Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE: fast and sporty

The Jaguar I-Pace EV400 sets a high bar for sporty crossover SUVs and is impressive on many levels. The styling is aggressive and bold, combining a traditional Jaguar grille with a fastback wedge shape. Available 22-inch wheels with carbon-fiber inserts are visually stunning and add to the I-Pace’s show-car look.

Inside, the Jag eschews leather seats, opting instead for a more forward-thinking and animal-friendly denim fabric and synthetic suede. Traditional instruments and controls are replaced with a trio of display screens—one for the driver’s instruments, another for climate control, and a third for settings, phone, and entertainment—which give the I-Pace a high-tech feel. The front seats are snug but have good headroom. The rear seat is somewhat cramped, and visibility to the rear is poor.

The I-Pace’s dual electric motors produce 394 hp from the 90-kWh battery pack. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph happens in a blazing 4.6 seconds. Handling is agile and sports car–like. The steering is responsive, with good feedback, but is slightly heavy. Ride quality is excellent, with none of the expected harshness from the 22-inch wheels.