Tesla Model X vs Jaguar plug-in luxury SUV battle imminent

Last year, Jaguar Land Rover had said that it would double the size of its power train engineering centre in central England to support the development of more low-emission vehicles, the fastest growing market for new cars in Britain.

The development comes just days after JLR revealed the I-Pace Concept, the company’s first-ever electric vehicle, which is slated to go on sale in 2018.

I-PACE Concept’s dramatic, distinctive look, with aerodynamic bonnet scoop, with flush door handles and bold air ducts, maximizes the electric vehicle’s range and helps it slice efficiently through the air.

Earlier in February this year, company filed patents for the names “I-Pace” and “I-Type”, which gave indications that the company is working of their new range of all-electric cars. Jaguar are claiming that the I-PACE will manage 310 miles between charges with an option to quick charge for an easy boost to 220 miles. The lack of an engine and transmission tunnel allowed Jaguar designers to move the cabin forward, increase interior space, lengthen the wheelbase, and shorten the overhangs relative to a vehicle with a conventional driveline.

“You will have one coil in a fixed plate in the floor and one in the auto, and these two will match and there will be energy transfer between the two”.

We spoke to Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum and asked how close the I-Pace is to production ready. He shared a think-aloud about the I-Pace design. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR, accelerating from 0-60mph in around four seconds.

Jaguar is looking to put a plug-in luxury SUV on road by the end of 2018.

I-Pace will be released in the second half of 2018, Dezeen reported.

“There’s no doubt the market is shifting”, said Joe Eberhardt, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America.

“Inductive charging is going to come and you can expect that we will not lag behind the competition when it comes to this”, he said. “The Jaguar I-PACE Concept, designed and introduced with VR, reinforces the incredible innovation that’s possible with VR technologies and the potential to ultimately transform industries”.