Chicago 2019 - MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Award - Best of the Year

In all, MotorWeek handed out 17 Driver’s Choice Awards for 2019. In addition to winning Best Luxury Utility, it also walked away with Best of the Year. We couldn’t agree more!

“And the winner is, the Jaguar I-PACE, as the 2019 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice for Best of the Year!

Up until this point, if you were looking for a fully-electric SUV, your only option was the Tesla Model X. 

Well, leave it to Jaguar to become the first established luxury brand to bring a full-EV SUV to market. Granted, as is the case with many utilities these days, we admit it is a bit of a stretch to call it an SUV, as its shape is more akin to a tall, slick hatchback. But, that’s the modern SUV market.

And it does actually have credentials, 5.6-inches of ground clearance, and room for 5 with 25.3 cubic-ft. of rear cargo space.  

Battery hardware consists of a 90kWh pack that stretches between the 117.7-inch wheelbase. Total output is 394-horsepower and 512 lb-ft. of torque, enough to get you to 60 in 4.2-seconds. Range…a very useful 234-miles. 

And, it’s cool to be seen in. I-PACE is one of the most attractive SUVs…or for that matter automobiles…on the planet. We love the fact that it is instantly recognizable as a Jaguar, with plenty of brand hallmarks. They even kept the family grille, even though it is no longer needed. 

Likewise, the interior is also a fantastic blending of modern with Jaguar luxury. Plenty of high-tech too; but again, all delivered in a subtle, non-jarring fashion. 

As for the all-important driving aspects, well the I-PACE doesn’t disappoint here either. Solid road feel, linear power delivery, nicely-weighted steering, and near perfect balance. A highly configurable setup allows for easy driver fine tuning to deliver the exact experience you’re looking for.  

Truth is, the Jaguar I-PACE is such a fantastic vehicle, it most likely would have won an award even if there was an internal combustion engine under the hood. So, considering that it’s a full-EV, on top of being spacious, dynamic, luxurious, and highly capable; it’s easily our MotorWeek 2019 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year!”

“MotorWeek’s Best Luxury Utility is a real game changer, the Jaguar I-PACE. It’s not the first fully-electric utility, but it is the first to come from an established car brand. A motor for each axle provides the all-wheel-drive, as well as close to 400-horsepower; while beautiful Jaguar style outside, exquisite luxury inside, a familiar Jaguar driving prowess, provide the real appeal. All while delivering 234-miles of battery range. We know there are plenty more full-electric utilities in the pipeline from a host of brands. We also know most won’t impress as much as the Jaguar I-PACE  It’s a fantastic modern Jaguar that just happens to be an EV. “