Electricat: Jaguar I-Pace lands on all four wheels in PH

MANILA: It's finally here and available for order, although the first customer units are expected to arrive before the end of the year. Nonetheless, customers looking to get their hands on the famous all-electric performance SUV Jaguar I-Pace don't need to wait much longer.

All British Cars (ABC), exclusive distributor of Jaguar vehicles in the Philippines, has just announced the arrival of "one of the most highly decorated cars ever." 

Speaking from the new Jaguar Land Rover boutique showroom at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, ABC General Manager Chris Ward described the I-Pace as "Jaguar’s smartest five-seater sports car. The I-Pace is said to deliver power instantly, trumping performance of automobiles with conventional engines.

In a release, ABC said that, "Unlike cars with engines and gearboxes that can only deliver around 70 to 75% of what the engine can produce at the wheels, the I-Pace delivers 97% of electric power at the wheels. Thanks to its instant and efficient powertrain, I-Pace produces 400ps of power and 696Nm of torque, (making it) capable of accelerating from zero to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds. All these figures (are) without emissions."

Ward presented the vehicle as having a "near perfect 50:50 weight distribution." Two electric motors deliver power to all four wheels. The I-Pace body is made of an alloy and steel to maximize strength and safety without compromising on weight. The company said that the SUV was also designed to maintain downforce as the vehicle increase speed.

A 90-kW lithium ion high-voltage battery powers the I-Pace, which charges from empty to full in 12 hours, 48 minutes using the "bundled 7kW charger, ideal for home charging. It is covered with an eight-year, 160,000-kilometer, 70% health state warranty." Installation costs are not included, and may vary per household. It should be noted that ABC's relevant supplier "will be evaluating interested households if their homes are qualified for a charger before (being sold an I-Pace)."

The I-Pace is said to feature regenerative braking which allows it to harness energy during deceleration.

"Users can leave the charger plugged and can set when the I-Pace will charge. The (system) can pre-condition the battery and cabin temperature prior to planned departure. The thermal management system ensures the battery is optimized for the journey. Moreover, the I-Pace can also update its software over the air. This allows users to always get the latest version of telematics and battery energy control software without visiting Jaguar service centers," added ABC.

The company averred that the I-Pace units coming to Manila "will be future-proof and will be equipped with the latest upgrades. It will sport 11kW on-board charger to allow faster charging in the future and the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is created to be as intuitive and easy to use as a smartphone."

Ward said he is cognizant of the lack of charging infrastructure in the country, which may hamper the more widespread use of pure BEV (battery electric vehicles). "That's the only restriction," he explained.

But ABC seems content to take its time for the moment, and is using the time wisely as it waits for orders and the units to fill them. It has an "evaluation unit" I-Pace in operation, and the company is observing real-world performance and other metrics for a better idea of the vehicle's acclimation here. So far, they've seen that it can go two weeks without needing to recharge, so that should at least count for something to dispel range anxiety.

Something surprising, too: The I-Pace actually has an impressive 500mm wading depth.

Orders are being accepted at ABC, with a price tag of P7.59 million. An additional charger may be purchased for P105,000 (installation charge not included).

The new boutique showroom of Jaguar Land Rover is located at 5^th Avenue cor. 24^th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Customers may set an appointment before visiting the showroom or book a virtual appointment through (02) 8784 5003 or +63 919 068 2798.

Photos from All British Cars

Also read: Hefty discounts on Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in limited promo