The future has already arrived in the automotive world and, even though it is not a reality for the vast majority of consumers, this includes electric cars. Among them, the Jaguar I-Pace 2023 has many reasons to stand out. This was the brand’s first 100% electric model, arriving in EUA with an SUV/crossover look, space for five occupants and performance worthy of a sports car. And it didn’t take long for the brand to see its potential, as in its first year its global sales rose 12.3%, while the brand’s overall numbers fell by 23%. The first information about the brand new Jaguar I-Pace appeared between the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, when the brand started showing its conceptual version (image above).
It was exhibited at the Los Angeles Salon and later at the Geneva event, in the latter painted in a striking red color.
The interesting and exciting detail for electric car enthusiasts was clear: the beautiful concept version looked very similar to what would actually hit the streets soon.
The anticipation surrounding this launch was so high that Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum said the new I-Pace was the brand’s most important model since the E-Type.
For those who doubted that the street model would be the same as the I-Pace Concept, still in 2017 Jaguar announced that 80% of the prototype appeared in the final car. And this was proven in its worldwide launch, which took place in 2018.
Although the Jaguar I-Pace was a milestone among electric SUVs, and that this was possible on the technical side, it’s hard not to start talking about this model for its visual part.
The front of the English model is very aggressive, with a cut-out bumper and a large grille. There are also the so-called Active Vanes, active fins that manage the air flow to improve aerodynamics.
It works as follows: the air enters as it does in a combustion car, but instead of cooling the engine (which does not exist here), it exits through another opening in the hood, increasing the downforce at the front.
The headlights complement this sporty look with LED stripes that follow the bonnet creases and the undulating beltlines on the sides. All of which backed up Jaguar when it said the concept model would form the basis of the final car.
Looking at its sides, the Jaguar I-Pace 2023 continues to display very characteristic details, such as the wide wheelhouses (with 20 rims), higher beltline and shortened hood.
This style prioritizes internal space, giving the electric a large SUV space (even though it is from a category below) and generous 656 liters in the trunk (or 1,453 liters with the seats folded down).
Also, you may have noticed that the door handles are hidden in the bodywork.
Finally, its rear continues with the muscular lines seen in the rest of the bodywork, with lanterns that invade the sides, well inclined glass and lines a little more discreet than the front.
Overall, we can say that the Jaguar I-Pace was designed to have excellent aerodynamics. It has a Cx of 0.29 and pneumatic suspension that lowers the body by 1 cm above 105 km/h, even though it is already 13 cm lower than the F-Pace.
It measures 4,682 mm in length, 2,011 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,990 mm, showing that it is an SUV with a smaller height and that prioritizes internal space. On the other hand, it is heavy: 2,208 kg. But that’s not all this electric model has to offer, as its level of technology is also impressive.
Entering the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace is a unique experience for anyone not used to the brand’s cars. The quality of the finish and materials is a high point, as well as the number of screens on the panel.
The InControl Touch Pro Duo multimedia system, for example, has two screens (10 and 5.5 inches) and concentrates many vehicle functions, something already known within the group.In addition to touch sensitivity, it still has several physical buttons to control ventilation, sound system volume and other commands. Some prefer this style, which appears to be more ergonomic.The driving position is another highly praised point, both for the seat height (between a sedan and an SUV) and for the steering wheel footprint, which seems to be the ideal size. But the fact that it is an electric SUV brought other news to the cabin of the Jaguar I-Pace. One of them is the increase in the number of compartments, since it does not have a central tunnel.
In addition, all occupants travel comfortably and with more space, in addition to taking advantage of leather or suede seats. Speaking of the seats, they are electric (front) and can still have heating (including the rear) and cooling.It also comes (as standard or as an option) with a color head-up display, aluminum finish, four-zone A/C, digital panel, among other technology and comfort equipment.As for safety, the I-Pace offers lane keeping assistant, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detector, parking assistant and rear cross traffic warning.The list continues with front, rear and side parking sensors, blind spot monitor, adaptive autopilot and 360º cameras, remembering that some of these items are optional.