Kelley Blue Book: How the Jaguar I-Pace matches up in the EV market

Being one of the first on the scene could work to the advantage of the I-Pace. Still, Jag’s first-ever EV needs to prove it has the staying power to meet current and future rivals.

Power and range

These are two of the most important subjects in the EV lexicon. In terms of power, the I-Pace has plenty to offer. The electric powertrain is centered around a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery pack which sends power to all four wheels. In total, the all-wheel drive I-Pace has the equivalent of 394 horsepower, which is enough to propel this SUV from zero to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

That’s rapid, though not as crazy quick as the 2.7 seconds it takes a Tesla Model X (optioned in Performance trim, with the optional Ludicrous Mode upgrade) to launch itself to the same speed. While they haven’t officially hit the U.S. market, the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC are estimated to be about 0.5 to 1.0 second slower than the electric Jaguar in the sprint to 60 miles per hour.

The I-Pace also holds an edge over its German rivals when it comes to driving range. With 234 miles available per charge, the Jaguar has a slight edge over both the e-tron and EQC. This also compares nicely with base models of the Rivian R1S SUV, which is expected to have a minimum of 230 miles of range when it arrives next year.

According to Jaguar, using a DC fast charger will provide an 80% charge in about 40 minutes. That sounds great, in theory, but fast charging is still relatively rare and many EV owners rely on more commonly available 240-volt outlets, particularly when charging overnight at home. Using this method, an I-Pace needs more than 12 hours to fully charge.

Jaguar luxury brings upscale pricing

One of the biggest drawbacks to the I-Pace is the high price you have to pay to own one. Granted, you’ll never need to stop and spend money on gasoline. But that doesn’t hide the fact this Jaguar EV starts at more than $70,000. This is about equal to what you’ll pay for a base model of the Tesla Model X, which starts at roughly $81,000.

The Audi e-Tron starts around $75,000, while the entry-level Rivian R1S should carry a base price of around $70,000, too. Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce the price of the U.S. version of the EQC sport-utility. But it’s safe to assume it’ll land squarely within this price range.

Also see: Automakers are gambling on electric pickup trucks—will consumers buy them?

If the Jaguar name conjures up images of beautiful lines and constant breakdowns, it’s worth noting the strong warranty that’s attached to the I-Pace. There is a 5 year/60,000 mile standard warranty, along with a battery-related warranty that stretches to 8 years/ 100,00 miles. This could help put the I-Pace on the shopping list of people who want a reliable zero-emission SUV, and are less concerned about the caché of being an early-adopter tech devotee.

Can the Jaguar I-Pace replace a normal SUV?

The electric powertrain provides incredible power, especially when you dip into the accelerator at highway speed. The 512 pound-feet of torque allows the I-Pace to surge ahead of traffic. That enthusiasm, however, might put a dent in your ultimate driving range. Thanks to the low center of gravity provided by the electric motors and battery pack, this Jaguar SUV has sports car-like manners.

This driving fun doesn’t come at the expense of a rigid and bouncy ride, thankfully. A Jaguar wouldn’t be a Jaguar if it rattled over bumps with the grace of a lumbering steamroller. With this in mind, the I-Pace offers an eerily-quiet driving experience thanks to its near-silent electric motors. It provides a luxurious means of getting from Point A to Point B in style and comfort.

High-tech cabin

Step inside and you’ll find a dashboard dominated by touch screen surfaces. It’s modern but not overwhelming. The controls don’t require a degree from MIT to operate and understand. The I-Pace comes standard with everything from a Meridian sound system and Wi-Fi hotspot, to safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor.

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Optional extras include premium leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and high-speed automatic emergency braking.

How good is the Jaguar I-Pace?

Jaguar is ahead of many other luxury brands when it comes to getting a toehold in the EV marketplace. In many ways, the I-Pace is a totally normal SUV, thanks to its roomy cabin and handy 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The overall shape straddles a line between slinky station-wagon and low-slung sport-utility.

Also see: 8 new luxury SUVs for under $50,000

The electric powertrain provides effortless speed. However, the driving range doesn’t exactly set a new standard when it comes to miles-per-charge. Added competition from other luxury brands could turn up the heat on Jaguar to provide a wider spectrum of performance. Tesla does it with its multiple battery options. It should come as no surprise to learn that Jaguar has agreed to cooperate with BMW on the research and development of electric powertrains for future EV models.

Also see: Which is better? The Tesla Model S and Model 3 compared

While it has an early start on its main rivals, the I-Pace is only the beginning of a heated battle for dominance in the premium EV segment.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.