I-PACE FIRST DRIVE Its Jaguar DNA instantly strikes you when you first get a chance to put a foot to the throttle: Power builds progressively, almost like a combustion-engined car. It’s an unusual sensation for an electric vehicle – many EVs offer a rather blunt burst of torque. While the twin electric motors’ combined 394HP can dispatch 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds 3 from a standing start, it is different from other EVs in the way it handles, too. Some are very ‘digital’ in their steering – just quick, but with little feel. But the I-PACE electrically-assisted steering has the heft of a hydraulic system. You can feel the weight of the wheels turning, which allows better control. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve race circuit is an ideal first stop on our route, to discover what the cuttingedge I-PACE technology has to offer once it is let loose – especially as the I-PACE will soon be seen racing in the forthcoming I-PACE eTROPHY series (see page 39). Sitting at the foot of the Serra de Monchique mountains, just 15 miles northwest from the port city of Portimão, the 3-mile long track can accommodate 100,000 spectators and hosts rounds of the European Le Mans and Superbike World Championship series. Four solar panel farms are used to generate electricity, producing more power than the circuit consumes even on a race weekend, making it an appropriate place, in every sense, to evaluate the I-PACE. “EXHILARATING RAPID BUT REASSURINGLY CONFIDENT IN DYNAMIC MODE, THE I-PACE PASSES ITS FIRST TEST WITH FLYING COLORS” Once out on the circuit, we activate Dynamic mode by pressing one of the two buttons on the ‘floating’ center console, and the I-PACE immediately puts on its game face: The steering weights up, suspension becomes firmer and the car feels planted on the road with very little body roll through corners. Exhilaratingly rapid but reassuringly confident in Dynamic mode, the I-PACE passes its first test with flying colors. This truly is a sports SUV, with zero compromise even when pushed. Racing curiosity sated, we use the buttons to toggle back to ‘Normal,’ likely to be most people’s default mode 90% of the time – and drive onto public roads. In this mode, Enhanced Brake Regeneration can help maximize your 3: Always follow local speed limits. 18 THE JAGUAR
Head-turning design meets electrifying performance: The I-PACE feels right at home at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit, where its dynamic handling sees it ace every test THE JAGUAR 19
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PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/MIMI HADD
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