The Jaguar I-PACE, a fully electric SUV, has been a significant player in the EV market since its introduction. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, considering improvements in battery technology, software updates, and overall reliability. This guide will delve into the best I-PACE years to consider and the ones you might want to avoid, providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

Jaguar I-PACE Model Year Comparison Table

Model Year Key Improvements/Changes Potential Issues/Considerations
2019 Launch year, innovative design, impressive range for its time. Battery degradation concerns (initially addressed through software updates), infotainment system quirks, potential for early production glitches.
2020 Minor software updates, improved battery management. Still susceptible to battery degradation, infotainment system can be slow, potential for some early production issues to persist.
2021 Enhanced infotainment system (Pivi Pro), faster charging capabilities (11kW onboard charger standard). Potential for Pivi Pro bugs (addressed through software updates), ongoing battery degradation concerns, high voltage battery issues.
2022 Refreshed exterior design, enhanced connectivity features, new trim levels. Pivi Pro system may still require updates, battery degradation remains a factor, potential for electronic glitches.
2023 No major changes from 2022. Same potential issues as the 2022 model year, including battery degradation and Pivi Pro glitches.
2024 (Expected) Potentially minor updates or refinements before the I-PACE is phased out. Likely similar to 2022 and 2023 models; focus on software refinements and addressing known issues.

Detailed Explanations

2019: The 2019 I-PACE was the first model year, representing Jaguar's entry into the electric SUV market. It featured a striking design and an impressive range for its time, making it an appealing choice for early EV adopters. However, as the initial production year, it experienced some teething problems, including concerns about battery degradation. The early software updates aimed to mitigate this issue, but potential buyers should be aware of this factor. The infotainment system, while functional, was not as refined as later iterations.

2020: The 2020 model year brought minor software updates aimed at improving battery management and overall performance. While these updates addressed some of the initial concerns, the 2020 I-PACE still faced the potential for battery degradation. The infotainment system, although improved, could still exhibit sluggishness. Overall, the 2020 model is a slight improvement over the 2019, but the core issues remained.

2021: A significant upgrade arrived with the 2021 model year. The most notable improvement was the introduction of the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which offered a faster and more user-friendly experience compared to the previous system. Additionally, the 2021 I-PACE came standard with an 11kW onboard charger, enabling faster charging at home or at public charging stations. Despite these improvements, some owners reported bugs with the Pivi Pro system, which were typically addressed through software updates. Battery degradation remained a concern, and some owners experienced high-voltage battery issues requiring replacement under warranty.

2022: The 2022 I-PACE received a refreshed exterior design, giving it a more modern and appealing look. Enhanced connectivity features were also added, further improving the user experience. New trim levels provided more customization options for buyers. However, the Pivi Pro system could still require updates to resolve any lingering bugs. As with previous models, battery degradation remained a factor to consider. While the 2022 model offered improvements in aesthetics and connectivity, the core issues were not entirely resolved.

2023: The 2023 model year saw no major changes from the 2022 I-PACE. Consequently, the potential issues remained the same, including battery degradation and Pivi Pro glitches. Buyers considering a 2023 I-PACE should be aware of these potential drawbacks and factor them into their decision-making process.

2024 (Expected): As the I-PACE nears the end of its production run, the 2024 model year is expected to feature minor updates or refinements, focusing primarily on software improvements and addressing known issues. It's unlikely to introduce any significant hardware changes. Potential buyers should anticipate similar characteristics and potential problems as the 2022 and 2023 models.

Battery Degradation: This is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing any used EV, including the I-PACE. Battery degradation refers to the gradual loss of battery capacity over time, resulting in a reduced range. Factors that contribute to battery degradation include charging habits (frequent fast charging), environmental conditions (extreme temperatures), and overall usage. Jaguar has released software updates to mitigate battery degradation, but it remains an inevitable process.

Pivi Pro Infotainment System: Introduced in the 2021 model year, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was a significant upgrade over the previous system. It offers a faster, more responsive, and user-friendly interface. However, early versions of the Pivi Pro system were prone to bugs and glitches. Jaguar has released numerous software updates to address these issues, but some owners continue to experience occasional problems.

11kW Onboard Charger: Starting with the 2021 model year, the I-PACE came standard with an 11kW onboard charger. This allows for faster charging at home or at public charging stations equipped with 11kW charging capabilities. Prior models had a slower charging speed.

High Voltage Battery Issues: Some I-PACE owners have reported issues with the high-voltage battery, requiring replacement under warranty. These issues are relatively rare, but potential buyers should be aware of the possibility. It's advisable to check the vehicle's service history for any battery-related repairs or replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the best year for the Jaguar I-PACE? The 2021 and 2022 models are generally considered the best, offering the improved Pivi Pro infotainment system and faster charging capabilities.

  • Are there any years of the I-PACE to avoid? The 2019 and 2020 models are more prone to battery degradation and have the older, less responsive infotainment system.

  • Does the I-PACE battery degrade over time? Yes, like all EV batteries, the I-PACE battery experiences degradation over time, reducing its range.

  • How can I minimize battery degradation in my I-PACE? Avoid frequent fast charging, minimize exposure to extreme temperatures, and maintain a charge level between 20% and 80% when possible.

  • What is the Pivi Pro infotainment system? Pivi Pro is a faster, more user-friendly infotainment system introduced in the 2021 I-PACE, offering improved navigation and connectivity.

  • Is the I-PACE reliable? The I-PACE has had some reliability issues, particularly with the infotainment system and battery, but many of these have been addressed through software updates and warranty repairs.

Conclusion

Choosing the best year for a Jaguar I-PACE depends on your priorities and budget. While the 2019 and 2020 models offer a more affordable entry point, the 2021 and 2022 models provide a superior driving experience with the improved Pivi Pro infotainment system and faster charging. Prioritize models with a documented history of software updates and battery health assessments to ensure a more reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.