Photo: Jaguar
Even though the cars shown so far still had the "concept" description next to them, we're pretty confident we know what the 2018 Jaguar I-PACE electric crossover will look like.
And based on that image, we also believe it'll be the best-looking EV option out there, with the single possible pretender to the throne being Tesla's Model S. However, the Jaguar sits in a completely different segment being the first crossover its size to use a battery-powered drivetrain.
That means it has no direct competition, even though there is plenty lurking around the corner. Both Audi (e-tron quattro) and Mercedes-Benz (EQC) are preparing electric SUVs that are roughly the same category as the I-PACE, and Tesla's Model Y can't be too far from its launch either.
But the British electric crossover is coming next year with production reportedly already started at its plant in Austria, which gives it a headstart of at least one year over the first rival. Will that prove to be enough for Jaguar to establish itself as a major player in the EV market?
First signs suggest that it will. According to Bloomberg, Jaguar CEO Ralf Speth claims the company has already received 25,000 orders for the new EV, even though they are likely made by its network of dealers and not the end-client, as was the case with the Tesla Model 3.
As mentioned before, the Coventry-based manufacturer has already officially opened the bookings for the I-PACE in Norway, Europe's biggest market for electric cars, at least as far as percentage is concerned, with others set to follow. In the eight or so months left until deliveries begin, that number could sore significantly.
And Jaguar needs all the sales it can get. The British brand isn't doing as well as you might believe, with the bulk of the money coming from the group's other plates, Land Rover and particularly, Range Rover. Jaguar alone could not reach the 150,000 units globally last year, which puts it at a clear disadvantage over its rivals from Germany who gravitate around the two million mark.
With the EV technology leveling the field somewhat, Jaguar had a chance to make the first move and become a sort of pioneer among traditional premium brands, a change it seems to have grabbed with both hands. Just look at its involvement with the Formula E and the recently announced I-PACE eTROPHY one-make competition - if that doesn't spell "commitment," then we don't know what does.
That means it has no direct competition, even though there is plenty lurking around the corner. Both Audi (e-tron quattro) and Mercedes-Benz (EQC) are preparing electric SUVs that are roughly the same category as the I-PACE, and Tesla's Model Y can't be too far from its launch either.
But the British electric crossover is coming next year with production reportedly already started at its plant in Austria, which gives it a headstart of at least one year over the first rival. Will that prove to be enough for Jaguar to establish itself as a major player in the EV market?
First signs suggest that it will. According to Bloomberg, Jaguar CEO Ralf Speth claims the company has already received 25,000 orders for the new EV, even though they are likely made by its network of dealers and not the end-client, as was the case with the Tesla Model 3.
As mentioned before, the Coventry-based manufacturer has already officially opened the bookings for the I-PACE in Norway, Europe's biggest market for electric cars, at least as far as percentage is concerned, with others set to follow. In the eight or so months left until deliveries begin, that number could sore significantly.
And Jaguar needs all the sales it can get. The British brand isn't doing as well as you might believe, with the bulk of the money coming from the group's other plates, Land Rover and particularly, Range Rover. Jaguar alone could not reach the 150,000 units globally last year, which puts it at a clear disadvantage over its rivals from Germany who gravitate around the two million mark.
With the EV technology leveling the field somewhat, Jaguar had a chance to make the first move and become a sort of pioneer among traditional premium brands, a change it seems to have grabbed with both hands. Just look at its involvement with the Formula E and the recently announced I-PACE eTROPHY one-make competition - if that doesn't spell "commitment," then we don't know what does.
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