After months of teasing and pre-production drives, we’ve finally been let loose in Jaguar’s electric I-Pace.
The I-Pace, with its impressive 298-mile range, is bringing the fight to the only other electric SUV currently available in the UK – the Tesla Model X.
With both cars’ price pushing the more premium end of the market, which one offers the most for your money? We drove them back-to-back to compare what’s on offer.
Size
When it comes to space, the Model X does have more of it purely because it can accommodate seven people. With a high roofline, there’s plenty of headroom too. The I-Pace is far more coupe-like and compact in design, with only five seats.
Comfort
If you spend a lot of time in the car, the I-Pace is where you’ll want to be. Despite those sculpted, sporty seats’s appearance, they are actually very comfortable. Pair that with the optional air-suspension and the Jag floats down the road. Meanwhile, the seats in the aren’t very comfy for long journeys and the car rattles across bumps, although it also has air-suspension that can be modified to counteract some of this.
Speed
Who said electric cars aren’t about going fast? If it’s one thing they’ve got going for them it’s great pace off the line. While the middle of the range 100D Model X can hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds, the I-Pace will do it in 4.5. However, opt for the Tesla’s more powerful P100D and that time drops to 2.9 seconds. The Tesla also wins on top speed, being able to reach 155mph when the Jaguar can only do 124.
Range
The Model X has been putting other EVs to shame with its range since 2015, boasting 351 miles from the 100D on one charge. However, the I-Pace does come close with 298 miles of range. These figures both sound like a lot, but day-to-day it means most people won’t have to ever worry about charging away from home. Unless you drive very carefully, it’s unlikely you’ll get spot on these claims though, but you can drive your EV without any of that nasty range anxiety.
Tech
If you’re looking for something a bit wacky in the I-Pace, you might be disappointed. What you’ve got here is everything you would expect from a car today. In fact, it’s pretty easy to forget you’re even in an electric car. It does get the infotainment system you’d also find in the Range Rover Velar and the option to cut out sound from outside the car with noise-cancelling or add in spaceship like sounds that respond to your driving.
For buyers who love tech, the Model X has a lot more to offer. The iPad-like screen with Google Maps, Spotify and TuneIn all built in works well and, for the show-offs among you, the falcon wing doors are a real treat.
Design
Electric cars often get the special treatment when it comes to design, and they can be an acquired taste. In the case of the Model X it’s certainly been divisive. The bulbous exterior, falcon wing doors and other touches such as the very large windscreen have not been popular with everyone. The I-Pace, on the other hand, is stylish and sporty. It fits in beautifully with the Jaguar SUV range and is sure to impress on the open road.
Cost
The Model X starts at £71,350 for the lower powered 75D version but jumps to £88,050 for the 100D or £128,250 for P100D models. The I-Pace starts at £63,495 for the S and climbs to £74,445 for the top HSE model or £81,495 for the highly specified First Edition model. However, both are eligible for the £4,500 Government grant.
For the quirks, range and extra seats, the X has a lot of appeal. However, if you’re looking for a premium SUV with the added benefit of a long-range electric powertrain then the I-Pace is a very compelling choice.