WE LIKE Dramatic design, smooth performance, balanced ride and handling
WE DON’T LIKE Real-world driving range falls short
Toyota, please note: The future does not have to look ugly. The I-Pace’s superbly executed exterior design may well define Jaguar’s identity in the 21st century as emphatically as the E-Type did in the 20th.
“The I-Pace might be Ian Callum’s masterpiece,” Christian Seabaugh said. “Debate all you want whether it’s an SUV, but it’s arguably the best-looking and most original automotive design in years.” The interior likewise won kudos from judges for design and materials selection, though JLR’s infotainment interface drew criticism for being slow and finicky to use.
There was no argument about the drive experience, however. “Pure joy!” Stefan Ogbac enthused as he stepped out of the electric Jaguar, echoing the sentiments of many of the judges. “It’s a lovely handling machine with instant electric power and torque. There’s next to no body roll and plenty of composure on the turns, excellent high-speed stability, and great steering that’s accurate and precise.”
The I-Pace was easily the fastest of this year’s contenders on the winding road, quicker even than the mighty Mercedes-AMG G 63. Off-road, with its height-adjustable suspension and terrific traction, the Jag handled our sand pits and steep dirt hill better than most.
Concerns over value—and the I-Pace’s real-world driving range falling well short of the claimed 240 miles (without access to Tesla’s Supercharger network)—were the key factors that stopped the I-Pace from becoming our first all-electric SUVOTY. “Never has there been such a philosophical battle for the award,” Frank Markus said as he contemplated the spaceship Jaguar parked next to the old-school Jeep Wrangler. That says it all. It’s the future, now.
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
- Cadillac XT4
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Infiniti QX50
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jeep Cherokee
- Lexus RX L
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Nissan Kicks
- Subaru Ascent
- Toyota RAV4
READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- Buick Regal
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Transit Connect
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Elantra
- Honda Clarity
- Kia Forte
- Lexus ES
- Lexus LS
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Volkswagen Jetta
| 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD HSE | |
| Base Price/As tested | $81,495/$86,895 |
| Power (SAE net) | 394 hp @ 4,250 rpm (comb) |
| Torque (SAE net) | 512 lb-ft @ 0 rpm (comb) |
| Accel, 0-60 mph | 4.0 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 12.6 sec @ 110.5 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 112 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.87 g (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 25.6 sec @ 0.74 g (avg) |
| EPA City/Hwy/Comb | 80/72/76 mpg-e |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-/rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE/TRANSMISSION | 2 147-hp/256-lb-ft electric motors, 394 hp/512 lb-ft combined/1-speed auto |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 4,946 lb (53/47%) |
| WHEELBASE | 117.7 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 184.3 x 74.6 x 59.4-63.2 in |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 42/47 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.00 lb/mile (at vehicle) |
The post Jaguar I-Pace: 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist appeared first on Motor Trend.
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