When it comes to the competition of electric vehicle performance at Nürburgring, the focus is often on the rivalry between Tesla and Porsche. However, Jaguar has quietly introduced its own contender for the track in the unlikely form of the I-Pace crossover. While Tesla and Porsche aim for a single flying lap, Jaguar has been organizing its own racing series for race-ready I-Paces since 2018. Now, Jaguar is offering the I-Pace as the first electric taxi service at the ‘Ring, allowing enthusiasts to experience the thrill of the Nürburgring in their very own EV.
For those unfamiliar with ‘Ring taxi laps, the concept is straightforward. Various companies provide ride-alongs in high-performance cars around the Nürburgring’s twisting 12.9-mile Nordschleife course with a skilled local driver who knows the track well. It’s probably the most exhilarating taxi ride you’ll ever experience, and now you can enjoy it in the serenely quiet ambiance of an EV.
James Holm/Jaguar
While most ‘Ring taxis are typically fast sedans and sports cars, the Jaguar Land Rover team has been unafraid to include swift SUVs in their lineup for those adrenaline-filled laps. Despite being an unconventional choice for Nürburgring thrills, the 395-horsepower, 513-pound-feet I-Pace “eTaxi” perfectly complements the roster.
A single spirited I-Pace lap will set you back around $165, which can be divided among a trio of passengers at just under $55 per person.
‘Ring taxis undergo extensive use, with repeated high-speed laps often fully loaded with passengers, except for that unpopular middle back seat. Jaguar’s decision to offer this service is definitely a bold move. While Tesla and Porsche focus on setting the fastest lap during private sessions (which may not always hold up), Jaguar aims to showcase, in a very public manner, the endurance of their EV through multiple ‘Ring laps over several hours of open session.
James Holm/Jaguar
Ultimately, a track-ready EV must prove capable of enduring multiple laps. Consistent performance over numerous laps, as opposed to a single fast lap, is crucial in alleviating consumers’ range anxiety.
According to the I-Pace’s taxi driver Dale Lomas, the electric crossover can complete approximately four to five laps on a full charge. Lomas mentioned in an email to The Drive:
Starting from a full charge, we typically achieve between 4 to 5 laps before returning to the Jaguar Nürburgring Test Centre for a recharge. With the latest 100 kW DC chargers, recharging an additional 3-4 laps takes just over 30 minutes. This cycle can be repeated throughout the day. By utilizing the high-regen setting, we often recover between 6 to 7 kilowatts per single lap of the Nordschleife, with the majority reclaimed during the initial section of the lap’s descent down to Breidscheid. Careful braking results in maximum regeneration, with the added benefit of maintaining cool ventilated disc brakes after several consecutive laps!
Lomas, with over 20 years of experience driving the track, regularly participates in the Nürburgring 24 Hours and operates the Bridge to Gantry blog dedicated to the circuit. In 2017, he also clinched a VLN championship at the track. Additionally, Lomas serves as a test driver for Jaguar Land Rover’s durability team. The Nordschleife’s diverse terrain and multitude of corners have long served as a testing ground for drivetrain endurance, well before it became the latest battleground for EV performance supremacy.
Jaguar remains the only manufacturer-backed taxi service at the ‘Ring. Given the recent emphasis on EV durability at the notoriously challenging track, it seems like they’ve made the right call to stay in the game.
For those still keen on a more traditional ‘Ring cab encounter, Jaguar will continue to operate their XE SV Project 8 sedan alongside the new EV. The Project 8 boasts a significantly louder exhaust sound, accommodates only one passenger, and is priced at $275 per lap. If you wish to reserve a ride in either vehicle before heading to the Nürburgring, you can sign up here.
