If you’re in the market for an electric luxury SUV but don’t want a Tesla, you don’t have many options to choose from — at least not yet. The Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi E-Tron are currently your only other options in North America, though the Mercedes-Benz EQC will finally hit the market in early 2021. But, if you can’t wait that long, the I-Pace and the E-Tron are both competent electric vehicles (EVs). Keep reading to decide which one is right for you.
Tech features
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar didn’t hold back and loaded the I-Pace with lots of standard and optional tech. All trims come with an upper 10-inch touchscreen, a lower 5.5-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 11-speaker Meridian audio system, a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, six USB ports, and a vehicle smartphone app. Optional tech features include a head-up display, a watch key (activity key), and an upgraded 15-speaker Meridian audio system.
Audi E-Tron
Like the I-Pace, the E-Tron has a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and two center touchscreens, but the E-Tron’s are slightly larger. The top screen measures 10.1 inches, and the lower screen checks in at 8.8 inches. Other standard tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, four USB ports, and a vehicle smartphone app. A head-up display is optional.
Motors, driving range, and charging
Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace’s 90-kWh battery pack powers front- and rear-mounted motors that have a combined output of 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-rated driving range is 234 miles on a full battery. A full charge for the 2020 I-Pace takes about 13 hours using a Level 2 charger, but using a DC fast charger will take between 40 to 85 minutes to charge to 80%, depending on its power output.
Audi E-Tron
Audi’s E-Tron uses a slightly larger 95-kWh battery pack. Its EPA-rated range checks in at 222 miles, thanks to a recent update, and 218 miles for the Sportback model. Combined power output for the front- and rear-mounted motors is 355 hp and 414 lb.-ft. of torque, though an over-boost function briefly bumps those numbers up to 402 and 490. The E-Tron uses a 9.6-kWh on-board charger, and using a DC fast charger (150 kW) can charge 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes. A full charge on a Level 2 charger will take about 10.5 hours. Its zero-to-60mph time of 5.5 seconds (with Boost Mode) isn’t as brisk as the I-Pace, but it’s still quick.
