The Jaguar I-Pace Concept has been named Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2017 at the 16th North American Concept Vehicle Awards.
As well as achieving the highest overall score to take away the top honour, Jaguar’s all-electric performance SUV also won the Production Preview Concept of the Year category.
The awards, held at the Concours d’Elegance of America, recognise those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry.
More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 24 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season's auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and New York.
Praised for its beautiful and futuristic design, the I-Pace Concept was described by judge Ashly Knapp as a ‘landmark in automotive technology’. Juror Lauren Fix said: “Jaguar has completely improved the brand in so many ways, and the I-Pace Concept presents the new direction.”
The all-electric performance SUV takes full advantage of the packaging freedom offered by electrification. It previews Jaguar’s first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace, which will be on the road in the second half of 2018.
“Our challenge was to design an electric vehicle that’s distinctively and unmistakably a Jaguar – and one which demonstrates that an electric vehicle can be visually dramatic as well as practical," said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design.
"I think that the Jaguar I-Pace Concept has done exactly that, and is clearly at the forefront of the trend for more beautiful, more desirable electric vehicles.
"We’re very proud of it, and we’re delighted that the North American jurors have recognised us for succeeding in our mission by awarding the I-Pace Concept the 2017 Concept Car of the Year."
Jaguar say the production version of the I-Pace will be revealed in late 2017 and will be on the road in the second half of 2018.