Overview

The 2021 Jaguar I-Pace is a fascinating all-electric crossover that looks good and drives well. Its luxury designation and price will limit its mainstream popularity, but there's no denying that the I-Pace's futuristic facade captures the imagination. This ute boasts an EPA-rated range of 253 miles plus fast-charging capability and instantaneous acceleration. The I-Pace also handles more like a sports car than a five-seat crossover, with its controlled demeanor and tactile steering. Inside, the Jag shows off with cutting-edge design, ample passenger space, and popular features. Although it fell short of its claimed driving range in our real-world test and was slow to charge using a common outlet, the 2021 I-Pace proves that EVs can be electrifying in other ways.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Jaguar gives the I-Pace a handful of improvements. The SUV now offers a complimentary 4G data plan, a 360-degree camera system, and wireless charging. The optional Bright package adds chrome exterior trim, Atlas Grey accents, and other minor styling changes. Inside, there's a new infotainment system that's said to be easier to operate than the one it replaces. Plus, it gains a feature that tells you where the nearest charging stations are and how long it should take to restore the battery. The I-Pace also receives a 11.0-kW onboard charger that delivers quicker at-home charging than the old 7.0-kW version. Now, it'll take you 8.6 hours to fully recharge a dead battery versus 12.6 hours before, according to Jaguar.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Jaguar hasn't said how much the 2021 I-Pace will cost or when it will go on sale, but we expect to see it in showrooms later this year for just a little more than last year's model. We think the mid-level SE is the version to get. It's considerably more expensive than the base ute, but it adds desirable features such as large 20-inch wheels, real leather upholstery, brighter and more distinct LED headlights, and a power-operated liftgate. The SE also gets upgraded driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The only options we'd select are the 10-way power front seats with heated cushions, the four-zone climate control, and the head-up display. Finally, we'd optimize the I-Pace's driving characteristics with the Adaptive Dynamics package and the Adaptive Surface Response system. Together these options enhance the EV's ride and handling as well as the all-wheel-drive system's traction management.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The I-Pace boasts standard all-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors that produce a combined 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. That energy provides quick and effortless acceleration to zip between city stoplights and pass slowpokes on the highway. The I-Pace has a comfortable ride courtesy of its standard air suspension as well as satisfying steering feedback. A hefty battery pack beneath the floor provides a low center of gravity that gives the electrified Jag an extra dose of agility and stability. While the version we tested was unquestionably fun to drive, its uneven braking behavior when coming to a stop was a shortcoming.

View Photos Jaguar

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Every I-Pace features a 90.0-kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-rated driving range of 253 miles. For comparison, the Audi e-tron has an estimated range of up to 204 miles and the Tesla Model X, up to 295 miles. Still, the electric Jag includes a standard DC fast-charging port that allows 80 percent of its battery to be replenished in as little as 40 minutes. Those without access to the fastest charging option will have to wait a claimed 8.6 hours to fully replenish the battery using the more common 240-volt AC outlet. This is an improvement over last year's model, which required almost 13 hours to charge this way. The difference? Jaguar upgraded the I-Pace's onboard charger from a 7.0-kW unit to one with 11.0 kilowatts.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither the EPA nor Jaguar has weighed in on the 2021 I-Pace's efficiency, but we don't anticipate the figures will change from the previous model year's. The government says the 2020 I-Pace will get 80 MPGe in the city, 72 MPGe on the highway, and 76 MPGe combined. While those ratings are comparable with the e-Tron's, they're considerably lower than the Model X's. We took the 2020 I-Pace on our highway fuel-economy route, where it achieved 64 MPGe—8 below its own highway rating and 3 MPGe less than the e-tron earned. (We haven't tested a Model X on our real-world route.)

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Jaguar complements the I-Pace's stylish exterior with a sophisticated cabin that boasts a flashy dashboard and ample passenger space. While the front seats are nicely bolstered, they're not the most comfortable on prolonged trips. Of course, the I-Pace can be outfitted with many desirable features such as four-zone climate control, a head-up display, heated front and rear seats, various choices of leather upholstery, and more. Its cubby storage is highlighted by a versatile center console that features a useful bin under the armrest and a tray below the center stack. In the back, we managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases in the cargo area and 18 with the rear seats folded.

View Photos Jaguar

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every I-Pace comes with a touch-sensitive infotainment system that includes a 10.0-inch upper screen for audio and the like as well as a 5.5-inch lower display that primarily handles cabin climate. While Jaguar claims to have updated the interface to be more intuitive than before, we have yet to test that out for ourselves. One neat feature of the new software is that it'll show you the locations of charging stations as well as their availability, cost, and estimated charging time. Every I-Pace supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. A 380-watt Meridian sound system comes standard but can be swapped for an 825-watt unit.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 I-Pace hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, this ute does have an assortment of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Jaguar provides one of the most comprehensive warranty plans on the market, with lengthy limited and powertrain coverage. Plus, it offers one of the best complimentary scheduled maintenance periods we've seen.

Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

Electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles

Complimentary maintenance is covered for five years or 60,000 miles

More Features and Specs