Jaguar I-PACE is the Electrified Future We All Deserve
No compromises: Road or track
Jaguar wasn’t kidding when they said the I-PACE can do everything you would ever want it to. Tesla automobiles are infamous for being extraordinarily fast…briefly. When push comes to shove, Tesla’s electric powertrains are prone to overheating under duress. Jaguar designed the I-PACE to take any thrashing drivers can manage. To that end, they arranged for some hot laps at Portimão. With 15 cars and 30 people this was not going to be a cakewalk.
To further ensure that we pushed the I-PACE as hard as possible, racing drivers gave us track siting laps in Jaguar F-TYPE turbos. Not only would this be a tough act to follow dynamically, but after learning the ins and outs of the track, we would be better able to thrash the I-PACE hard.
So, how did it go?
The F-TYPE? Well, it was fabulous on track, which is likely to be a surprise to absolutely no one. After driving the F-TYPE, I was immediately thrust into the I-PACE for true back-to-back lapping. Like I said, a tough act to follow.
The I-PACE is heavy, weighing in at just under 4,800 pounds. That said, almost 30% of that weight is located in the floor. With all those batteries situated down low, the handling is incredible. The I-PACE does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, and other than a slightly soft brake pedal after being hot lapped non stop, the I-PACE was fast, and consistent, lap after lap.
Jaguar knows that people aren’t going to be out there thrashing the I-PACE around a race track, that’s why the F-TYPE exists. However, it shows that these cars are durable, and ready to take whatever abuse you can throw at them. It’s an impressive feat that should not be downplayed.
Final thoughts
Jaguar has built a massive winner with the I-PACE. Buy one.
From the standard I-PACE S all the way to the top trim HSE First Edition, there are no losers in this group. Pick the one that best fits your needs, preferences and budget. That said, if you’re eyeing an I-PACE S, opt for the 20-inch wheels over the standard 18s. The aesthetic upgrade is worth it, in my opinion.
The fit, finish and quality is miles ahead of any Tesla product. It’s not a rolling prototype being sold to the masses, like, for example, the Model 3. This is a fully-baked and ready for prime time automobile that offers an excellent, engaging driving experience, gorgeous looks and the day-to-day refinement and usability that people want and need from an automobile.
Photography for Jaguar Forums by Jake Stumph
Join the Jaguar forums now!
