New Jaguar I-Pace vs Tesla Model S
The electric car market is amping up with the arrival of the Jaguar I-Pace SUV. Has the Tesla Model S finally met its match?...
Our verdict
If you read the September edition of What Car? magazine, you’ll have seen a different outcome in this very same test, with the Model S coming out on top. But a couple of things have changed since then.
First, Tesla’s pricing has increased, which has swung the finances in favour of the I-Pace – although the Model S does now come with a Premium Upgrades Package, which includes heated seats.
Second, the first I-Pace we tested was a pre-production model, and software tweaks made since then have endowed the car a much more impressive real-world range.
It’s an extremely close-run thing, but the I-Pace just clinches the win. It’s not quite as good to drive as the Model S, nor is it as practical, but for real-world range and ownership costs – two crucial areas for Electric car buyers – it has the Tesla beaten. It's more comfortable and classier inside, too.
However, the fact that this is such a close-run test shows how far ahead of its time the Model S was.
1st Jaguar I-Pace
Rated 5/5
For Plusher interior; superior range; better low-speed ride; better resale values
Against Not as practical; slower to charge
Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review
Find a great Jaguar I-Pace deal
2nd Tesla Model S
Rated 4/5
For More agile handling; massive boot; access to Tesla Superchargers
Against Mixed interior quality; woeful reliability record; pricey options
Read our full Tesla Model S review
Find a great Tesla Model S deal
Specifications: Jaguar I-Pace EV400 SE
Engine Two electric motors
List price £69,495
Target price £65,995
Battery size 90kWh
Peak power 394bhp
Peak torque 513lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 4.5sec
Top speed 124mph
Real range 253 miles
Cost of full charge £11.87
Electricity cost per mile 4.7p
Electricity cost per 12k miles £564
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Tesla Model S 75D
Engine Two electric motors
List price £72,350
Target price £68,850
Battery size 75kWh
Peak power 362bhp
Peak torque 487lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 4.3sec
Top speed 140mph
Real range 204 miles
Cost of full charge £10.09
Electricity cost per mile 4.9p
Electricity cost per 12k miles £588
CO2 emissions 0g/km
