Is it an SUV? Is it a crossover? Is it a sportscar? How about all three? Jaguar's I-PACE is rarely seen in the wild. In fact, I'd never seen one in the flesh, but had always admired pictures of it. What is it? The I-PACE is Jaguar's all-electric model, and despite having been introduced back in 2018, it hasn't appeared to have had much impact with South Africans, because they've not really bought them.
The model got a refresh in 2023 — the mesh grille was replaced to replicate many other pure electric models, new bumpers front and rear, and emblem and embellishment colour changes — and really, the design has only grown in appeal. It is a seriously sexy vehicle. Fitted with Jaguar Land Rover's incredible terrain-response system and infotainment and instrument modules, the I-PACE is incredibly easy to navigate, although the gear selector buttons take some getting used to.
It's giving Aston Martin circa 2000s. How fast is it? Electric vehicles are already heavy, due to the massive batteries they need to lug around, and the I-PACE also has the hefty AWD system and its accoutrements as well, but you'd never say from how nimble it is. It feels light and athletic.
And boy is it fast. The electric motor puts out the equivalent of 294kW and 512Nm and despite its hefty weight is exactly as fast as it sounds. Remember, with electric cars, the torque is immediate.
It'll do 100km/h in under 5 seconds...
4.8 to be exact. That's Porsche and Mercedes-Benz AMG territory.
Is it worth it? T.
