Back in January, we noted in this space that there were rumors of an all-electric Jaguar crossover, tentatively called the Jaguar E-PACE. What was rumor has now been solidified as fact, albeit with some small changes. By model year 2019 at the latest, the Andover drivers served by Jaguar Peabody will be able to buy an electric Jaguar crossover. It will be called the I-PACE, and it’s just made its first appearance ahead of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Some expected that the Jaguar I-PACE would be a variant on the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE. That’s not far-fetched, since the new Jaguar crossover has been a runaway critical and commercial success.
However, a combination of practical concerns and possibilities raised by the EV format have resulted in a different-looking crossover that still retains the style and panache we’ve come to expect. The graceful cut of the aerodynamics is a nod to the traditional Jaguar design language. The absence of an internal combustion engine means that the passenger compartment can be pushed forward, giving more rear legroom and cargo space even with a coupe-like roofline.
Thanks to its twin 200 horsepower electric motors, the Jaguar I-PACE makes 400 horsepower. Torque output is expected to be in the 500 lb.-ft. range. Put those numbers together and the promised four second zero-to-sixty time seems plausible. The battery promises an estimated 220 mile range.
More information, pricing, and specifications should become available as the Jaguar I-PACE draws closer to its release date. Even though production doesn’t start ’til 2018, the excitement is already building. While we’re waiting on the next innovation from Jaguar cars, visit Jaguar Peabody at 247 Newbury St in Peabody, MA to see the company’s latest designs and to test drive a new Jaguar car or SUV.
