2021 Jaguar I-Pace – faster charging and smarter navigation

Jaguar has updated the electric I-Pace for 2021 with faster charging, more intuitive tech, the same 470km of WLTP range and an increased price of entry – the S now starts at $128,860 (driveaway pricing TBA).

The I-Pace is one of the best-looking EVs out there. In fact, it’s one of the best looking cars in our eyes. However, the British competitor does command a premium over Teslas that boast greater range.

But it’s best to look at how the more established competitor will line up against the coming German onslaught, the likes of the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC will make the electric big cat’s life tough in the coming months.

A new 11kW homebox sees decreased charging times for owners with three-phase power in their homes, allowing the I-Pace to charge fully in 8.6 hours. That’s down from the 12.75 hours taken for single-phase homes using a 7kW wallbox.

Fast-charging is naturally available for I-Pace owners – at 50kW 80% charge will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, at 100kW that’s dropped to 40 minutes. Though there is no potential for 150kW fast-charging, some competition is adopting.

Powering the I-Pace is the same 90kWh battery hooked up to dual electric motors, combined outputs equate to 294kW and 696Nm. That’s good for a 4.8 seconds 0-100km/h sprint, and a claimed WLTP range of 470km for the big Jag.

What has changed is the infotainment system, it’s JLR’s Pivi pro system first debuted in the new Defender – not necessarily a vehicle associated with the cutting edge.

But Land Rover promises ease of use by touting that the new “navigation system reduces the number of steps required to set a destination by half”. The interface is modelled on smartphones, allowing users to pinch to zoom and scroll around the map more instinctively than before.

On top of that, the navigation has been programmed to give information about nearest charging stations, the ideal route to take between destinations, and the predicted amount of charge at set waypoints.

Naturally, the system will take full advantage of the I-Pace’s dual touchscreen set-up with their haptic feedback. The new system will even be ready to go before stepping into the car thanks to integration with Jaguar’s smartphone app.

Additionally, the I-Pace moves to a fully digital rear-view mirror – quite the opposite to Audi’s approach – which Jaguar says improves safety, as a driver will always have “an unobstructed view of the road behind”. It makes sense for a family vehicle.

Helping further with manoeuvring the I-Pace, Jaguar has implemented a 360-degree camera system into the infotainment system across the range. An improved cabin filtration system has been added to aid occupancy comfort even further.

From the outside, the 2021 I-Pace will benefit from a fetching new set of 19-inch alloy wheels (replacing 18s as standard) and a more comprehensive colour palette consisting of Portofino Blue, Eiger Grey (pictured) and Caldera Red. A move we welcome here at Chasing Cars.

Jaguar offers a battery warranty for eight years, though the mileage is limited to 60,000km, where the competition has moved to 180,000km.

However, the I-Pace still carries the candle for coolest looking EV – in our book at least – and the updated infotainment system will be welcome for the British EV. Detailed Australian pricing and specification will become available soon.