2019 Jaguar I-PACE: Finally, There Is A Tesla Competitor

Jaguar has announced its first battery electric vehicle, the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE. The Jaguar I-PACE is a mid-size two-row luxury SUV, and will be a legitimate competitor to Tesla’s current line of electric vehicles.

In terms of size, the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE fits between the compact Tesla Model 3 and the full-size Tesla Models S and X. Its overall length is identical to that of the compact Audi Q5 SUV, but its wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) is more than six inches longer.

This translates into more passenger space inside the I-PACE, with the windshield and the front seats moved forward to help achieve this goal. Unfortunately, the I-PACE’s sporty low, sloping roof cuts into overall cargo space. The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE has total of 52 cu. ft. of cargo space with the rear seat folded. This compares to the Audi Q5’s maximum cargo space of 60.4 cu. ft. The I-Pace sacrifices some utility for the sake of style.

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE Is Powerful

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE has a total output of 394 horsepower from its two electric motors, which provide all-wheel drive as standard equipment. This places it right between the single-engine Tesla Model 3 and the dual-engine Model S and X. Zero to 60 mph is a claimed 4.5 seconds. It may not be Ludicrous Speed, but it’s very good for an SUV!

The I-PACE has a very low center of gravity, thanks to the battery pack’s placement low in the chassis. Combined with its 50:50 weight distribution and torque vectoring, the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE should be fun to drive.

State-Of-The-Art Battery And Charging Systems

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE comes with one battery choice, a 90 kWh lithium-ion pack with an estimated range of 240 miles. This puts the I-PACE in the same ballpark as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 with the standard battery, which has not yet gone into the production. The current version of the Model 3 is being produced only with the extra-cost long-range battery, which offers 310 miles of range. Still, 240 miles is enough for most people’s needs, most of the time.

The Jaguar I-PACE can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in just 40 minutes, using a 100-kW DC fast charger. A full charge from a conventional 240V Level 2 charger will take 12.9 hours.

Lots Of Technology In The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE replaces the usual instrument panel with a 12.3” high-definition Interactive Driver Display. This gives you relevant driving information such as speed and charge level, as well as super-sharp, full-screen navigation with 3D mapping, directly in your field of view. An optional heads-up display can project your speed and navigation instructions onto the windshield. Navigation Pro has the option of 2D or 3D maps, with multi-touch gesture control for simple map exploration. It will also track your range, based on speed limits and the topography of the area you are driving through.

The Touch Duo Pro infotainment system in the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE features a 10” touchscreen in the center of the dash. The I-PACE’s Smart Settings feature can remember your favorite media and volume settings, as well as your preferred seat and mirror settings. A smaller 5.5” touchscreen in the center stack includes physical control knobs to adjust the climate settings.

The Jaguar I-PACE’s comes with a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot to keep you connected. The Remote smartphone app keeps you aware of the I-Pace’s charging status, rate of charge, and remaining range. Using the app, you can also lock, unlock, and control other functions on the I-PACE, from anywhere.

A Wide Range Of Driver Assistance Tech

Standard driver assistance technologies on the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE include

• Automatic low-speed emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter
• Driver condition monitor to detect drowsiness
• Lane keep assist
• Rear backup camera
• Park assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Clear exit monitor

Available driver assistance features are: adaptive cruise control with stop and go; high-speed emergency braking; blind spot warning; 360° surround camera; and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

Should You Lease A 2019 Jaguar I-PACE?

If you are considering an I-PACE, leasing is the perfect way to see how you like living with an electric car. Leasing lets you drive a 2019 Jaguar I-PACE for the lowest possible price. After three years, you can move on to another electric vehicle if you liked the I-PACE. And if you decide that a gasoline engine is better for your particular lifestyle, you simply lease a non-electric vehicle when your I-PACE lease expires.

Either way, you do not have to deal with issues like long-term battery life and obsolete technology. Leasing a vehicle means that you are always driving the latest tech, from drive systems to infotainment systems.

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE will be priced from $69,500, and will be available in the US during the second half of 2018. The first batch to land here will be fully-loaded First Edition models, which will sticker at $85,900.