Jaguar I-PACE 2020 Review

Jaguar managed to beat out traditional luxur competitors such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz last year when it debuted its first electric SUV, the I-Pace. In many ways, Jag set a high bar. The I-Pace is stylish, poised and comfortable and does just about everything you'd want from a luxury SUV. It also boasts acceleration and handling that could make plenty of drivers of sports cars jealous. That it just so happens to be powered by electricity can often be an afterthought.

Unfortunately, Jaguar's relative inexperience with electric vehicles shows through in a couple of areas. The non-linear brake feel, for instance, can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly, and the lack of a strong lift-throttle regenerative braking effect means you can't use a one-pedal driving style as effectively as you can in some other EVs. The I-Pace's relatively inefficient use of electricity could be seen as another drawback, either because it ultimately limits range or you just want your EV to be as efficient as possible.

Then there's the question of the price. Like all luxury EV SUVs, the I-Pace comes with a hefty premium. For most shoppers, the I-Pace's biggest selling point will be its undeniable style. More pragmatic buyers will likely have issues squaring their monthly payment against that. Still, if you're in the market for an EV that's loaded with technology features and is fun to drive, the I-Pace is worth a look.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE as one of MatoCar' Fastest Electric SUVs and Cheapest Electric Cars for 2020.

Which I-PACE does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace is offered in three trim levels, S, SE and HSE. All three use the same 90-kWh battery and 394-horsepower all-wheel-drive electric powertrain, with up to 234 miles of range.

The base S trim includes a good amount of standard tech, with active safety features and driver aids that include parking sensors and automated park assist. The tailgate lacks power operation, but you get a massive fixed glass roof, LED head- and taillights, and other luxury items.

Upgrading to the midlevel SE provides more luxury and technology features, including 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate and leather upholstery. On the tech front you also get adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring.

The range-topping HSE offers more features and an upgraded interior with more premium materials for the full luxury experience. Among other upgrades, you get ventilated front seats, an upgraded stereo, and upgrades to driver aids including a 360-degree camera display and steering assist.

Quite a few stand-alone options are offered, but the most notable are adaptive suspension and a head-up display.