06/05/2022 The Jaguar iPace Black Edition 400p AWD is still one of the best looking electric cars you can buy. The Austrian built EV has been around for a while in EV terms (2018), but good design can take the years well. The latest ‘Black Edition’ is a handsome blend of extra black detailing, big black alloys and extra value equipment that will keep the big EV relevant as the competition ramps up.
The five seat ‘400’ has a large 90kWh (84kWh net) rechargeable battery. There is a clue in the name to let observers know there is a healthy 400hp combined output that powers all four wheels to varying degrees – as traction requires. The torque figure is a meaty 696nm. The iPace features dual electric motors and an electronically controlled all wheel drive set up that delivers excellent traction and general grip. The sprint form 0-100km takes 4.8 seconds and top speed is 200km/h. The weighty machine is not overly light on electricity and we average in the mid 20s for kWh consumption (per 100km). Jaguar quotes an optimistic driving range for the iPace from a full charge of up to 470km. The iPace can take up to a 100kW fast charge – this means you can get a circa 5-80% charge in 45 minutes at a rapid charger. An 11kW on-board charger means you can get a little bit more from public slow chargers but this is an area where EV makers have to up their game and fit 22kW on-board chargers to their cars to help drivers using the larger ‘slow’ charger network get the most from their charging time. There is an added cost as these higher capacity on-board chargers need additional cooling and this costs more.
The base price for our test car is €78,400 – the standard space starts at €74,940. New dials for the driver and an improved Pivi Pro infotainment system feature as part of the model’s facelift. The standard added value kit includes: Powered Tailgate/Boot Lid, Charging Cable-Mode 3(Var 2), Two-zone Climate Control, Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) Radio, MeridianTM Sound System, Pivi Pro (Connected),Navigation Pro, Heated, electric, power fold, memory door mirrors with approach lights and auto-dimming driver side Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror, 20″ Gloss Black Alloy Wheels, Black Exterior Pack, Driver and passenger seat memory, Fixed Panoramic Roof, Privacy glass, Solar attenuating windscreen, Premium LED headlights with signature DRL, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter, Driver Condition Monitor, Rear Camera, Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM.
Our car also featured options such as: Caesium Blue paint (€1,140), Electronic Air Suspension (€1,765), Cold Climate Pack €570, Heated Steering Wheel €280, Heated Windscreen €225, Heated Washer Jets €170, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) €290, 12-way heated, electric memory front seats with 2-way manual headrests €440, Front Fog Lights €225 and Carpet Mats €110 and the sticker price rises to €83,615. That is a heap of cash but the car is utterly classy and turns heads for all the right reasons.
Jaguar may lag behind electric rivals is in terms of augmented reality and some other technologies in the iPace… but just look at it… it is still a beauty! Michael Sheridan
