2024 Jaguar I-PACE

The I-Pace is an all-electric SUV. Yes, there’s an E-Pace whose name might have been better suited to this battery-powered vehicle, but when the I-Pace launched for 2019, everything had some kind of i-prefix. Back then, the I-Pace was one of the first credible alternatives to a Tesla. An electric vehicle (EV) from an established car maker.

A lot of companies have caught up since then and Jaguar hasn’t done much to the I-Pace in the last couple of years. Since the British are known for appreciating irony, they might like this current situation that the once cutting-edge I-Pace must fall back on traditional Jaguar attributes to distinguish itself. These talents include a hugely enjoyable driving experience and a classy cabin.

A heated steering wheel becomes standard in the 2024 I-Pace, along with a black suede-like cloth headliner, and the previously optional Black Exterior Pack. The “grille” goes from black to Atlas Grey. A couple of new paint choices are added. And the sole trim name goes from HSE to R-Dynamic HSE. Beyond 2024, though, things could change quite dramatically, as Jaguar ramps up for an all-electric lineup for 2025 — this would presumably include EV tech that’s more contemporary.

For a closer comparison than just quoting base prices, let’s look at some rival variants with dual electric motors. The Tesla Model Y starts at $48K. The Audi Q4 e-tron begins at $55.2K, with the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2 in that same region. The Lexus RZ 450e comes in at $59K, as does the Genesis GV60. And a dual-motor Cadillac Lyriq starts at $62K.

Before buying a new I-Pace luxury electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a little below average.

The I-Pace is motivated by a pair of electric motors that combine to make 394 horsepower and a meaty 512 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. Electric motors are celebrated for their ability to produce fast acceleration times. The I-Pace can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 4.5 seconds, with plenty of muscle kept in reserve for passing maneuvers at higher speeds. Having an aluminum-intensive body helps by keeping weight in check.

That said, the most powerful version of the Genesis GV60 can do the same dash a whole second quicker. Which is about as fast as these small electric SUVs can get.

Speed is only one aspect, however, and there are other areas where the I-Pace gains some metaphorical ground. Anyone who actually likes driving owes it to themselves to drive a Jaguar. It doesn’t really matter which model. Take some time in it, go on some favorite roads with it, get a feel for the way it flows through corners, remaining comfortable yet never slack, taut without being harsh.

That’s the Jaguar principle. And we’ve found that it’s just as evident in the 2024 I-Pace as it is in the marque’s combustion-powered vehicles.

This electric Jaguar includes selectable levels of brake regeneration. The most forceful setting enables plenty of control just by pressing or lifting off the accelerator. The I-Pace also comes standard with an adaptive air suspension whose settings span from sporty to comfortable, plus changes in ride heights — lifting to suit a dirt road or lowering for optimum aerodynamics on freeways.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current generation of luxury electric SUVs, including the Jaguar I-Pace.

Range and Charging

Maximum distance traveled on a single full battery charge is 246 miles. That’s with the standard 20-inch wheels. Fit the optional 22-inch wheels and range dips to 217 miles. These days, 246 miles is no big deal. The cheapest Tesla Model Y can do 279 miles. The Audi Q4 e-tron is rated at 265 miles, while the Cadillac Lyriq clocks in at 314 miles.

It takes about 10 hours for a full recharge on a 240-volt home setup. A DC fast charger supplies 63 miles of range in 15 minutes or so. More modern rivals can charge faster, going from 10% capacity to 80% in about 20 minutes.

Electric motors take up less space than combustion engines, so that means more room for people and things. This is a small SUV, but the I-Pace still takes four adults in comfort. Five in a pinch.

The dashboard houses a 12.3-inch digital driver information display as well as a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. All the cabin materials are of a suitably high quality, and we’re fans of the interior design in general.

Rear legroom measures 35 inches. Not bad, but not as good as the Audi Q4 e-tron’s 38. Behind the rear seats — that split and fold in 40/20/40 fashion — is a luggage area of 25.3 cubic feet. This opens out to 51 cubic feet when those seats are folded. In addition, there’s almost a cubic foot of storage space under the hood, plus some stowage beneath the back seats. For comparison, the Q4 e-tron’s cargo area goes from 24.8 to 53.1 cubic feet.

The design team that created the I-Pace was led by Ian Callum, who is on record as being particularly pleased with how the I-Pace turned out. Considering that one of Callum’s previous jobs was creating a few gorgeous Aston Martin cars, that’s quite a statement.

Not that we would refute it. Although Jaguars of old always had long hoods and this one doesn’t (and it’s an SUV), there’s still a recognizable character here. It looks athletic and still quite futuristic.

This year sees the grille (not the usual grille, since the I-Pace doesn’t have a combustion engine that needs cooling) go from black to gray. A few elements — such as the side mirror housings, side window surrounds, and rear badge — become beneficiaries of the now-standard Black Exterior Pack.

There’s a regular Carpathian Grey Metallic premium paint color ($1,550), but the new-for-2024 Carpathian Grey Satin Finish and Eiger Grey Satin Finish both cost an eye-watering $7,450. Other premium colors are $950 (including an Eiger Grey Metallic) and the sole no-cost option is Fuji White.

Meridian surround-sound system
The Brits don’t have a great reputation for fine cuisine, but they can rustle up some serious (and seriously expensive) audio equipment. Like the Meridian company, whose products are rated highly. The good news is that this 825-watt/17-speaker setup is standard in the 2024 I-Pace.

Powered tailgate
We’re including this in our list of favorite features just because we always appreciate the convenience aspect.

Infotainment system
This setup can keep improving thanks to its capability for over-the-air updates. As it is, we find it quite easy to use. We’re impressed by the five USB ports, wireless charging, wireless phone integration, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

ClearSight rearview mirror
Part of the optional Driver Intelligence Pack, this replaces the conventional rearview mirror with a display. A camera provides a clear image of what’s behind the vehicle without rear pillars, cargo, or passengers’ heads getting in the way.

Performance front seats
Although the usual front seats are nice enough, the I-Pace is capable of some entertainingly quick cornering. If that sounds like your cup of British tea (hot, with milk), choose these more heavily bolstered performance seats for greater lateral support. They won’t cost any extra.

Head-up display
Another feature in the Driver Intelligence Pack. The cool thing about Jaguar head-up displays is that they’re still visible when wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses.

Energy for the 2024 I-Pace electric SUV is stored in a 90 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery. This is still considered a decent capacity. A few more modern EVs have 100 kWh batteries, while some make do with 74 kWh.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Jaguar’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance are also included at the same terms. This is generous compared with most European rivals. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles if efficiency goes below 70%.

Safety Ratings

The I-Pace has not been crash-tested by any independent agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.