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Post by Ben on Jun 30, 2019 15:59:13 GMT
I note that John C and PG has had short drives in the I-Pace, but I had it this weekend and thought I'd share what I felt about the car after a bit of an extended drive. In sum, it is quite a nice car to drive, pretty fun in some ways, but there are some small annoyances that detract from the experience a bit. I'll start with the parts I don't like: The BadErgonomicsI get that this is an electric car and hence something very different for Jaguar, but in some ways it felt like they were trying too hard to stand out, to the detriment of the user experience. I didn't care much for the button-style gear selector for one. It is quite a hassle when you're doing things like three-point turns, or parallel parking.  Neither did I like the iffy climate control, er, controls, with their silly 'Push/Pull' instructions. It took me a while to figure out how to work it. (You pull the knob to adjust the fan speed, and push the knob to adjust the temperature. So stupid)  SizeThe car is actually quite wide, at over 2 metres. This means that manoeuvring in tight spaces, like in carparks, can be a tricky exercise. I mean, it can barely fit into some parking spaces.  Also, this particular First Edition launch model comes with ridiculous 22-inch wheels, which, given the car's width, also makes them especially prone to scrapes.   The last thing I didn't like was whenever you put the car in 'P' and then open the door, the car switches itself off. There are situations where this is not what you want, like for instance, when I simply want to grab something from the back. That doesn't mean I'm parking and leaving, and having to start the car again is just irritating. The GoodAccelerationNow, I know about EVs and their instant torque and all that, but goddamn, this is something else. It is the literal definition of breakneck speed. Bloody hell this thing is quick. It did make me ponder a question though: If EVs are to be pushed to the everyman, should this be tuned down a little? I suspect a good proportion of the driving population won't be quite used to this sort of intense acceleration, and it could probably catch a good few people out. Something to think about perhaps. The Drive
It's not quite a Macan, but the I-Pace's driving manners are no less entertaining, and perhaps in a different way too. The best description I can come up is that it feels like a roller-coaster, but the bit that you enjoy. The way it can carry speed into corners and yet remain so flat is astounding. I guess that's the benefit of having heavy batteries to weigh it down and lower its centre of gravity. The steering is somewhat lacking in feel though. Looks
I like it a lot. It looks pretty cool.   I think overall, I like the idea of what Jaguar is doing. It's just that perhaps some of it does come across as trying to be different just for the sake of it. Give me a normal-ish interior and I guess I'm pretty much sold on the concept. |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 30, 2019 16:28:57 GMT
A neighbour has one. The funny thing is it doesn’t look as good in the flesh as it does in photos.
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Post by PetrolEd on Jul 1, 2019 9:05:24 GMT
Its a spec sensitive thing for sure but looks ok at best and a right munter on small wheels.
Its not just Jag that are guilty with buttons for the gearbox and its bloody irritating and can only be another exercise in cost cutting. There's a reason cars have had sticks or stalks to change gear for the last 100 years.
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Post by michael on Jul 1, 2019 10:06:36 GMT
A neighbour has one. The funny thing is it doesn’t look as good in the flesh as it does in photos. This is true. Most I see are on the multispoke wheels which look like bottle tops on the iPace. It looks better on larger wheels and in some specifications but I don't find them desirable in the slightest. I hope it works for Jaguar but they don't work for me. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2019 11:07:00 GMT
I saw a Billy Basic one in white and on the smallest wheels in Trowbridge a while. Looked bloody awful!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2020 11:14:57 GMT
Just received a refresh apparently. Quicker home charger and updated infotainment system.
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Post by garry on Jun 23, 2020 11:45:24 GMT
A neighbour has one. The funny thing is it doesn’t look as good in the flesh as it does in photos. It’s very spec sensitive. It’s ugly without big wheels and the black pack, but can be a looker (imho) in the spec that Ben drove. |
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Post by garry on Jun 23, 2020 12:08:05 GMT
I had one for a couple of days. It would be on my drive if the leasing deals had been anywhere near. (The etron was circa £200 per month cheaper)
Those wheels on the one Ben drove are very expensive. You can drop down one size and the still look ok. Go down too far in wheel size and it gets proper ugly, Can’t think of another car that’s so spec sensitive. I personally think it looks ace in Launch edition spec
I found the interior to be a nice place - not really new age, but modern and well screwed together. If I recall all thee specs have leather of differing quality, but all felt very smart.
Drive-wise I found it quick but not tricky-quick - It’s 4wd, feels nicely balanced and never in danger of throwing you off the road mid corner. I gave it some hooligan treatment and it had very predictable behaviour. It’s a heavy thing, but it manages to hide the weight well - very little body roll or that sense that you get with heavy cars when you notice all of their weight on the way in to a bend. It’s fantastically quiet at motorway cruising speed too. I think the one I drove had air suspension. Not sure how that compares to springs. Overall, if you can live with electric-only power it’s a great car.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 23, 2020 13:03:23 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2020 13:51:56 GMT
They could have made the XE fwd and calved a hatchback from that, leaving the XF rwd and calved a coupe off that. 1 series and 2 series covered, 3 series too possibly.
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Post by Martin on Jun 23, 2020 13:57:30 GMT
A neighbour has one. The funny thing is it doesn’t look as good in the flesh as it does in photos. It’s very spec sensitive. It’s ugly without big wheels and the black pack, but can be a looker (imho) in the spec that Ben drove. I agree. Sometimes I see one and think that's OK actually, must be growing on me and then I see a more basic one and think it looks awful. |
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Post by PG on Jun 23, 2020 13:57:55 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful? I saw that too and had read something similar on line. I think it sounds like the plan is to replace the XF (and XE) with one BEV saloon / estate and also have a hatchback sitting below that in the range. The RD6 concept was mentioned as a design people had liked that had never gone anywhere. I guess the challenge is where they pitch both models in the market. Are they thinking 4GC + 5 series or 1 + 3 series? When I saw how similar the XE and XF saloons had become, I do think that it would have been better from the off to have made the XF look like a bigger XE (and have it available in SWB and LWB formats) and make the XE a 5 door fastback 4GC / A5 rival. That way they would be targeted at different markets as I can't help thinking that at the moment, the XE takes too many sales from the XF. |
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Post by Martin on Jun 23, 2020 14:18:23 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful? I saw that too and had read something similar on line. I think it sounds like the plan is to replace the XF (and XE) with one BEV saloon / estate and also have a hatchback sitting below that in the range. The RD6 concept was mentioned as a design people had liked that had never gone anywhere. I guess the challenge is where they pitch both models in the market. Are they thinking 4GC + 5 series or 1 + 3 series? When I saw how similar the XE and XF saloons had become, I do think that it would have been better from the off to have made the XF look like a bigger XE (and have it available in SWB and LWB formats) and make the XE a 5 door fastback 4GC / A5 rival. That way they would be targeted at different markets as I can't help thinking that at the moment, the XE takes too many sales from the XF. Don't they already make LWB versions of the XE and XF for the Chinese market? |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 23, 2020 14:33:26 GMT
I saw that too and had read something similar on line. I think it sounds like the plan is to replace the XF (and XE) with one BEV saloon / estate and also have a hatchback sitting below that in the range. The RD6 concept was mentioned as a design people had liked that had never gone anywhere. I guess the challenge is where they pitch both models in the market. Are they thinking 4GC + 5 series or 1 + 3 series? When I saw how similar the XE and XF saloons had become, I do think that it would have been better from the off to have made the XF look like a bigger XE (and have it available in SWB and LWB formats) and make the XE a 5 door fastback 4GC / A5 rival. That way they would be targeted at different markets as I can't help thinking that at the moment, the XE takes too many sales from the XF. Don't they already make LWB versions of the XE and XF for the Chinese market? Chinese people must have really long legs judging by the number of LWB variants manufacturers sell. |
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Post by ChrisM on Jun 23, 2020 16:39:56 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful? Didn't they sort-of try that with the X-type (saloon and estate but no hatch) and it didn't work out very well for them |
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Post by Ben on Jun 23, 2020 18:45:10 GMT
Don't they already make LWB versions of the XE and XF for the Chinese market? Chinese people must have really long legs judging by the number of LWB variants manufacturers sell. Chinese LWB cars are purely a status thing. Because a long car = limousine = I am important. |
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Post by Martin on Jun 23, 2020 18:46:28 GMT
Chinese people must have really long legs judging by the number of LWB variants manufacturers sell. Chinese LWB cars are purely a status thing. Because a long car = limousine = I am important. I don’t get it, long version of a small car = higher status than a short version of a big car?? |
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Post by Ben on Jun 24, 2020 6:07:01 GMT
Chinese LWB cars are purely a status thing. Because a long car = limousine = I am important. I don’t get it, long version of a small car = higher status than a short version of a big car?? It's a bit of a stretch (pardon the pun) but sorta, yeah. Traditionally in that part of the world, long limousines were only used by high ranking officials or prominent people in society. So the imagery of 'long car = prestigious' sorta stuck when the car industry started to develop in China. In a way it's sorta saying "I have more money than you so I can buy more space". |
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Post by johnc on Jun 24, 2020 6:56:26 GMT
In a way it's sorta saying "I have more money than you so I can buy more space". So is that central to Communist party thinking? |
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Post by Roadrunner on Jun 24, 2020 8:44:27 GMT
In a way it's sorta saying "I have more money than you so I can buy more space". So is that central to Communist party thinking? Remember - all Communist Party officials are equal, but some are more equal than others. |
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Post by racingteatray on Jun 24, 2020 9:09:36 GMT
In a way it's sorta saying "I have more money than you so I can buy more space". So is that central to Communist party thinking? Ask India, Taiwan or indeed any country bordering the South China Sea...and if I can't buy it, I'll have it anyway. |
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Post by PetrolEd on Jun 24, 2020 9:15:20 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful? The risky bit here is the Germans can punt their hatchbacks out of the door for £300 a month. Something Jag can't do with Scale and finance buy backs. Maybe I'm wrong but that market place also seems to be 20/30 somethings who want a prestige badge and I don't think Jag fits the image. |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 24, 2020 10:16:49 GMT
With BMW and MB becoming the 21st century’s Ford and Vauxhall I think there’s an opportunity for the Jaguar name to have a bit more prestige.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2020 11:17:23 GMT
There was discussion in Autocar about Jaguar dumping the XE and possibly the XF to go after the premium hatchback market - I'm assuming A3, A Class, 1 series market. I wonder if something along the lines of the iPace but run through the photocopier at 66% would be successful? The risky bit here is the Germans can punt their hatchbacks out of the door for £300 a month. Something Jag can't do with Scale and finance buy backs. Maybe I'm wrong but that market place also seems to be 20/30 somethings who want a prestige badge and I don't think Jag fits the image. I'm in my fifties and still don't think I'm old enough for a Jag yet! |
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Post by alf on Jul 7, 2020 13:37:36 GMT
Oi!
The rotary gear selector was a thing of the utmost design integrity - I have never used another setup that allows such quick and intuitive selection between modes. So I suppose it was inevitable it would not survive. These stupid "P" buttons on the top of gear sticks and things like that are useless IMHO in forcing you to take your eyes off the road too often.
I agree with Ben on the electric car acceleration - even those not that outright quick can summon a lot of torque instantly, and that is more than many drivers can handle i many low-grip situations and will cause accidents from people not used to having sufficient instant torque to overcome traction...
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2020 14:07:58 GMT
Oi! The rotary gear selector was a thing of the utmost design integrity - I have never used another setup that allows such quick and intuitive selection between modes. So I suppose it was inevitable it would not survive. These stupid "P" buttons on the top of gear sticks and things like that are useless IMHO in forcing you to take your eyes off the road too often. I agree with Ben on the electric car acceleration - even those not that outright quick can summon a lot of torque instantly, and that is more than many drivers can handle i many low-grip situations and will cause accidents from people not used to having sufficient instant torque to overcome traction... I don't agree with you about the rotary gear selector, maybe I'll get used to it, but I have to look at either the selector or dash display when moving between D and R. I didn't have to do that on the 7, as it was one pull back into D and a push forward if I wanted reverse. It also means my only option for manual control is the paddles, I quite like using the lever on occasion. I never needed to use the P button, as I just switched it off and it went into park, just as the new car does. |
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Post by johnc on Jul 7, 2020 14:44:33 GMT
i-Pace ordered with full maintenance package thrown in, incl tyres. Should be here in about 2 weeks.
If it costs what they say it will cost in electricity, the car payments and fuel will be about £250/mth cheaper than the X4 after tax relief - and there will be no servicing, £400+ road tax etc. Insurance on the other hand is a bit severe but with tax relief, about the same as we paid before. My wife is actually most excited about 0-60 in 4.5s! Married the right woman.
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2020 14:53:32 GMT
i-Pace ordered with full maintenance package thrown in, incl tyres. Should be here in about 2 weeks. If it costs what they say it will cost in electricity, the car payments and fuel will be about £250/mth cheaper than the X4 after tax relief - and there will be no servicing, £400+ road tax etc. Insurance on the other hand is a bit severe but with tax relief, about the same as we paid before. My wife is actually most excited about 0-60 in 4.5s! Married the right woman. Never mind the cost.....what colour / trim / spec etc? I'm sure I won't be alone, but I'm very interested to hear how you get on with it, hopefully you'll do some decent journeys rather than charge at home and do more local runs. (Costs do sound very good) |
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Post by johnc on Jul 7, 2020 15:06:43 GMT
i-Pace ordered with full maintenance package thrown in, incl tyres. Should be here in about 2 weeks. If it costs what they say it will cost in electricity, the car payments and fuel will be about £250/mth cheaper than the X4 after tax relief - and there will be no servicing, £400+ road tax etc. Insurance on the other hand is a bit severe but with tax relief, about the same as we paid before. My wife is actually most excited about 0-60 in 4.5s! Married the right woman. Never mind the cost.....what colour / trim / spec etc? I'm sure I won't be alone, but I'm very interested to hear how you get on with it, hopefully you'll do some decent journeys rather than charge at home and do more local runs. (Costs do sound very good) The car was quoted about £200/mth less than the nearest other lease deal I could find because it was registered in April and they needed to move it. We only had a choice of 3 cars which were HSE's (a bit more choice with some S's and SE's but SWMBO wanted the HSE with Matrix headlights, heated windscreen and steering wheel as standard). The only choices were Santorini Black with the Oyster leather, Caesium Blue with Oyster leather or a red metallic with black leather and sunroof for £25/mth extra. The cars only had mats and privacy glass as extras so no choice there either. They were also all on the standard 20" wheels which was a relief because I think the 22" options would need the air suspension to make the ride acceptable and the range is nearly 20 miles more with the smaller wheels. We have taken the black one. We still have the X4 for a few months but I will just use it for going to golf etc. The timing wasn't perfect but the price was too good to ignore. If there is any equity left in the X4 we could maybe trade it in against a car for my daughter. |
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Post by Martin on Jul 7, 2020 15:19:37 GMT
Apart from it being black, all sounds good and the 20" wheels look fine, it's the 18s/19s that look small. Doesn't the HSE get a better quality of leather and cooled seats as well? Probably a good thing that it's in stock otherwise you'd easily end up pushing the cost way higher by adding leather dash, air suspension etc.
Have you driven one?
One thing that you might not expect coming from a BMW is that it has a SIM built in that covers most things but I'm fairly sure it will need a separate SIM for live traffic and software updates. You can tether the car to your phone, but my phone doesn't always let a device connect first time, so I bought a Three Data SIM from Amazon, by far the cheapest way of doing it. I think some dealers give you a free SIM for 3 months, but I'd ditch that when it runs out.
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