.3 cubic feet as the standard cargo hold. You do get more space with other luxury compact SUVs.
In regards to interior technology, we should get cutting edge, with the first ever attempt to include the taunted InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, one that is similar to what we see in Range Rover Velar. Navigation system allows you to see charging stations that are on the way and range is estimated based on how you drive the car. However, not all features work as smoothly as they should. The menu layouts are really complex and input response is slow.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace Performance
I-Pace, although battery-powered, is exhilarating, quiet and quick. There are 2 electric motors available, with 394 hp. They can take the SUV up to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. The energy-based driving range is impressive. Based on charger, it can take between 1 hour and 10.1 hours to charge the battery up to 80%.
When you drive the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace on the highway, you can expect polished, composed and quite agile performance. There is a present regenerative braking system allowing you to set light regen brake. This means the I-Pace manages to mimic coasting we regularly see with gas SUVs. Alternatively, you can go for aggressive regen brakes that are better for city cruising.
What is interesting is that every single Jaguar I-Pace features AWD. This offers some useful light off-roading power. With the air suspension system, the vehicle can be raised, allowing you to even go through a water level of 20 inches.
The length of the SUV is 15.4 feet, with gross weight of 5,886 pounds. It is not recommended to tow anything with the SUV though, according to Jaguar.
2019 Jaguar I-Pace Reliability And Safety
We do not yet know a reliability score for the SUV but we know that the warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. The warranty for the battery is higher, 8 years and 100,000 miles. During warranty period, you receive complimentary scheduled maintenance. We also do not have test results issued by the NHTSA or IIHS.
What we do know is that 2019 Jaguar I-Pace offers many interesting safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, parking assist, rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors and lane keep assist. Some of the optional safety features available are head-up display, stop-and-go, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
Conclusions
The Jaguar I-Pace comes in 4 trims: S, SE, HSE and the beautiful First Edition. Battery size and mechanical components are always the same. Your choice will be done based on budget and preferred luxury level. No matter what you choose, we have to praise Jaguar for a really good battery electric vehicle. It is attractive for so many types of people. Although you will need to deal with a learning curve as you get used to the technology and its bugs, on the whole, this is a stellar electric SUV.
Images from: Jaguar USA
