In true Jaguar fashion, the I-PACE delivers a spirited and engaging driving experience. The 4,800 Jag felt quick and nimble around the narrow roads of Northern New Jersey. The I-PACE launches with great verve up high way on ramps. The strong torque delivery of the dual electric motors gives the Jaguar immediate punch off the line.
While the 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds isn't Tesla quick and won't shame any supercars, it's certainly more than quick enough pretty any situation in everyday life. In fact, it'll outrun many of the compact luxury sedans on the market like the Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C300.
The low center of gravity created by the large below-cabin battery pack gives the I-PACE a solid and planted feel around corners. It's handling prowess is helped by its near-perfect weight distribution, air suspension, and torque vectoring system. I'm not saying it'll handle like a Boxster, but it does very well for a relatively heavy crossover SUV.
In eco-mode, the Jaguar's regenerative braking system will work to harvest energy to recharge the battery pack. This effectively allows the I-PACE to be driven using a single pedal.
The I-PACE also emits an artificial engine noise as you drive along. Something, I initially found to be a bit odd but grew to like.
According to Jaguar, the I-PACE is designed to go off-road. However, we weren't able to explore that part of its personality. However, the less than stellar 5.6 inches of ground clearance will likely limit the I-PACE's off-road prowess.