Review and Test Drive: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE
The large battery promises a range of 234 miles (376 kilometers) but that also translates into a long charging time, even with 240-volt service. A DC fast charger will bring the battery to an 80% charge in 40 minutes but DC fast chargers aren’t quite as prevalent as Tesla’s supercharging network.
The cabin is library quiet and the Jag’s Meridian Surround System with Trifield technology from British audio company Meridian delivered a concert-hall experience on four wheels, including clear, crisp highs and full, deep bass.
One thing that differentiates one EV from the next is the feedback the driver gets from the regenerative braking system, which charges the battery when the brakes are applied. The factory setting for the system doesn’t overly aggressively slow the I-Pace, which gives it the feeling of driving an internal-combustion motorcar. It’s possible to change the setting to make the braking more aggressive but that noticeably changes the I-Pace’s driving characteristics.
Finally, the Jag comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance technologies including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. On higher trim levels such as the HSE adaptive radar cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are standard and performed admirably in our tests.
BOTTOM LINE
The Jaguar I-Pace has grace and poise and heralds the future of not only the storied Jaguar brand as we enter this brave new world of electric-powered driving but what one may hope the future of the new age of the automobile has in store for us as well.
THE DETAILS
2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE | |
Base price/price-as-tested | $80,500/$85,225 |
Drivetrain | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
Engine / Battery | 2 permanent magnet synchronous electric motor / 90 kWh |
Horsepower/Torque | 394 / 512 |
Curb weight (lbs) | 4,784 |
Wheelbase (inches) | 78.7 |
Length x width x height(inches) | 184.3 x 74.6 x 61.3 |
0-60 mph (seconds) (est.) | 4.5 |
Range (mpg) | 234 |
Top Speed (mph) | 124 |
(Photos: Accura Media Group)