FIRST launched in 2018, the multi-award-winning Jaguar I-Pace is all-electric with a 90kWh battery, 395bhp of power, 696Nm of torque and all-wheel drive.

Jaguar say it's an SUV but to me it seems more of a coupe-crossover. Whatever! With its short, stubbed nose squat, muscular stance and short overhangs it looks the part of a ‘performance' car, especially on the HSE's 20-inch wheels.

And its driving performance is key. Most electric cars tend to be smooth, silent and just a little bit boring. However, the I-Pace is genuinely engaging and rewarding to drive. It's nimble, steers precisely, rides beautifully and is genuinely quick - though this will hit your charge hard.

It's a comfortable joy to drive around town and, as it's a Jaguar, refinement at motorway speed is impeccable.

It may be a 2.2-tonne SUV but, off the motorway and on more challenging roads it feels just like a sports car should because of solid body control - it has the highest torsional stiffness of any Jaguar. This aided by the I-Pace's all-wheel drive, helps you carve through corners with grip and confidence.

The I-Pace is powered by a 90kWh battery, which comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty and drives two electric motors to give four-wheel drive. The system propels it from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds - though it feels quicker - and a claimed range of up to 292 miles.

It is available in S, SE, HSE and Black trims. As you'd expect from Jag, the interior looks upmarket and hi-tech, especially as it now comes with Jaguar Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system.

In high-spec HSE models the cabin is cosseting and comfortable, a sea of leather, polished wood finishes - all very traditional - and aluminium. The driving position is excellent and while the HSE's sports seats are thin, they have loads of adjustment as well as being heated and cooled.

The cabin, which will easily carry five in comfort, is also wonderfully airy. Thin A-pillars and large windows create a real sense of space inside, which can be further enhanced with the addition of an optional panoramic roof (£995).

The slick and simple to use Pivi Pro infotainment system allows you to connect two phones over Bluetooth at the same time, while the satnav helps you to find charge points and also shows if nearby charging stations are available or in use, what they cost, and how long it will take to charge.

The I-Pace's boot swallows 505 litres of luggage or 1,163 with the rear bench down. There's also a 27-litre cubby under the Jaguar's ‘bonnet'.

The good news for family users is that Euro NCAPawarded the I-Pace a full five stars in its crash test assessment, with a 91 per cent rating for adult occupants and 81 per cent for child occupants. It is kitted out with a raft of safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition technology. Also standard is an excellent 360-degree surround camera.

Now, the important stuff. The I-Pace comes with an 11kw on-board charger as standard which, when connected to an 11kW wall box, 33 miles of range per hour can be achieved. A full charge from empty takes 8.6 hours - ideal for overnight charging at home.

When charging ‘on the go' a 50kW charger will add up to 39 miles in 15 minutes, while a 100kW charger will add up to 78 miles over the same period.