Jaguar Land Rover performance impresses the world at auto show

Jaguar Land Rover and its Chinese joint venture Chery Jaguar Land Rover made a powerful impression on the opening day of the 15th Beijing International Auto Show, last week, debuting two flagship models.

Jaguar unveiled its all-new I-PACE and Range Rover its SV Coupe for the first time in Asia.

Both Jaguar and Land Rover brands brought an impressive lineup of cars to this year's auto show, also known as Auto China 2018, and further showcased a stunning range of models.

Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth, said that the automaker intends to remain at the cutting edge of the motor industry and continue to improve its performance especially in the Chinese market.

"Jaguar Land Rover is committed to becoming a technology company that strives to realize the transition from combustion fuel engine to automation, connectivity, electrification and car sharing, offering consumers worldwide a travel life that's cleaner, safer and technologically more advanced," Speth said.

"The Jaguar and Land Rover brands will continue to bring consumers more attractive models that inspire their desires and fulfill their dreams."

One such model is the all-new I-PACE, which is equipped with an 81 kWh lithiumion battery, and has a range of up to 500 km.

The model's battery is able to charge from empty to 80 percent in less than 45 minutes, with a 15-minute charge giving a 100 km range.

The Jaguar I-PACE adheres to Jaguar's reputation for sports car performance and combines the usual practicality of the Jaguar PACE family, said the company.

Helping to provide that performance is its all-wheel drive system powered by twin Jaguar-designed motors with a combined 400 PS and 696 Newton meters of torque delivering 0-100 kilometers per hour in just 4.8 seconds.

Designed from the outset as an electric vehicle, the I-PACE offers bold aero-efficient design which further increases its range, and interior space far in excess of its segment.

In addition, the Jaguar I-PACE is also equipped with smart settings that use artificial intelligence to provide unique driving experiences based on the driving habits of each owner.

The company also revealed the I-PACE's retail price at the auto show, with models available starting from 688,000 yuan ($108,660). The model is available to order now. To mark the 70th anniversary of its establishment, Land Rover held the Asian debut of its premium custom-made two-door SUV Range Rover SV Coupe.

Meticulously crafted by both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, the model has an elegant and harmonious body with a premium interior.

The Range Rover SV Coupe is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine with a maximum power of 565 horsepower and a peak torque of 700 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 kph in only 5.3 seconds.

The new car continues to evolve and push through its limits, said the company, adding that it pays tribute to the first generation of Range Rovers, and helps consumers explore new environments with ease.

The price for the Chinese market will be formally announced in the middle of the year and sales will begin at the end of the year. Despite this, the Range Rover SV Coupe is available for order now.

"We have an open spirit and a broad mind that will aid us in bringing world-class technology to China and take practical actions to deepen the local market," said Pan Qing, president of Jaguar Land Rover China. "In the future, we will use both Chinese and British elements as 'two engines' to 'drive' our growth and success."

(China Daily 04/28/2018 page7)