Having just rolled 20k miles and coming up on 18 months of I-Pace ownership as my daily driver, I thought a detailed post would help anyone on the fence about the car gain more insight from a veteran I-Pace owner. After recently seeing up to $20K off the 2019 models, the opportunity to buy one has really never been better. I'm still astounded and how poorly such a fabulous car (2019 WCOTY, another 50-60 international awards!) has sold in the U.S., but that is another topic. Maybe JLR is reading these posts and fixes a few of my pet peeves with a SOTA upgrade?
Anyway, here they are:
5 Favorite Features
1. Acceleration and Instant Torque. Moving to any EV changes your perspective on power, responsiveness, but the I-Pace really shines here. Motor Trend clocked it at 4.0 sec 0-60, a full half second faster than spec. I tend to think JLR 'sandbagged' the 0-60 time. Keep tires at 37 psi for optimal ride quality, too.
2. Styling and Overall Looks. Nearly two years since first seeing the vehicle announced, no other EV (other than maybe the Taycan) has grabbed my attention for its design and looks. It really put the "Sport" in SUV.
3. Adustable Height. I've been surprised how often I use this and how practical/enjoyable this feature can be. Whether just ensuring my front air dam doesn't scrape the curb while parking, deciding to jump a median by taking a U-Turn on a stopped and crowded street, or making my own parking spot by mounting a high curb somewhere, this feature rocks!
4. AutoPilot. No, its not fully autonomous, nor do I think I'll be an early adopter for this feature on any car (Darwin, anyone?), but the semi-autonomous LKA (Lane Keep Assist) and following distance (adjustable, BTW) really ease highway driving, especially in traffic.
5. Interior LED Lighting. The interior lighting, although initially I thought gimmicky, does add ambiance and has been popular with guest riders. I also opted for the "Jaguar" blue door sill lighting (highly recommended) as it really gives the car an even more upscale feel at night. (I could do without the branding on the puddle light, though.)
5 Pet Peeves
1. Directional Garage Door Opener. Others have commented about this on this forum, so I know I'm not crazy, but somehow the Homelink GDO signal is poor, directional, or experiences interference going through the UV-blocking windshield. At least twice a week I'm laughed at by my family for having to zig-zag up and down the driveway (oddly, only when departing) trying to get the danm GDO signal through to close my garage door! ("How much did you pay for this thing, again?") Aggravating.
2. Engine Cuts off when Drivers Door Opens. This has to be fixed in a software update. Leaving the car 'running' is nearly impossible for those moments you have passengers... e.g. on a hot day and need to run into a store, open to reach the mailbox, stop to pickup anything adjacent to the driver side, etc.
3. Brake Squeak/Squeal. This is also well documented on the forum, and JLR seems in denial (by reports of other attempting to fix it). There are two distinct undesired sounds: both a "duck growl" in the interior cabin while pressing the brakes, as well as a 'squeak' when stopping/starting at low speed. Independently intermittent, but enough to annoy you.
4. Console & Storage Design. While the middle console open storage looks cool when empty, if you put the commonly used things in there for which it was likely designed (phone, glasses, mint tin, etc.) and drive the car like it wants to be driven, you'll find those items on the floor. More could have been done to make that space a bit more 'cargo secure', I think. Also the open gap between the front footwells should have been rubberized (not carpeted) to keep object in there.
5. Incomplete SOTA. While it took almost a year (since my purchase in Dec 2018) to really get the Infotainment SOTA functionality implemented, many of the other software modules in the car still require a dealer visit. This along with constantly 'forgetting' my home wifi code are surprising given the state of the art nature of the vehicle.
Many trolls (and some owners) will note I did NOT mention the 'sluggish' infotainment. Sure it is not as responsive as desired, but in my opinion you just get used to it and it does not detract from the vehicle experience as much as the 5 Pet Peeves above.
Would love to hear from other veteran owners (6 months or more)...
Anyway, here they are:
5 Favorite Features
1. Acceleration and Instant Torque. Moving to any EV changes your perspective on power, responsiveness, but the I-Pace really shines here. Motor Trend clocked it at 4.0 sec 0-60, a full half second faster than spec. I tend to think JLR 'sandbagged' the 0-60 time. Keep tires at 37 psi for optimal ride quality, too.
2. Styling and Overall Looks. Nearly two years since first seeing the vehicle announced, no other EV (other than maybe the Taycan) has grabbed my attention for its design and looks. It really put the "Sport" in SUV.
3. Adustable Height. I've been surprised how often I use this and how practical/enjoyable this feature can be. Whether just ensuring my front air dam doesn't scrape the curb while parking, deciding to jump a median by taking a U-Turn on a stopped and crowded street, or making my own parking spot by mounting a high curb somewhere, this feature rocks!
4. AutoPilot. No, its not fully autonomous, nor do I think I'll be an early adopter for this feature on any car (Darwin, anyone?), but the semi-autonomous LKA (Lane Keep Assist) and following distance (adjustable, BTW) really ease highway driving, especially in traffic.
5. Interior LED Lighting. The interior lighting, although initially I thought gimmicky, does add ambiance and has been popular with guest riders. I also opted for the "Jaguar" blue door sill lighting (highly recommended) as it really gives the car an even more upscale feel at night. (I could do without the branding on the puddle light, though.)
5 Pet Peeves
1. Directional Garage Door Opener. Others have commented about this on this forum, so I know I'm not crazy, but somehow the Homelink GDO signal is poor, directional, or experiences interference going through the UV-blocking windshield. At least twice a week I'm laughed at by my family for having to zig-zag up and down the driveway (oddly, only when departing) trying to get the danm GDO signal through to close my garage door! ("How much did you pay for this thing, again?") Aggravating.
2. Engine Cuts off when Drivers Door Opens. This has to be fixed in a software update. Leaving the car 'running' is nearly impossible for those moments you have passengers... e.g. on a hot day and need to run into a store, open to reach the mailbox, stop to pickup anything adjacent to the driver side, etc.
3. Brake Squeak/Squeal. This is also well documented on the forum, and JLR seems in denial (by reports of other attempting to fix it). There are two distinct undesired sounds: both a "duck growl" in the interior cabin while pressing the brakes, as well as a 'squeak' when stopping/starting at low speed. Independently intermittent, but enough to annoy you.
4. Console & Storage Design. While the middle console open storage looks cool when empty, if you put the commonly used things in there for which it was likely designed (phone, glasses, mint tin, etc.) and drive the car like it wants to be driven, you'll find those items on the floor. More could have been done to make that space a bit more 'cargo secure', I think. Also the open gap between the front footwells should have been rubberized (not carpeted) to keep object in there.
5. Incomplete SOTA. While it took almost a year (since my purchase in Dec 2018) to really get the Infotainment SOTA functionality implemented, many of the other software modules in the car still require a dealer visit. This along with constantly 'forgetting' my home wifi code are surprising given the state of the art nature of the vehicle.
Many trolls (and some owners) will note I did NOT mention the 'sluggish' infotainment. Sure it is not as responsive as desired, but in my opinion you just get used to it and it does not detract from the vehicle experience as much as the 5 Pet Peeves above.
Would love to hear from other veteran owners (6 months or more)...