2020 Jaguar I-Pace Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Jaguar I-PACE is a stunner in more ways than one. Featuring many high-end elements and advanced cabin features that the market has come to expect from a Jaguar, the I-PACE feels luxurious inside and out. What's most notable about it is that it's an electric vehicle. This helps it appeal to those who want to lower their carbon footprints while not sacrificing anything in quality. Is the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE a good buy? It certainly has many advantages, though it's not quite perfect.

What's New for 2020?

The I-PACE debuted in 2019, and the 2020 model year is not any different from the previous one. Jaguar has stuck to what it believes will be successful, and it's wise of them to not make any changes after unveiling this new model last year. There are three trims: the S, SE, and HSE. These differ not in performance, but in the other areas that make a difference to some drivers. A Limited Edition is also being offered; it has a Photon Red exterior, 20-inch wheels, and many other unique stylings. 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace – The Pros

1. Powerful Drivetrain

For an electric vehicle, the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE feels sporty and agile. It has a maximum power output of 394 horsepower, which is plenty impressive on its own. Another achievement is that Jaguar has built it's electric SUV to have a maximum torque of 512 pound-feet. Being able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in only 4.5 seconds, the I-PACE feels like its ready to win any race it's entered in, almost effortlessly. It can achieve a top seed of 124 miles per hour.

2. Good Range

The 2020 Jaguar I-PACE has an estimated range of 234 miles, giving drivers peace of mind as they go about regular commutes or weekend errands. With this generous range, many short trips can be combined before having to charge the batteries. Drivers can go on road trips as well, as long as there's a place they can re-charge before returning home.

3. Batteries Are Easy to Charge

The battery that provides the power to the 2020 Jaguar E-PACE is a 90-kWh model. It can be powered by a DC fast-charging port that's capable of replenishing battery capacity to 80% in only 40 minutes. With a 240-volt port that can be installed in a home, it takes 13 hours to fully charge the battery. This may seem long at first, but remember that this is what's required for a full charge. In reality, 13 hours seems ideal for an overnight charge when a driver would staying at home anyways.

4. Cool Exterior Style

The SUV almost looks like it's sitting on its heels, waiting to pounce on its prey. It has the curves and elegance that people have come to associate with the Jaguar brand, and it combines those classic elements with an aggressive stance. Details like a tailgate spoiler and handles that are flush with the door help in this regard. Other little touches, like rear fog lights and gloss black valances and grilles, help the I-PACE command attention.

5. Comfortable Seats

The 2020 Jaguar I-PACE comes standard with synthetic leather (Luxtec) seats, and up front, the driver and passenger can power-adjust their seats in eight different ways. People can upgrade easily to genuine leather if they prefer a more premium material. Seats can be adjusted in up to 18 different ways, and other modern features - like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated back row - are included on the higher trims.

6. Advanced Driver-Assist Features

One would expect an all-electric car to be decked out with driver-assist features, and this is true in the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE. It comes with the ability to brake when necessary to avoid objects in front of it, and it can keep drivers from drifting into other lanes. The Traffic Sign Recognition feature comes in handy when the speed limits need to be monitored, and the car can even warn a driver if it seems like his or her attention is waning.

A huge perk of driving the I-PACE is that it comes with a parking-assist package. Take advantage of the overhead view of the vehicle when parking, the rear traffic monitor system that lets people know when it's safe to back up, and the coveted "Park Assist." This feature can take over steering - keeping drivers in control of their speed - when parallel or perpendicular parking.

7. Many Opportunities to Connect

The infotainment system has a lot of advantages, and it works through a 10-inch upper screen and 5.5-inch lower display. The lower one is used mostly for climate controls, with the larger screen being used for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The car can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot for those who want to connect to the internet while on the road. This is important because not everyone wants to use data while traveling, and not all devices can hook up to the cellular network. Keeping all devices charged are six USB power sockets and two 12V sockets.

With Intelligent Voice Recognition, the vehicle can accept many different kinds of voice commands. This allows the driver to change what's playing on the radio or make a phone call, for example, without having to shift attention away from the road.

8. Ample Cargo Capacity

Cargo space behind the second row measure 25.3 cubic feet. That's plenty for most people in most situations. When someone has to transport a larger item, the second row can be folded to expand the cargo area to 51 cubic feet. This versatility can be key at certain times.

9. Quiet Cabin

The SUV has been built with an acoustic laminated windshield, which blocks exterior noise. Considering that there the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE itself hardly makes a peep with its electric motor, the ride can be very peaceful and serene. This vehicle is definitely not marketed to those who love the loud revving of an engine but rather is designed for those who may appreciate the finer things in life.

10. Digital Display

Separate from the infotainment system is a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display that features high-definition clarity. It lets drivers stay aware of vehicle performance and can come with full-screen navigation. It's a great innovation because the map can be projected right behind the steering wheel where the traditional gauges would be located; this is where a driver can quickly glance down to check directions.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace – The Cons

1. No Gas Back-Up

Being an all-electric car has its inherent pros and cons. While it's amazing to be able to avoid gas stations, this can be an impediment in certain situations. Taking a road trip across the country, for example, could be a challenge. However, more and more DC fast-charging stations are popping up in cities across the U.S.

2. Not As Efficient With Hard Acceleration

The 2020 Jaguar I-PACE is listed as being able to drive over 230 miles before needing a re-charge, but this isn't always the case. If someone is heavy on the gas pedal and accelerates harshly, overall efficiency and range could drop.

3. Weak Regenerative Braking

In some other electric vehicles, regenerative braking is relied upon to get the most out of each charge. It allows a driver to almost entirely use just one-pedal; instead of depressing the brake, the driver can simply take pressure off the gas pedal. The vehicle then captures the kinetic energy while it slows itself down, storing the energy for later use. In the Jaguar I-PACE, this system isn't strong.

4. Almost the Top-of-the-Line

There are several ways in which the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE shines but doesn't jump out as the leader in the field. For instance, the seats can be cooled and heated but don't offer massages. Also, adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel are optional, but not standard as they are in some other luxury vehicles.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The Tesla Model X and Audi e-Tron are similar to the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE with their high-end features and electric motors. The Jaguar is more attractive from a financial standpoint compared to both of them, having a lower starting price point. In terms of range, the I-PACE does better than the e-Tron. In addition, Jaguar wins the torque match-up, which could be important to those who value performance.

Conclusion

The 2020 Jaguar I-PACE is intriguing. It looks and feels like a luxury vehicle, and it drives like one, too, with outstanding horsepower and torque. It can do so by solely relying on an electric motor. It's amazing how far the industry has come, and the I-PACE is a great example of what's possible, showing consumers the direction in which the all-electric market is heading. For drivers who want to eliminate future trips to the gas station and can afford something with a premium price tag, the Jaguar I-PACE is a solid investment.