Jaguar’s electric crossover voted European Car of the Year

JAGUAR’S fully electric compact crossover, the I-Pace, has been named the 2019 European Car of the Year (COTY).

The COTY award, announced at the Geneva International Motor Show, is the first for a Jaguar.

Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Ralf Speth noted the I-Pace is also Jaguar’s first electric vehicle.

“The I-Pace was designed and engineered in the UK from a clean sheet of paper. It is the most technologically advanced battery electric vehicle. It’s a true game-changer. Winning European Car of the Year is an honor and real recognition of what our world-class team has delivered,” Mr. Speth said.

Sixty automotive journalists picked the I-Pace over six other COTY finalists. The other finalists were the Alpine A110, Citroen C5 Aircross, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 508 — none of which are electric-powered.

Jaguar said the I-Pace blends the performance of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV. It added the vehicle is supported by Jaguar’s public charging service which can be accessed via a dedicated app, or via an RFID key. The I-Pace is also offered with tailor-made charging packages and tariffs compiled into a monthly bill, giving drivers access to more than 85,000 charging points throughout Europe.

Jaguar said it had sold more than 8,000 I-Pace models to date. Deliveries in Europe accounted for 75% of the total volume.

The COTY plum adds to the 55 awards the I-Pace has received worldwide since its introduction in 2018, according to Jaguar.