Jaguar revealed its first electric model in near-production concept form in LA, the new I-Pace.

The British electric SUV study essentially previews an upcoming production version which is due to reveal in late 2017, with first deliveries to start in 2018.

The essential numbers are 400hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors mounted on each axle, a liquid-cooled 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack providing the juice and an EPA-estimated 220 miles of driving range.

“Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions,” said Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director. “Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience.” Jaguar claims that the I-Pace is capable of a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in four seconds flat.

The new I-Pace is based on Jaguar’s new electric vehicle platform which allowed the company’s engineers to rethink the car’s layout and allow for a cab-forward design. The suspension utilises double wishbones at the front and an Integral Link at the rear.

Jaguar has also worked hard on the aerodynamics of their new concept, with the I-Pace delivering a drag coefficient of 0.29. The aggressively styled crossover with its big wheelbase and short overhangs has the same footprint with a conventional mid-sized SUV but Jaguar claims they were able to design a cabin that offers the same room with some full-sized SUVs, especially at the back.

“With the I-PACE Concept, the revolution is in the profile, not the design language. The profile is possible because this car is electric,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design in Jaguar. “It’s not just that we wanted to create something that was very different from anything else we do: we wanted the design to celebrate the new battery electric technology.”

The driver-focused cockpit mixes touchscreen interfaces with aluminum rotary controllers complete with their own circular HD displays that offer variable haptic feedback to the driver when going through different modes. Despite having a raked rear glass, the luggage space is also impressively big, offering 530lt of space while the front luggage compartment offers an additional 28lt.

“Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions,” said Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director. “Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience.” Jaguar claims that the I-Pace is capable of a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in four seconds flat.

Most importantly, the company promises that the I-Pace will drive like a proper Jaguar. “When you get behind the wheel, the driving experience reflects the dynamic design of the I-PACE Concept,” said Mike Cross, Jaguar’s Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity. “It’s a Jaguar through and through and we will prove that a zero emission vehicle can be a true driver’s car.”

PHOTO GALLERY