Reviews of the Jaguar I-Pace

by: Donna Kelly

Donna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.

Jaguar I-PACE Review 2022

When the Jaguar I-PACE launched in 2018, it created a class of its own. The all-electric luxury SUV was the first car to be based on Jaguar's new 'skateboard' architecture, underpinning the future of the brand's EVs, which now includes the E-PACE and F-PACE.

Today, the I-PACE remains one of the best electric cars on sale, thanks to its combination of performance, range, and luxury. Rivals in its class now include the Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC, Tesla Model X, Volvo XC40 Recharge and BMW iX3.

Our Jaguar I-PACE review covers:

• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Jaguar I-PACE Key Features

• Bold exterior style that remains faithful to the dramatic concept model
• Futuristic and plush interior with 10-inch touchscreen
• 90kWh battery and two electric motors for 396bhp, four-wheel drive and 292-mile range
• 505-litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
• Three trim levels, including S, SE and HSE

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The latest generation I-PACE marks a departure in terms of styling from classic Jaguars. Its bold exterior style remains faithful to the concept model, making it stand out on the road thanks to its shorter bonnet, squat, muscular stance, large windows, and short overhangs.  

Inside, things look more familiar. Despite the placement of battery cells beneath the floor, the I-PACE's driving position is excellent, with a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments. Upfront, there's more space than the BMW iX3, but the Audi e-tron and the Tesla Model S offer even more room if required. 

There's plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room at the back for up to three adults, but the relatively small windows and curved roof make it feel a little claustrophobic.

At 505 litres, the I-PACE's boot is impressively roomy, with space enough for a couple of large suitcases or a large pushchair. It beats traditional SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC for space and its wide opening and a small lip make loading in bulky items a breeze. Practicality is improved further by space beneath the boot floor for the charging cable and 60/40 split rear seats.  

Interior and Trims

Thanks to its various digital displays and high-quality materials, the I-PACE's futuristic and plush dashboard delivers the 'wow factor. While its soft-grain leather and soft-touch plastics aren't in the same league as those in Audi and BMW, they are impressive for its class and, on the whole, the I-PACE offers a comfortable environment for driver and passengers. 

Every I-Pace comes with Jaguar's new Pivi Pro infotainment system, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a smaller display on the centre console on SE and HSE models. The system is bright and responsive, making it easy to use however the angle of the screen can make it difficult to see while driving when the sunlight reflects. 

There are three trim levels to choose from, including the S, SE and HSE. 

The entry-level S model comes well-equipped with a sat-nav, DAB radio, cruise control, LED headlights, leather seats, a rear camera and 19-inch alloy wheels. 

The mid-spec SE trim adds premium LED headlights, daytime running lights, a powered tailgate, real leather trim and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range HSE boasts Windsor leather upholstery, matrix LED headlights, a gesture-controlled tailgate, contrasting exterior and interior trim, a surround-sound stereo and 20-inch alloy wheels. 

Power and Performance

The I-PACE is powered by a 90kWh battery and two electric motors for 396bhp and four-wheel drive. 

The car is quick off the mark, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds, but what truly makes the I-PACE stand out from the crowd is its 292-mile range. Charge times vary from 40-minutes using a 100kW charger to 12 hours using a 7kW home charger. 

Out on the road, the Jaguar I-PACE drives more like a sports car than a high-riding SUV. Its heavy underfloor batteries help stop its tall body from leaning excessively in tight corners, and its well-weighted steering makes it genuinely fun to drive.

That said, the BMW iX3 and Mustang Mach-E feel nimbler on twisty country roads and the Tesla Model 3, and Porsche Taycan are still top of the list for driving feedback. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Jaguar I-PACE start from £69,425.00 OTR* or to lease from £776.90 per month.

Thinking of going electric for 2022? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic lease deals on the Jaguar I-PACE, which could make car leasing cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance. 

All our lease deals include road tax, breakdown cover, free mainland GB delivery and the full manufacturer's warranty. We also work with the Jaguar UK franchised dealer network, meaning you can benefit from a great lease price and the trust and reliability that comes from a main dealership. 

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.