We drove Jaguar's new $70,000 I-PACE electric crossover SUV to see if it's ready to take on the Tesla Model X
Business Insider had the chance to take a production I-PACE around a small, autocross-style track that Jaguar Land Rover put together at its new North American headquarters in Mahwah, New Jersey.
The course features a series of smart cones that uses lights to direct the driver around a constantly changing track. No two drivers will encounter the same set of turns on a run. It's a pretty novel idea.
But first, a look around the I-PACE. The Jag is a handsome creature — something we have come to expect from the company's design team, led by the legendary Sir Ian Callum. (He hasn't officially been knighted yet, but we're hoping it happens.)
Unlike most EVs, Jaguar decided to keep the brand's signature front grille. This is not merely for show. There are radiators back there to cool components like its massive battery pack. The top part of the grille also ducts air through the large hood vent, thereby helping with the car's aerodynamics.
The I-PACE utilizes a design principle called cab forward, which pushes the cabin towards the front of the car while moving the wheels to the far corners. This gives the driver a commanding view of the road while maximizing cabin space.
According to Callum, the squared-off rear end is there for aerodynamics.
The Austrian-built I-PACE is also riding on some seriously cool 22-inch wheels.
But it's the cabin that really shines.
In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch TFT digital readout.
The center stack features a 10-inch and ...
... a 5.5-inch secondary touchscreen. There is also a pair of multi-function rotary knobs with built-in displays.
The materials, as well as the interior-build quality, both felt solid.
Between the seats is a massive storage compartment. Open up the lid, and you'll find room for pretty much whatever you want. Word on the street is it'll fit two bottles of wine.
Here's a prettier photo of the Jag's cabin.
With the entire cabin pushed forward, designers were able to create more room for the back seat passengers. As a result, there's plenty of head and leg room for folks riding out back.
Alright. It's time to drive.
Stomp on the gas, and the I-PACE can really boogie. Not Tesla ludicrous boogie, but fast enough to be a lot of fun. On the tight course, the Jag proved to be quite the nimble performer. Again, not Porsche Cayman nimble, but pretty darn good for a roughly 5,000-pound electric SUV.
At the end of my drive, I found myself intrigued by what the I-PACE could become. Based on my short time with the Jag, I can't really see it as a direct rival to the Model X. It's much smaller, less powerful, and less insane.
However, I can see the I-PACE as a complement to the Model X. In fact, I can see the Jag as a viable option for electric SUV shoppers who aren't bowled over by the Tesla's six-figure price tag, crazy doors, and supercar-shaming acceleration. Once the poster child of old-world British charm, Jaguar is now a brand marching towards the future with aplomb. And the I-PACE is leading the way.
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