The Jaguar I-Pace presents a test for Ian Callum and his crack team of designers like no other Jaguar in modern history.
Of course, it erects some gigantic hurdles for engineers, too, but at least our growing collective experience of all-electric cars gives us clues about the new brand of extreme silence and refinement to be expected from the debutant, dynamically speaking.
But for this very special car, design will be the major discriminator even more than usual. The I-Pace cannot rely on a Jag’s usual long-nosed proportions, or an impressive engine spec, or the howl from its exhaust (complete with quad tailpipes) to excite the buyer’s emotions. It is the shape – and a short-nose, big-cabin shape at that – that must do the business. Or not. Also vital, by the way, will be the performanceof worldwide battalions of Jaguar salesmen, who will need reserves of knowledge and patience many never displayed before.
What we’ve seen so far is very encouraging. The I-Pace looks great to a fresh eye and has already motivated a sizeable band of early adopters. But its looks must excite ordinary Jaguar buyers for years to come and be strong and special enough to sire a family. First signs are fine, but it’s still a big ask.
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Jaguar dealers haven’t had an
Jaguar dealers haven’t had an ‘impressive engine spec’ to offer customers for years. Boom boom!
In all seriousness this looks like a great product. Played around on the configurator and got up to £80k with little difficulty. But despite all the myriad accessories available, there is no alternative finish for that ugly plastic ‘grille’.
Ian Callum is a talented designer but every Jag he has done has one jarring detail that looks cheap - this is it.
The shape of the future
I have never owned or even considered a Jaguar. But I am thinking about one of these. If the electronics inside are competitive with Germans (BMW) it is just about perfect and takes i3 type technology to the next level.
Top effort
Great effort from JLR, this will do well for them in the far east, japan and china, perhaps not corrala level of sales but spreading the word in other Asian countries who dont even recognise the Jaguar brand. They've done well to get this out ahead of the others. Slightly more optamistic over the XJ and looking forward to seeing that now..