Jaguar I-Pace review

The Jaguar I-Pace is priced broadly in line with the Audi E-tron and the Mercedes EQC, and undercuts the Tesla Model S and Model X, but it costs considerably more than basic versions of the Mustang Mach-E and Tesla’s Model 3.

Like its closest rivals, the I-Pace costs more than £50,000 so it doesn’t qualify for the £3000 government grant towards the cost of new EVs. But, like all zero-emission vehicles, it is a very tempting choice for company car drivers because it attracts an extremely low benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rating.

However, if you cover lots of miles and will often need to charge away from your home or office, remember that all Teslas give you access to its industry-leading Supercharger network. I-Pace buyers will have to charge at home or use regular, slower public chargers.

Recharging the batteries to 80% capacity from flat with an 11kW wall box (as you might when plugging in overnight) takes nine hours. A 50kW public charger reduces that time to 85min while 100kW chargers (which are still rare) take 40min. The Audi E-Tron and Extended Range Mustang Mach-E are capable of charging at an even faster 150kW.

The entry-level S spec Jaguar I-Pace features lots of luxuries, including keyless entry, dual-zone climate control and ambient interior lighting. It’s the best value in the lineup, but we’d consider adding the Drive Assist Pack for adaptive cruise control and steering assistance.

Upgrading to SE gets you bigger wheels and additional safety kit as well as the Drive Assist Pack as standard, while HSE adds heated rear seats.

The InControl Remote app lets you warm or cool the I-Pace’s battery and interior remotely. It ensures the former is at its most efficient when you set off and the latter is comfortable enough to stop you from shivering or sweating. The energy required is drawn from the mains when the car is plugged in, and the feature is said to increase the range by up to 62 miles on a cold day.

The Jaguar brand finished a disappointing 21st out of the 31 manufacturers surveyed in the 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey, and the I-Pace finished fifth out of the seven models ranked in the electric cars category.

The I-Pace comes with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty (as conventionally powered Jaguars do) while its battery is covered for eight years valid for 100,000 miles. The latter is a match for Tesla’s warranty except that Tesla does not impose a mileage limit.

Jaguar also follows Tesla's example by offering wireless software updates for the infotainment system and battery charging equipment, reducing the need to visit dealers.

Every Jaguar I-Pace comes with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Traffic sign recognition, which displays the speed limit on your dashboard, is also included.

Mid-spec SE cars add a blindspot warning system, high-speed automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, which keeps you a set distance from the car in front.

What's more, the I-Pace performed quite well in independent Euro NCAP crash tests, gaining a five-star safety rating. However, the Audi E-tron and the Tesla Model X are better at protecting adults and children in a collision.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here