Electric cars will soon be the way forward, with many premium manufacturers now offering customers an all-electric option already or in the next year or so.
Two such brands are Jaguar and Audi, and their I-Pace and e-tron models are part of a trend of electrified SUVs that are helping lead the way in electric mobility.
But what does each model have to offer, and can the e-tron be a credible challenger to the I-Pace? We take a look…
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar’s most recent model is one of its most important, as it starts a new trend for the British brand. The SUV comes with a 90kWh battery that is connected to two motors – one mounted on each axle – and together they develop 394bhp and 696Nm of torque. With one motor driving two wheels each, you get all-wheel drive and that means the I-Pace can get from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The sleek SUV also comes with high-end features that make driving it very pleasant indeed –with the optional active air suspension and adaptive dynamics allowing you to set the car up as you would like.
Inside, the I-Pace is sleek and simple to navigate, with the central console consisting mainly of touch-sensitive surfaces and the Touch Pro Duo displays. You also get an interactive driver display in the instrument binnacle and a head-up display, as well as a Meridian sound system. High-end materials complement the futuristic feel of the cabin, with customers able to choose from either sport or performance seats.
With a range of 292 miles, most drivers will find that they have more than enough juice to last them three to four days at a time – depending on where they need to go. This is a good base line for Jaguar to improve on and is a great start to its EV line-up. Prices start from £63,495.
Audi e-tron
As the Jaguar has been on sale since early 2018, the Audi e-tron has some catching up to do, but many of the early signs show that the Audi is more than a match for the I-Pace. It has slightly more power at 402bhp and also uses four-wheel drive with its quattro system to help put that power down.
As you would expect, the e-tron also comes with an array of high-end driving features, including automatic energy recuperation and adaptive cruise control, which in the e-tron can predictively alter the speed of the car depending on the route they’ve chosen.
The interior is much like what you would find on the A8 flagship saloon, as you get a near-buttonless central console with two touchscreens and the virtual cockpit display. But one unique feature the e-tron has is cameras on the wings instead of mirrors – with the view of each camera displayed on a screen in the door. Leather upholstery and aluminium trim add to the premium finish and help make the e-tron a very desirable option.
Where the e-tron does stumble compared to the I-Pace, however, is the range. It offers almost 50 miles less on a single charge than the Jaguar – while also costing £7,310 more from the base level.
Both are excellent electric options going forward, but these are the start of both brands journeys towards more efficient and environmentally friendly models.
