#JaguarElectrifies: Jaguar's all-new I-Pace is breathtakingly beautiful

Ian Hoban, vehicle line director of the Jaguar I-Pace, says “The Jaguar I-Pace is the complete package. Breathtaking design and innovative engineering combine to deliver thrilling EV performance, SUV practicality and zero emissions.”

What's so breathtaking, you ask?

I must agree with Hoban, at first glance, the vehicle is astonishingly breathtaking, but not so much futuristic as I expected, however, it's slick and definitely modern with its dramatic lines causing you to stop and stare, and take a look again!

Being on trend is important and right now, the SUV seems to be a big trend in South Africa.

As you may be aware, some SUV's seem to appear bulky, but this wasn't the case with this vehicle. Its standard dimensions come at a long wheelbase of 2,990mm with an overall length of 4,682mm, giving the vehicle a similar stance to the Jaguar F-Pace.

Its sleek, coupe-like silhouette is reportedly influenced by the Jaguar C-X75 supercar with a short, low bonnet, aero-enhanced roof design and curved rear screen. This cab-forward design contrasts with its squared-off rear, which helps reduce the drag coefficient to just 0.29Cd. To optimise the balance between cooling and aerodynamics, Active Vanes in the grille open when cooling is required, but close when not needed to redirect air through the integral bonnet scoop, making airflow smooth.

What's highly noticeable is the flush door handles, which keeps the clean and modern look, and I've been told that this contributes to the superb aerodynamics. What's impressive, is that the handles only appear at the push of a button or when the handles are touched.

Jaguar’s new Matrix LED lighting technology emphasises the clean lines of the I-Pace, resulting in compact headlights that incorporate Jaguar’s trademark double-J graphic with sweeping indicators.

Let's step inside

Once you step inside, you really get the feel of a futuristic SUV, with a lot of attention to detail. The interior is smooth and clean with state-of-the-art functionality.

It features an advanced Touch Pro Duo ‘flight deck’ infotainment combined with a floating centre console, which I think other manufacturers are set to follow. It's vibrant HD displays, touchscreens and capacitive switches are easy to use and also offers rotary controllers for a more engaging experience.

I must admit, I am always hesitant when it comes to space inside the vehicle as you don't see it from the outside, but the Jaguar I-Pace has a generous interior, offering 890mm of rear legroom and includes great stowage areas. With no transmission tunnel in the centre of the car, there is room for a 10.5l compartment in the centre console for phones, keys and some of your smaller belongings.

Trays under the rear seats also provide perfect storage for tablets and laptops - in those moments you just need to hop out int to the store. The rear luggage compartment has a capacity of 656l, which is larger than the standard SUV, and when seats folded flat, capacity increases to 1,453, making this ideal for those long road trips.

I must add, despite the sloping roofline, there is, in fact, plenty of headroom (968mm), luckily for someone as short as me, this isn't a problem. But with the sloping roofline, the shape provides an even sportier look not deterring from the comfortable driving position or even compromising any space in the cockpit.

What was incredible for me, was the panoramic roof, which allows so much more light inside and gives you the feeling of additional space. However, this comes optional.

It's obvious that the materials have been carefully chosen to provide a blend of natural finishes and high-tech surfaces. including deep piano black, satin wood grain and precision-machined aluminium. The colours emphasise the sense of space and lightness inside, while the option of slimline performance seats further enhances the sports car feel of the I-Pace interior and therefore removes the bulky feeling. I must admit that this really adds to the overall driving experience.