DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA: The future of high performance electric cars is now
If I had to tell you this SUV is green, would you believe me?
WATCH
The Jaguar I-PACE is innovation of the highest order. Two highly sophisticated electric motors with a combined 294kW of power and 696Nm of torque are tucked between the tyres.
Torque on demand – the EV accelerates from 0-100km in 4.8 seconds so first overtake and then put the peddle to the metal. The immediate power is daunting at first but thrilling after a few drives.
The I-PACE is a head-turner. Everything about the EV, both inside and out can only be described as dramatic.
From the nose that curves unexpectedly, to the front lights that could easily be mistaken for frowning eyes, and a body that is cinched at the waist – it’s drama, drama, drama.
It’s unlike any other EV out there.
Getting used to one-pedal driving is strange – essentially you accelerate and once you ease your foot off the accelerator the vehicle gradually slows to a complete halt. And once you get used to, it difficult to unlearn. The concern of how the braking system works for drivers behind you has been solved – because if you’re not using the brake how do you alert other motorists. The SUV has a sophisticated braking system which will activate when regenerative braking mode is set to ‘High’ and the rate of deceleration is high enough. This is to warn following vehicles in the same way as brake lights in a normal vehicle.
The I-PACE has a range of about 470km depending on how you drive it. Jaguar Powerway is a series of 22 charging stations along the N3 between Gauteng and Durban and the N1 between Gauteng and Cape Town to make filling up easier on long road trips.
A shift into dynamic mode will see you gliding over road surfaces but bear in mind that this will dramatically suck up the current.
On a slow charge it takes up to 10 hours to reach 80% and on a fast charge up to 40 minutes.
The I-PACE has dynamic features – flush doorhandles and a dashboard sophisticated enough to rival any flying futuristic vehicle you’ve seen on the big screen. Buttons replace gears because why not – and when you’re sure of where to find all the new technology – it makes driving a dream.
Then there’s the panoramic roof which gives passengers the pleasure of uninterrupted sky views. Jaguar has thrown all its technology and innovation into making this vehicle a cut above the cut above.
This is future of high performance electric vehicles and best of all – it is unapologetically eco-friendly. There are so many intricate features to this magnificent electric beast – like the built in sound for other drivers and the soft beeping sound when you reverse. All this has been added to make this otherwise silent vehicle noticeable to fellow road-users.
It is by no means in the affordable SUV price range but don’t forget to factor the exorbitant cost of petrol into this scenario. It might cost you R500 to charge this vehicle and R1200 if you had to fuel it – if you consider the money you are saving, that is a massive drawcard.
Silence is hard to find in a world filled with so much unfiltered noise – and when its shifted to your driving experience you’ve won at one battle for some peace and quiet.
SPECS:
EXTERIOR FEATURES
- Fixed panoramic roof
- Privacy glass
- Black Exterior Pack
- Premium LED headlights with signature DRL
- Heated, electric, power fold, memory door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming driver side
WHEELS AND TYRES
- 20″ Style 5068, Gloss Black wheels
CHARGING CABLES
- Home charging cable (5 metres)
SEATING AND INTERIOR TRIM
- DuoLeather sport seats
- 12-way electric driver memory front seats with 2-way manual headrests
- 40:20:40 folding rear seats with centre armrest
INFOTAINMENT
- Pivi Pro with 10″ Touchscreen, Navigation1
- Apple CarPlay®2 and Android AutoTM3
- Jaguar Remote App4
DRIVER ASSISTANCE
- Rear Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist
- Driver Condition Monitor
- Lane Keep Assist
PRICE
I-Pace EV400 S: R1 942 600
I-Pace EV400 SE: R2 005 100
I-Pace EV400 HSE: R2 112 300