Jaguar I-Pace review

Tech and features

Unlock the I-Pace, allow the fancy handles to pop out from the doors, step inside and you’ll find a very futuristic-looking interior.

The dashboard features quality materials (some models even have wood) that feel great to the touch.

The Jaguar's dash features slim air vents and a responsive 10-inch touchscreen.

This allows a couple of smartphones to connect simultaneously and enjoy the Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features.

Beneath this, you’ll find another screen and dials for the ventilation system, plus physical buttons for the gearbox and suspension/traction control.

A digital panel sits in front of the driver and some cars have an optional digital rear-view camera and more cameras that give you a 3D view of your surroundings.

The main touchscreen isn’t quite as responsive as Tesla’s but it’s intuitive and the sound system is impressive – some cars have an upgraded Meridian 3D surround sound system.

Driving position

It’s easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat, with base S trim giving you some electric adjustment.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive and the rear will accommodate a couple of tall adults quite happily.

There’s room for a third, central, rear passenger, but this seat isn’t as comfortable. Unlike the Tesla Model X, there’s no option for an extra pair of rear seats.

Electric motors and power

A two-tonne SUV doesn’t sound like it’d be that fun to drive, yet this electric whizz shifts from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph, where allowed, of course.

The best thing about electric cars is that they have oodles of shove the moment you press the accelerator pedal.

There’s no hesitation when pulling out of a junction or joining a roundabout - and this is a Jag that has no trouble accelerating down a slip road onto a motorway.

Handling and ride comfort

Even better, the I-Pace handles very well for such a heavy car, with little body lean in corners, steering that inspires confidence and strong brakes that harvest kinetic energy and feed it back into the battery.

Standard cars come with conventional suspension and higher trims bring air suspension and larger alloy wheels.

Storage solutions

You’ll find loads of storage options for your odds and ends in the I-Pace.

There’s a deep bin beneath the armrest between the front seats, door bins front and rear, a glovebox, trays in the centre console for your phones and even storage trays beneath the rear seats.

Boot spacae

The boot is large and well-shaped, with enough room for a few suitcases.

The rear seatbacks are split 60/40 (or 40/20/40 on some cars) and fold virtually flat to create a huge load area.

Some I-Paces have an electrically assisted boot lid that allows you to open and close it hands-free.

There’s also a small storage area under the bonnet, which is handy for stowing the charging cables.

Range

Although the I-Pace’s official range is around 290 miles, in reality, it’s closer to 200.

This is still more than enough for most people’s needs, especially if you have a wall box installed at home.

One of these will fully charge the I-Pace overnight while a three-pin socket will take more than 24 hours.

The fastest public chargers will replenish the battery in around an hour, and the I-Pace is limited to 100kW which is less than most of its rivals.

There are a variety of other charging options throughout the UK and the I-Pace’s sat-nav will show you where they are.