2023 Jaguar I-Pace Expert Review
Reviewed by Willis Kuelthau
If the 2023 I-Pace is an early sign of Jaguar's electric future, consider us excited. As fun to look at as it is to drive, the I-Pace proves that brand identity doesn't have to die in the crossover craze. Although its range falls short of segment leaders, the I-Pace has enough personality to win our hearts anyway.
What's New
- Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless charging now standard
- New exterior paint and wheel options
What We Think
The Jaguar I-Pace is one of the most enjoyable compact crossovers to drive, electric or otherwise. Handling is stable, agile, and precise. The electric powertrain delivers gobs of torque with smile-inducing immediacy.
The I-Pace looks the part, too. Although the shape is a long way from the sedans and convertibles that defined Jaguar's 20th-century design, we called it one of the most original automotive designs in years after we first saw it. Add in a luxurious interior and electric efficiency, and you have a package worthy of a 2019 SUV of the Year finalist nod.
The I-Pace's flaws are twofold. One is range—the I-Pace failed to reach its 234-mile EPA range in our testing, which is a serious disadvantage when competitors can go more than 300 miles between charges. The second is price. The I-Pace is limited to a single expensive trim in the U.S., which makes it a bit of a value in terms of content but still means its base MSRP above $70,000 starts above EV SUVs from Audi, Tesla, and Volvo.
If you don't often take road trips and don't mind its 100-kW max charging speed, however, the I-Pace is a uniquely beautiful, efficient, and enjoyable way to get around.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The I-Pace's electric powertrain carries over unchanged to the 2023 model year. A 90-kWh battery powers two motors, one at each axle. Total output comes to 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque, which compares favorably to rivals like the Audi E-Tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge. In our testing, the I-Pace beat Jaguar's estimates and turned in an impressive 0-60-mph time of 4.0 seconds flat.
The EPA hasn't rated the I-Pace since the 2021 model year, when it earned a combined rating of 76 mpg-e. Total range is an estimated 234 miles, which is decent for the class but not enough to make road trips easy. The clear segment leader remains the Tesla Model Y, which gets 122 mpg-e for up to 330 miles.
The First of Many
Jaguar upped the EV ante when it declared that its entire range would be electric by 2025. If it keeps its word, that will make Jaguar one of the first manufacturers to convert entirely to electric power.
The I-Pace is a promising sign of what's to come, but Jaguar will need to up its game to take on established EV brands like Tesla. Until fast-charging abilities and national infrastructure improve, range is a primary concern for EV buyers. Industry leaders like the Tesla Model Y and Lucid Air can travel hundreds of miles further than the I-Pace. As Jaguar's new models land, we'll be keeping a close eye on range expectations.
Safety Ratings and Features
Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA currently rate any Jaguar models, including the I-Pace. Standard safety tech is befitting of the I-Pace's premium price. The kit includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention monitoring.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The I-Pace is spacious up front, but the second row has less legroom than competitors like the Audi E-Tron. Cargo capacity is average for the class.
Cargo space (behind first/second rows):
- 2023 I-Pace: 53.6/25.3 cubic feet
- 2022 E-Tron: 56.4/28.5 cubic feet
Legroom (first/second rows):
- 2023 I-Pace: 40.9/35 inches
- 2022 E-Tron: 40.8/39.1 inches
Technology
The I-Pace's single trim includes Jaguar's best tech features. A 10-inch touchscreen in the dash handles infotainment, while a lower 5.5-inch touchscreen takes care of climate control and vehicle functions. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displays navigation for the driver. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging comes standard. Wi-Fi compatibility is optional.
Trim Level
In the U.S., the I-Pace is only available in luxurious HSE spec. The list of features is impressive: leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glass, a power liftgate, and tons of screen real estate. The only options left to consider are a cold climate bundle, four-zone climate control, and an adaptive suspension. Since last year, the I-Pace comes with an 11-kW charger, which helps speed up home charging. The I-Pace doesn't leave much room for customization, but its combination of design and luxury makes it hard to complain.
