Jaguar introduces its first electric concept car

A world where the majority of vehicles on the road are electric is pretty much inevitable at this point. With that in mind, British luxury automaker Jaguar unveiled its first battery-powered vehicle at the LA Auto Show today. But it's not the coupe or touring car you would expect -- instead the I-Pace concept is based on the company's F-Pace SUV line.

While it may share some of the DNA of the automaker's SUV, the I-Pace has been designed nearly from the ground up. Ian Callum, director of design for Jaguar said that not having to worry about an engine meant the cab could be expanded forward.

The result is a wide wheelbase and hood that's shorter and more aggressive than the F-Pace. Plus, it has a sitting position that's closer to the front wheels. And because it's a concept car, instead of a typical metal roof, the passengers will be able to look up and see the sky thanks to a glass ceiling.

Of course the most important thing for anyone looking to purchase an electric vehicle is range. Jaguar says that it's aiming for 220 miles between charges. That puts it on par with the upcoming Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3.

The all-wheel-drive car is powered by motors on the front and rear axles that put out a combined 400 horsepower and 516 pounds of torque. While a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack resides under the passenger compartment.

Callum said the company wanted to built an electric car without compromise. He noted that the design of the I-Pace "is the closest we've ever been to a production vehicle" for a concept car.

So what you're seeing now, might be very close to what the company eventually introduces in late 2017 for purchase in 2018. Which if you're a fan of Jaguar or just want an electric SUV that's not the Model X, could be good news.