Jaguar I-Pace: Making a big leap


THE Jaguar I-Pace all-electric performance sports utility vehicle (SUV) certainly lives up to its promise of delivering performance, refinement, luxury and agility.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia recently organised a day-long media session with the I-Pace, which is priced from RM460,800 for the Black Edition and RM498,800 for the HSE.

Jaguar_I_Pace_3

It’s also worth noting that the I-Pace Black Edition is now the lowest-priced British big cat from Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, thanks to the government’s tax incentives for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The after-sales package includes a warranty for five years or 150,000km (whichever is first), five years of servicing or 65,000km (whichever is first) and three years of roadside assistance.

Jaguar_I_Pace_4

It also includes complimentary servicing for up to five years or 102,000km as well as a traction battery warranty of eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first).

With a 90kWh battery, the I-Pace is rated for a WLTP (worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure) range of up to 470km.

Jaguar_I_Pace_2

DC quick charging can charge the battery from 0% to 80% in under 40 minutes (100kW).

The I-Pace offers all-wheel drive performance, and tremendous muscle with 400PS and 696Nm of torque which propels it from a standstill to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds.

Jaguar_I_Pace_8

The HSE trim costs RM38,000 more and highlights include get air suspension and adaptive dynamics, upgrade cabin lighting, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, Windsor leather performance seats, and 14-way heated and cooled electric driver memory front seats.

As for the Black Edition, highlights include coil suspension, duo leather sport seats, and 12-way power front seats with memory function.

Jaguar_I_Pace_9

Upon unlocking the car, the door handles extend out.

Inside the cabin, everything looks plush and classy, with high-quality leather upholstery, as well as smooth polished and soft-touch surfaces.

And unlike some of the BEVs and the latest premium fossil-powered European cars that we have seen, the dashboard is not overwhelmed by huge digital displays and touchscreen interfaces.

Jaguar_I_Pace_6

Besides the 12.3-inch digital display for driving data behind the steering wheel, there are two smaller panels (10-inch upper and 5-inch lower touchscreens) in the centre of the dashboard to access navigation, media, phone connection and air-conditioning.

There’s a push start-stop power button, rotary dials and even push buttons for the transmission modes - D, N, R, P and we found this interface set-up to be quite convenient.

Jaguar_I_Pace_5

In the deep storage box between the front seats, there are USB-A, USB-C and 12V sockets, and a Nano SIM card slot.

Rear occupants benefit from two USB-C ports and another 12V socket.

Jaguar_I_Pace_10

A fixed glass panoramic roof allows more sunlight into the cabin, while rear air-conditioning vents on the B pillars cool down occupants.

While there is ample legroom, 1.7-metre rear occupants will find headroom to be tight.

Jaguar_I_Pace_7

Only the HSE trim variants were provided for the media session, and the air suspension provided ample ride comfort as we took a short spin around Cyberjaya.

As expected from the British big cat marque, the I-Pace has a sporty feel and inspires confidence when cornering at speed.

Jaguar_I_Pace_1

The steering feels well-weighted and shod with 20-inch wheels wrapped with grippy Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyres sized 245/50, the I-Pace was an agile creature in motoring through road bends.

There’s no thrilling exhaust roar here, and the five-seater SUV delivers a quiet and refined ride, and at the same time, a rapid pace and an engaging drive when you are in the mood for some thrills.
Tags
Autos Jaguar