Jaguar I-Pace – all-electric SUV concept breaks cover

Jaguar’s decision to participate in the Formula E race series was a statement of intent that electrification will be imbued in its future models, and the new I-Pace concept is a preview of the company’s first electric car, which will arrive as a series production model in 2018.

Touted as “one of the most visually arresting concepts ever produced by Jaguar,” the I-Pace certainly looks like a relative of the F-Pace, albeit more futuristic in appearance. Being a concept, not all of the design cues seen here will be present in the final production model, but according to Jaguar design director Ian Callum in a report by Top Gear, the end product is pretty close to this. The fact that Jaguar opted not to use the C-X concept prefix here is also another indicator.

Which is pretty reassuring because the I-Pace is visually arresting from the outside, featuring a blend of sharp angles, along with elements from current Jaguar models such as the F-Type, XE, XF, and of course, the F-Pace. Conceptual bits here include the slim side mirrors, recessed door handles, large 23-inch “Nighthawk” wheels and the techno-inspired roof.

Diving into the other exterior details, the I-Pace has many unique ones, like the aerodynamic bit on the hood, sleek headlamps (with DRLs), a rear diffuser, rear wing, and something of particular interest – a light feature on the charging port cover. Oh, that shape also contributes to a drag coefficient figure of just 0.29.

Speaking of charging, plugging in the I-Pace to a 50 kW DC charger will see the 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack be charged to 80% in just 90 minutes. Said battery pack is a liquid-cooled, and consists of 36 modules encased within an aluminium housing. Each module uses nickel-cobalt-manganese chemistry for their high energy density and ability to maintain a higher current for longer.

Mounted at the floor of the car’s “skateboard” platform, the battery pack is linked to a sophisticated battery management system and electric motors mounted on both axles. The key figures are a 500+ km range on a single full charge (NEDC cycle), 400 PS/700 Nm worth of output from the electric motors, and a 0-96 km/h time (0-60 mph) time of around four seconds.

Aside from supplying the power needed for such performance figures, the battery pack also helps to make the I-Pace pretty practical as well. Combined with the cab-forward design, there’s 2,989 mm of wheelbase, meaning loads of interior space and 530 litres worth of luggage space. The lack of an internal combustion engine at the front also allows for additional stowage space.

Speaking of the interior, the I-Pace “is the first Jaguar to usher in a new interior design language focusing on features that blend digital craftsmanship with mechanical precision.” From the driver’s seat, there’s plenty of digital displays to look at, starting with the one that occupies the instrument binnacle that can be configured to display a wide variety of information.

Next up is the main touchscreen on the dashboard, providing primary access to the car’s infotainment system. This is supported by a secondary touchscreen just below it, allowing occupants to configure other settings, along with rotary dials with displays enclosed within them, ala Audi TT.

Other enjoyable items include capacitive switches on the steering wheel, which are hidden-until-lit and feature a “micro-click” haptic feedback when pressed, as well as ergonomically-placed transmission controls on the raised centre console.

As mentioned at the start, the I-Pace will evolve into a production car that will hit roads in 2018, ready to take on the Tesla Model X. Jaguar says it will be a “five-seater sports car, a performance car, a family car and an SUV all in one.” What is your impression on Jaguar’s concept?

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