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Alexandra Lawrence15 Sept 2019
FEATURE

Tesla Model 3 v Jaguar I-PACE

There’s a lot to like about each of these new luxury electric vehicles, but which is best?

Electric vehicles are finally gaining momentum in Australia thanks to the arrival of more appealing and relevant offerings.

Two of the latest EVs in Oz are proof: the Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar I-PACE.

This isn’t a traditional comparison. At $135,400, the Jaguar I-PACE SE driven here is more than twice the price of the $66,000 Tesla Model, but each brings its own strengths to the table.

Question is, which manufacturer has designed the better EV: Tesla, a tech company dabbling in automotive, or Jaguar, an automotive company dabbling in technology?

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Five reasons the Jaguar I-PACE is best

1. It’s quicker

The Jaguar I-PACE can sprint to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, while the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus takes a little longer at 5.6 seconds (the $91,200 Performance AWD version is quicker at 3.4sec).

On the road, the Jag’s power is more pronounced despite its hefty 2.1-tonne kerb weight. The I-PACE sends its power to all four wheels, delivering its 294kW of power almost instantaneously.

And while the 225kW Model 3 still feels quick with its rear-wheel drive set-up, the I-PACE wins this drag race.

2. It looks cooler

In our opinion, the Jaguar I-PACE is the better-looking of the two and looks less like and EV. It might be an SUV, but its design is edgier and more advanced, while the Tesla is rounder, less interesting and more polarising with obligatory EV styling cues like bulky wheel covers and a closed grille.

Disagree all you want, but our vote goes to I-PACE for appearance.

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3. Easy access

Getting in and out of the Jaguar I-PACE is much easier too, thanks to its raised design. And even though it’s classified as a large SUV, it feels more like a crossover thanks to a ground clearance of 142mm. Whatever the class, the British car’s ease of access puts it ahead of the US EV.

4. It has (some) off-road ability

Because of its higher-riding body, the Jaguar I-PACE will be able to take you further away from sealed roads than the Tesla.

With more ground clearance, all-wheel drive, a wading depth of 500mm, hill launch assist and low traction launch, it’s ready to dabble in unsealed road adventures – although best keep it light.

5. Long-term financial stability

Tesla’s financial path until now has been a tumultuous one.

We can’t crystal ball the future of either car-maker but the reality is the historic Jaguar brand has backing from Indian giant Tata and, even though it’s currently also in the red, that ought to give it better long-term security.

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Five reasons the Tesla Model 3 is best

1. It’s cheaper

The Tesla Model 3 is about half the price of the Jag – at least in $66,000 Standard Plus Range form as tested here. Despite that, the entry-level Tesla offers almost the same range -- an estimated 460km against the I-PACE’s estimated 470km (according to NEDC claims).

2. Superior charging infrastructure

Tesla has about 30 supercharger stations around Australia – predominantly on the east coast – and plans to introduce more.

We made use of one at Goulburn, in the NSW Southern Tablelands, and it cost $18.90 to fully replenish the battery from 13 per cent. And it took 70 minutes.

The Model 3 is also capable of utilizing 250kW DC charging, bringing faster charging times than the I-PACE, which has a maximum 100kW DC rating.

During testing, we were also able to charge both vehicles at one of the NRMA’s free charging stations.

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3. Over-the-air updates

The US tech company gives owners the ability to update their own vehicle using WiFi, so regular trips to the Tesla service centre shouldn’t be required.

Jaguar offers a similar system for its software operating system, though the updates themselves appear more limited.

4. Mammoth screen

The Tesla feels decidedly more tech-centric than the I-PACE inside the cabin, and a lot of that is owed to its huge 15-inch touch-screen.

Conveying every conceivable function from speedo to range, along with controlling operation of the glovebox, mirrors and steering wheel positioning, the screen offers something of a rethink on automotive interior.

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5. Teslas come with Easter eggs

No, not the type you eat. These Easter eggs are in the form of onboard games, a whoopie cushion and a fireplace – things certainly not offered by more upmarket brands like Jaguar.

Tesla does things differently – there’s no denying that – but that’s also what adds to the appeal for many people.

Either way, both EVs deliver the ability to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing luxury, performance or dynamics (notwithstanding the CO2 emissions of battery production and Australia’s coal-fired power stations).

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