Jaguar I-PACE is the Electrified Future We All Deserve
Electrifying: On and off road
After driving through Southern Portuguese towns, and on the freeway, the roads began to narrow, and, eventually, there were no more roads. Jaguar designed the I-PACE as a truly no-compromise SUV. To that end, it was time to see what happens when the going gets rough.
I-PACE features Jaguar’s Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) system, which affords it much more off-road capability than one might expect. To put the I-PACE to the test, Jaguar devised a tricky route which involved water crossings, loose gravel and a hill climb. Time to really test Jaguar’s no-compromise attitude.
First up was the I-PACE HSE rocking the optional 22-inch rollers. Even with the admittedly on-road wheel and tire setup, the I-PACE was non-fussed going through dirt roads and fjording a small water way.
Next came the daunting hill climb.
Other than a bit of wheel slip, likely more a function of the 22-inch Summertime rubber, again, the I-PACE was nonplussed. That is, until a spotter on the hill told us to stop on the steepest part of the hill. The Jaguar rep reached inside and poked a few buttons on the AdSR system, activating crawl control. This system allows you to set a speed and have the car sort everything out for you. Usually, this technology is reserved for more hardcore off-roaders. So, how will it work in this indefatigable EV?
Up, up and up we go. The Jaguar I-PACE offers multiple views, including a birds eye to showcase clearances and approaching obstacles. With the crawl control set to 4 MPH we soldered on. Eventually, we ascended to the peak of the Portuguese mountainside. Looking down into the valley was a beautiful sight. Untamed Earth rolled through the hills before blending into a massively large dome. That’s an autodrome. Our next stop: Portimão race circuit.
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