Electric vehicles are hardly a new concept any more, but they've largely been the province of Nissan and Tesla.
Add another nameplate to that battery-powered mix. The future of Jaguar arrives next year, in the shape of this gas-free SUV.
Meet the Jaguar I-Pace concept.
CHECK OUT: Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV concept breaks cover at LA Auto Show
Let's get this out of the way first. The I-Pace concept shouldn't be a concept for too long. Jaguar promises its production electric SUV will arrive in some form around 2018.
When it does, it will compete directly against other luxury automakers in a burgeoning electric SUV market, which should include not just Tesla, but also Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Jaguar's electric concept has some very real components. The 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery—similar to what you'd find in a Tesla—is good enough for at least a 220-mile range, according to the automaker.
Jaguar I-Pace Concept, 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show
Its 400-horsepower output is about what you'd expect from a traditional sports car brand—same goes for its 4-second 0-to-60 run.
The I-Pace has all-wheel drive, which is easy to deliver with electric cars and dedicated front and rear motors.
We'd also expect that the bevy of screens—including a 12-inch instrument cluster and 10-inch touchscreen—will also make it to production.
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These gigantic 23-inch wheels will probably hit the cutting-room floor before it goes on sale. Same goes for those exaggerated haunches.
Jaguar designers told us that the concept is fairly close to production-ready, which explains why Jaguar is already on the streets testing the I-Pace.
Despite the similarities in its name, the I-Pace and F-Pace don't share anything in common.
Jaguar I-Pace Concept, 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show
The I-Pace will be built atop a new electric vehicle platform for Jaguar, and the dimensions lend themselves to other shapes including a new XJ or XF—maybe both.
The company's betting that its past success with sports cars and sedans will carry over into crossovers--and electric vehicles.
ALSO SEE: Mercedes previews new electric car lineup with Generation EQ SUV concept
Whether you'd call the I-Pace a crossover or a hatchback is besides the point.
The electrified powertrain seems ready for prime time and could show up in a range of vehicles for Jaguar in a little more than a year.
Jaguar Land Rover provided airfare, lodging, and meals to enable High Gear Media to bring you this first-person report.
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