The I-Pace has actual Jaguar-like qualities. It looks dashing, is quiet, and when needed, can pounce to catch its prey in a heartbeat. Do you agree? Of course, you do! Anyway, let’s leave the zoology side of things and concentrate on the car instead. The electric vehicle (EV) arrives in India in three trim levels – S, SE and HSE. Their prices are Rs 1.06 crore, Rs 1.08 crore and Rs 1.12 crore, respectively.

Even if you pick the entry-level variant, you’ll get the I-Pace with an extensive list of features. Stuff like two-zone automatic climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, LED headlamps with auto-levelling functionality, a 380-watt Meridian sound system and a Pivi Pro infotainment system is part of the kit. Suppose you like all the bells and whistles in a car. In that case, the HSE variant offers additional features like 16-way electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function, an 825-watt Meridian sound system, Matrix LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

No matter which derivative you opt for, the I-Pace will come with the same powertrain. It consists of two electric motors, one on each axle. That means the EV has an all-wheel-drive system. The total output is 395bhp/696Nm, enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. The dual-motor setup draws juices from a 90kWh lithium-ion battery. According to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure), the all-electric Jaguar can travel up to 470km on a single charge.

No points for guessing – the I-Pace supports both slow and fast charging. Plug it into a 7kW (AC feed) charger, and the battery will take at least thirteen hours to replenish itself completely. Find a 50kW DC feed, and the I-Pace can gain 63km of range in 15 minutes. Similarly, a 100kW charger would double the range in the same charging time.

The I-Pace is Jaguar’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz EQC, which is available in a single variant and costs just over Rs 1.04 crore. Soon, however, Audi will join the EV game by introducing the e-tron (both SUV and Sportback). Expect the Germans to unveil the prices within the first half of this year. If you’re looking for something smaller, you can wait for the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Bookings for that will open in June 2021.