Jaguar I-PACE Wins Golden Steering Wheel Award for Best SUV
Jaguar’s all-electric Performance SUV has won Germany’s most famous car award, the Golden Steering Wheel. The I-PACE triumphed in the Mid-size SUV category, ahead of the Audi Q3 and Seat Tarraco. Designed and developed in the UK, the I-PACE was created from a clean sheet of paper with the aim of delivering the world’s best premium electric vehicle – and a true Jaguar driver’s car. Its combination of sports car performance, zero emissions, exceptional refinement, and all-wheel drive SUV usability and practicality make I-PACE the stand-out choice in its segment, according to a statement by the automaker.
A 90kWh lithium-ion battery enables a range of up to 470km (WLTP) and is capable of charging from 0-80% in around 72 minutes (60kW DC). The two light, compact and efficient Jaguar-designed motors generate a combined output of 294kW and 696Nm of instant torque, delivering 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Prof Sir Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, accepted the Golden Steering Wheel for the Jaguar I-PACE at the award ceremony in Berlin, and said: “As part of our ‘Destination Zero’ vision, Jaguar Land Rover is pursuing an ambitious goal: To establish an environmentally friendly closed-loop economy. The Jaguar I-PACE is the clear and creative representation of our vision – an exciting, emissions-free electric vehicle. As a British manufacturer of premium vehicles we are delighted to win the Golden Steering Wheel in the world’s most demanding and competitive premium car market.
“This award is one of many prestigious awards the I-PACE has won.
We will use this validation to intensify our efforts to offer desirable and highly innovative vehicles to our customers. I thank the readers and the experts for rewarding the courage and forward thinking of our designers and engineers with their vote for the I-PACE.”
For the 43rd Golden Steering Wheel Awards, millions of readers of Auto Bild and its sister publications in over 20 European countries, together with readers of the Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag chose their favourites. After the votes had been counted, the 21 finalists – three in each of the seven categories – were thoroughly tested at the Lausitz-Ring circuit by the jury of racing drivers, leading motoring journalists and other car experts, with a focus on driving dynamics, connectivity, design, and total cost of ownership.
Toyota Australia has expressed its concern and support for communities affected by the devastating fires and praised the tireless and courageous work of emergency services and military support battling the catastrophic conditions.
The company said the inevitable cancellation of Rally Australia due to the fires around Coffs Harbour, NSW, had also forced the postponement of the global reveal of Toyota GR YARIS prototype. Plans for the reveal will be announced later.
Coffs Harbour Dealer Principal Warren Skinner, who said several of his staff had been directly affected by the fires, has urged members of the public to donate money to support affected communities throughout NSW and Queensland.
“Toyota Motor Corporation Japan and Toyota Australia have kicked off our fundraising drive with a joint donation pledge of $250,000, to go directly to the Salvation Army,” Mr Skinner said.
“All donations will go to the Salvation Army Australia to assist their efforts both during the immediate crisis and over the longer term to help local communities recover,” he said.
Toyota Australia President Matthew Callachor said the company and its dealers have a strong connection to regional and rural communities who have supported, and been supported by Toyota for more than 60 years.
“The Toyota team is devastated to see this disaster in our communities and want to ensure we lend a hand to support those who are affected at this time, which is why we and our parent company in Japan are pleased to provide a quarter of a million dollars to the Australian Salvation Army,” Mr. Callachor said.
Toyota encouraged people to get behind the many aid organisations on the ground such as the Salvation Army.
“We have the highest admiration and respect for the Salvation Army and the many other organisations and individuals who are rallying to support everyone in need.”