Doug DeMuro Reviews “The Most Important SUV Of The Year"

Doug DeMuro then makes a case for pricing, which favors the I-Pace (staring at $69,500) instead of the Model X 100D ($99,000) at first glance. Thing is, the Jaguar and Tesla are worlds apart in terms of size, which makes this differentiation as relevant as comparing apples with oranges.

Doug also forgets to mention how little the customer gets for $69,500 in terms of standard equipment. The HSE retails at $80,500, and even at that price point, Jaguar is much obliged to take your greenback for additional equipment such as the Carbon Fiber Exterior Pack (adds $4,390 to the MSRP).

Then there’s the matter of EPA-rated range. The I-Pace promises up to 234 miles on a charge while the Model X with the 75-kWh battery ($84,000) is much obliged to offer 237 miles. Level up to the Model X 100D, and Tesla quotes up to 295 miles. In other words, no other electric crossover or SUV comes close as far as range is concerned.

Last, but certainly not least, Doug somehow forgets that Hyundai offers the Kona Electric with up to 258 miles for the 64-kWh battery. What Car? discovered the South Korean crossover has a real-world range of 259 miles, which is six miles better than the I-Pace managed in the British magazine’s group test.

For all intents and purposes, the I-Pace is an interesting choice for customers who’re more interested in the brand and driving characteristics. But as demand for EVs keeps on surging, models that don’t cost as much as the Jaguar will see the biggest gains in the years to come.

Along with the Kona Electric, don’t forget that Tesla prepares to roll out the Model 3 with the Standard Battery, the European specification, and RHD models for the United Kingdom and Australia. In November 2019, the I.D. Neo from Volkswagen will take the EV onslaught into a different dimension thanks to the affordable pricing for the entry-level specification of the Golf-sized electric hatchback.