Jaguar dived into the world of zero emission battery-electric vehicles when it showcased the I-Pace all-electric concept SUV in November 2016. At that time itself, the company said that the all-electric SUV will be making it into production by 2018. Well, it is 2018 and Jaguar is all set to unveil the I-Pace on March 1, 2018.
Jaguar has been extensively testing the car and we've brought you news of this every now and then. From what we've seen lately, the Jaguar I-Pace's exterior similar to the concept that the company showcased in 2016. The all-electric car comes with a sloping bonnet, sleek LED headlamps, honeycomb pattern grille and a wide central airdam. The car also comes with a decent set of alloys and turn light integrated ORVMs. It has been rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperatures from -40 degrees to 40 degrees celcius. With over 1.5 million test miles and a further 11,000 hours of rig simulations completed by more than 200 production prototypes
The I-Pace will sit between the E-Pace and the F-Pace
The cabin too is unique as the dashboard and centre console is largely similar to the concept version, where you get a larger touchscreen display that offers most of the in-car controls, while the power dial and the hazard light button is placed below. The floating design of the centre console is another major highlight of the I-Pace's cabin that comes with a couple of dials and buttons for additional in-car functions. The steering and the upholstery are also similar to what we have seen in the F-Pace and the E-Pace
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said: "Since revealing the I-Pace Concept in 2016, we have been counting down to this moment. The all-electric I-Pace is not only a pioneer within our business, it promises to revolutionise the industry. Never before have I been so excited for a launch - the world is watching with great anticipation and I cannot wait for the world to see everything we have achieved with this car."
The I-Pace is Jaguar's first electric SUV
Most of us want to see what it drives like. The I-Pace comes with two synchronous permanent magnet electric motors at the front and the rear axle which have a combined power output of 395 bhp and makes maximum of 700 Nm of torque. It also features an AWD system. Each electric motor weighs about 38kg. A 0-100 kmph sprint takes less than 5 seconds and the performance SUV will have a range of over 500 km in accordance with New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The 90 kWh lithium-ion batteries can be charged up to 80 per cent in 45 minutes using a 100 kW DC rapid charger. While on paper, everything looks promising, we can't wait to get behind the wheel of this car.
Once it will be revealed on March 1, the I-Pace will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2018 on March 6. The company will also be opening its order books and we expect deliveries to start by the second half of 2018. It is still quite uncertain, whether the jaguar I-Pace has a market in India or not, but considering the Indian Government's plan to have an all-electric fleet by 2030, Jaguar might consider launching the car in Indian as well.
