Jaguar is a great automaker, but it hasn’t been without turbulence in its past. Somewhere along the way, it lost the spirit and drive that it once had, but redeemed itself when in launched the F-Type back in 2013. Come 2016, and Jaguar has shown off its I-Pace Concept – an SUV that is loosely based on the F-Type but carries along two electric motors and a battery as its primary source of motivation. This all-electric SUV will mark Jaguar’s entry into the small but growing market of cars that don’t require dino juice to get rolling. Jaguar has also announced that its Special Vehicle Operations division will produce an electric vehicle with an SVR badge – yet another first. Rumors have been circling that this will be a sports car, but if SVO really wants to dip into the electric pot, it will have an excellent canvass for its first model: The 2018 I-Pace. The SVR version will naturally be more aggressive on the outside, will feature some unique and race-inspired features inside, and will come with a decent power improvement over the standard I-Pace. And, since the I-Pace is slated to enter the market for 2018, the I-Pace SVR could hit make its debut before the turn of the decade.

There’s also a hidden benefit to using the I-Pace as the canvass for the first SVR-badged electric vehicle. First, the brand can save heavily on the development costs up front by focusing on upgrading the powertrain and making other minor modifications to the I-Pace SUV. Then, once the high-performance SUV is perfected, it can then focus on building its all-electric sports car that can boast the same juiced up powertrain as the I-Pace SVR.

As such, we’ve created a rendering what the I-Pace SVR could look like. So let’s take a good look at the rendering and speculate a little on what SVR will do to improve on the future I-Pace electric SUV.

Continue reading to learn more about the future Jaguar I-Pace SVR.

2020 Jaguar I-Pace SVR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 Jaguar I-Pace SVR
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Considering we don’t know what the full production I-Pace will look like, we had to look to the I-Pace concept as a canvass for our I-Pace SVR rendering. As such, the overall shape and design of the body shell will remain the same, but we’re expecting to see a more accentuated air dam, and those recessed air vents may be spread out a little more and blocked off. It’s quite possible that these will be used to help cool the electric motors, however, so they may allow some air flow. Down below, we’ve added a light on each corner, and there’s, of course, an SVR badge on the grille. While we didn’t depict it in our rendering, it’s also quite possible that the SVR version could see its own unique headlight lenses to help set it apart a bit.

Moving over to the sides, very little will change. The window trim and side-view mirrors will be blacked out, as will the lower trim on the door and the side skirts. The side skirts could also end up just a little more aggressive, shown here by a slightly more dramatic twist effect at the rear. It will likely ride on the same side wheels, but they will be exclusive units. The wheels we’ve picked out for this rendering feature an intriguing and unique design and are powder coated black to help give the SUV a slightly darker appearance.

As is the usual case with our renderings, we didn’t dive into any real changes in the rear, but you can expect to see a spoiler like we’ve shown here. On the production model, this will probably be a fully functional spoiler that is active and could automatically change its angle based on speed and other conditions. Down below, the SVR could get its own unique set of taillight lenses to go with a diffuser-like element and a slightly more aggressive rear fascia.

The Competition

For now, there aren’t too many models that are slated to compete with an I-Pace SVR. The obvious competitor is the Tesla Model X (left,) but Mercedes recently revealed the Generation EQ concept (right) that was also an electric SUV with a fair amount of power, on-par performance, and stylish looks.

As far as the EQ SUV goes, Mercedes hasn’t exactly said for sure that it will go into production, but it did say that it was near production ready. And, with Mercedes determined to unleash a handful of EQ-branded vehicles, there’s a pretty good chance we’ll see a real production model. Compared to the I-Pace SVR, the EQ SUV has a has a more futuristic exterior look. Instead of having an imitation grille and air dam up front, the EQ has a unique looking fascia with a recessed area in each corner to go with a wide and dominating LED display in place of the traditional grille. This LED display lights up bright blue and also houses the LED headlights. The areas that aren’t lit up with blue LEDs is gloss black, which matches the hood and roof. The sides are rather mundane, but you’ll notice the EQ has side-view cameras instead of mirrors and has a somewhat bubbly appearance. There’s also no door handles with touch sensitive buttons or proximity detectors responsible for activating the door latches. Around back, the EQ has an LED panel on the hatch that is similar to the display up front. It’s gloss black, but also features a red LED strip outline that functions as tail and brake lights. A large black insert in the rear fascia and a gloss black overhang rounds off the exterior package.

Moving over to the Tesla Model X, it kind of falls in the middle as far as exterior design goes. The I-Pace is an electric SUV that pretends to be powered by an engine, while the Mercedes EQ is clearly all electric. The Model X, on the other hand, doesn’t have a massive grille up front, but the air damn and corner intakes down below could lead the uninformed to misinterpret what it really is. Keep in mind, but “uninformed” I mean someone not from this planet because, hey, everyone on earth knows what a Tesla is these days. The Model X features fairly aggressive styling up front, but it isn’t too sculpted or muscular. The headlights are sleek and eye-shaped with a massive and bright LED strip on the bottom. The side profile of the Model X is the most important part as it has those weird gulwing doors in the rear that were also very problematic for the brand at first. Those problems have been worked out now, and it’s certainly unique, but it’s not so much an everyman’s car like the I-Pace or Mercedes EQ could be.

Interior

Note: I-Pace concept interior pictured here.

We’ve already seen the F-Type-Inspired interior of the I-Pace Concept, so you can bet that the SVR version will probably carry on largely unchanged. It could, however, get a flat-bottom steering wheel, custom SVR graphics in the instrument cluster and infotainment display, and a handful of new materials inside to give in an extra edge over the standard I-Pace. With that said, the general dimensions will remain the same, as will the overall design, but carbon fiber inlays, healthy doses of Alcantara and finer leathers are likely to be on the table of offerings as far as we’re concerned. The large panoramic glass roof will also carry over, but it could feature some new technology that allows the driver to adjust the tint for comfort. On a side note, the standard I-Pace probably won’t get those aggressive sports seats that we see in the concept, but the I-Pace SVR could very well get those seats or some derivative of them.

The Competition

The Mercedes EQ (left) had a very futuristic cabin, while the Model X, which has long been in production, has a more standard cabin that is more suited to a modern production vehicle. That doesn’t mean the Model X doesn’t have the niceties associated with all-electric modern cars; it’s just toned down in comparison to the other models in question. When it comes to the model X, it has that fully digital instrument cluster that is paired with the largest infotainment and navigation display that is available in a production model at the time of this writing. In case you didn’t notice, the design of the dash, paired with that large display creates a T-shape, which is a nod to the Tesla emblem. A two-tone interior is the standard here with the upper portion of the dash, and upper trim all dark, while the lower portion of the dash, inserts on the door trim panels, and the seats are all in a lighter, contrasting color. It’s a unique cabin and very inviting, but that large display in the middle of the dash takes some getting used to.

Moving over to the EQ Concept, it’s futuristic cabin will clearly be toned down a bit once it makes it into production, but it should still get that wide display on the dash that doubles and an instrument cluster and infotainment system. It will also have a smaller touch screen on the center console to go with other touch sensitive buttons that control various features. I can see the LED lighting carrying over to the production model, but I wouldn’t expect to see such an aggressive dashboard or door trim panels. The door panels, specifically, will likely be toned down and thinned a bit to provide more room for passengers. The dash will also be revamped a bit to offer better air vents for HVAC functions, and the dash will probably sit a little lower so that the driver can actually see what’s going on up front.

Either way, when you look a the I-Pace (and imagine and SVR version) then compare it to the EQ and Model X, it’s clear that we could have a little Battle Royale on our hands. All three cabins are unique and very inviting, while the EQ and I-Pace offer very futuristic cabins that are sure to intrigue new buyers. There’s a reason everyone says Tesla should be worried about the Mercedes EQ, and now it looks like Tesla should worry about the I-Pace and I-Pace SVR as well.

Drivetrain

Note: I-Pace concept drivetrain pictured here.

The I-Pace concept showcased an electric powertrain system that was built in-house and made use of a pretty clever battery storage system. Jaguar didn’t release the rating of the battery itself, but said that it can take an 80-percent charge in 90 minutes and gets a full charge is just over two hours on a 50kW DC charger. The I-Pace is said to achieve a range of over 500 km on the NEDC scale, but the EPA has yet to rate it. Estimates put it at just over 300 miles worth of range on a full charge, but it’s pure speculation. What’s more important is the fact that the battery location in the frame and chassis itself, helps to make the underbody more aerodynamic while keeping the center of gravity excessively low for an SUV. There is an electric motor attached to the front and rear axle and are said to deliver a combined power output of 394 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That power, by the way, is instantly available, which allows the I-Pace to make a 60-mph sprint in as little as four seconds.

When it comes to an SVR branded model, it’s kind of hard to predict what SVO will do, but we could see a healthy increase in power. Pushing out as much as 500 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque isn’t out of the question, which would make this a hella-fast SUV. The 60-mph would be closer to that of the Tesla Model S P100D at 2.9 seconds, and top speed would be well over 160 mph if it wasn’t electronically limited. As far as the battery goes, the SVR-branded model could use the same battery with a reduced range (due to the extra power) or SVR could up the size of the battery a bit at the cost of a little extra weight and price. The increase in power from larger motors would easily compensate for a little extra weight, so there should still be a healthy and considerable performance gain here.

The Competition

Like the I-Pace SVR, the Tesla Model X is all-wheel drive and is propelled by a pair of electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear. Like the SVR, the Model X has the battery system integrated into the frame and chassis which helps keep the center of gravity low. The Model X, however, is offered in two different configurations: 90D and P90D. Both models use a 90kWh battery that gives the SUV about 250 miles worth of range (just a tad more in 90D form,) but the big different between the two is the power output. And, we’re not talking about minor gains here. The 90D comes with a pair of 259-horsepower motors while the P90D gets the same 259-pony motor in the front but a ridiculous 503-horsepower motor in the rear. In 90D form, the X can hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds while the P90D model pushes the sprint down to 3.8 seconds. But, if you opt to pay extra for Ludacris mode, you can get to the same benchmark in 3.2 seconds – that’s as fast as the Koenigsegg CCS, by the way. Top speed on both models come in at 155 mph, but I’m pretty sure that’s probably electronically limited on the P model.

Moving over to the Mercedes EQ, and you’ll find your futuristic, electric SUV lugging along a 70kWh battery that is said to offer up 310 miles of range (take that Musk.) But, there’s some more significant difference here that’s worth pointing out. The EQ uses two motors in the front and two in the rear, allowing it to be not only all-wheel drive, but it should be able to offer excellent and on-demand power distribution and some kind of torque vectoring comparable to that of the best supercars out there. I know you’re wondering about power figures, and it’s your lucky day because we have those too. The EQ concept is said to have 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to push it to 62 mph in less than five seconds while providing enough raw strength to tear down just about anything you can chain it to (assuming you’d be willing to commit such a crime.) With the EQ, however, it’s important to remember that it is scalable, so lesser or entry-level models could offer even half that power at a much lower price overall, with the potential to unlock more power later via software updates or tuning. Mercedes also claims that the EQ can get up to 62 miles of range on a five-minute charge, but we’re reserving judgment on that one.

Between the potential i-PACE SVR and the potential Mercedes EQ, wonder boy Musk may be shaking in his trousers. But, for now, the Model X is the only one you can actually get your hands on, so he’s safe for now. Should the I-Pace SVR and the Mercedes EQ actually find their way into production with the specs we’ve seen here, we could have a pair of Tesla killers on our hands. You’ll definitely want to weigh your options in the future when it comes time to make a purchase decision.

Pricing

At this point, pricing is about as big a mystery as whatever the hell might actually be on the dark side of the moon. Jaguars aren’t exactly “cheap” vehicles with models like the F-Type going for $61,400, or more comparably, the F-Pace, which retails for $41,990 in entry-level form. The standard I-Pace is slated to hit the market in the second half of 2018, but pricing is still a secret. All-electric vehicles are typically more expensive than their equivalent fuel-powered models, so the I-Pace could start out around $50,000 to $55,000 in entry-level form. But, we’re talking about one that wears and SVR badge, so we have to dig a little deeper if we want to have an idea of what the sticker will ultimately say. The F-Type SVR is priced at just over double that of the entry-level F-type. So, if the I-Pace starts out around $55,000, expect the SVR-branded version to pull in excess of $110,000 if not something closer to $130,000. With that said, you better start saving now!

Conclusion

You may have noticed that we skipped talking about any other competitors here at the end, but that’s because right now, there really isn’t anyone else proving themselves worthy of jumping in the ring with the I-Pace SVR. Well, not unless Kia sends the Soul EV off to fat camp, then over to Dwayne Johnson's house to develop A LOT more muscle. Alright, all jokes aside, there really isn’t much else out there right now that looks promising. But, that’s okay because a model like the I-Pace SVR is something that should only be found in the company of a few, and will be legendary in its own right. Imagine an SUV with enough power to take on some of the best supercars on the market while still being maneuverable enough to handle some wildly spirited driving. Sure, the Model X is fast, but it's not a Jag, and it doesn't sport the SVR badge that we’ve all come to respect and love. Needless to say, Jaguar needs to hurry up so we can get one in the TopSpeed garage and put it through the paces!