Jaguar I-PACE I (X590) (2018 – 2025)

Reliability score : 5.8/10

The Jaguar I-PACE (X590) is the British brand's first 100% electric SUV. Launched in 2018, it was critically acclaimed for its spectacular design (penned by Ian Callum), sports car-like handling, and luxurious interior, winning a historic treble at the 2019 World Car Awards. However, its career has been heavily marred by major reliability issues regarding its high-voltage battery (supplied by LG Chem), which is prone to fire risks, leading to massive and repeated recall campaigns. Major evolutions: - 2020 (MY21): Crucial technical update. Replacement of the slow infotainment system (Touch Pro Duo) with the much more responsive Pivi Pro system. Introduction of an 11 kW three-phase onboard charger (compared to the previous 7 kW single-phase) reducing home charging time. - 2023: Slight cosmet

✅ Strengths

Exceptional handling (50/50 weight distribution, low center of gravity)
Timeless and spectacular exterior design
Top-flight interior finish quality and soundproofing
EV400 performance (0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 s)
Generous onboard space thanks to the long wheelbase

⚠️ Weaknesses

Risk of high-voltage battery fire (LG Chem cells) leading to endless recalls
Obsolete DC fast charging speed (100-104 kW max), making long trips tedious
High electrical consumption (often > 24 kWh/100 km on the highway)
Recurring failures of the coolant heater (HVCH)
Very slow and buggy multimedia system on 2018-2019 models
Very high weight (over 2.2 tons) leading to rapid wear of tires and brakes

🎯 Verdict

The Jaguar I-PACE is a textbook case of the electric transition: a fantastic car to drive, but ruined by problematic battery technology. The fire risks associated with the LG Chem cells forced Jaguar to impose software updates that often limit the battery capacity to 85% while awaiting the replacement of defective modules. Furthermore, its DC fast charging speed (100 kW) is now obsolete for a vehicle of this price. Buying advice: NEGOTIATE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. Absolutely avoid 2018-2019 models (slow infotainment, 7 kW AC charging, high mileage on at-risk batteries). If you fall for its design and chassis, aim for a post-2021 model (Pivi Pro, 11 kW AC charging) and demand written proof from the Jaguar dealer certifying that the high-voltage battery has been checked, repaired (modules replaced if necessary), and is not subject to any software charging restrictions. Also verify that the heater (HVCH) works perfectly.