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2019 Jaguar I-Pace - What It Offers That Tesla Models Do Not

We tested the battery electric vehicle Jaguar I-Pace this week and looked for things that Jaguar includes in its new crossover that Tesla does not offer. The list is pretty long.

This past week, Torque News had an opportunity to test the new 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE. The quick summary of our test is that the I-Pace is now our favorite Jaguar and we have tested every current model except the E-Pace.

Jaguar's I-Pace takes a form and price point that no current Tesla model does. It is a two-row, all-wheel drive crossover built more for all-road capability than an SUV-type crossover. Tesla does not make a crossover this size. Nor does Tesla have a crossover vehicle in the price range of the I-Pace. The I-Pace starts at about $71,000 and a fully-loaded model like our HSE tester runs up to the low $90Ks. Our tester had an as-tested price including destination and delivery of $89,310. The Tesla Model X, by comparison, starts at about $90K and can rise to about $160K with all options. Jaguar dealers can also discount a new Jaguar. Tesla will not. The price point and size of the I-Pace are just the start of the differences between the offerings Jaguar and Tesla have.

Crossovers Should Have Roof Racks
The Tesla Model X has a lot going for it, notably the unique gullwing doors. However, those doors also preclude the Model X from being a true crossover. Every vehicle with any outdoor activity focus should have a roof rack to carry gear in a pod, bikes, paddle boards, snowboards, kayaks, and all that jazz. Tesla's Model X can't do that. As our top of page image shows, the I-Pace can.

i-pace seatsLuxury Cars Should Have Leather Available
If you prefer plastic-based seats or cloth, that's great. We like microfiber suede and leather in combination with heat and ventilation in our luxury cars. But you can't get that in a Tesla. Because Tesla has decided that you shouldn't. Jaguar offers the best leather in the world. Ours had red Windsor leather and it was amazing.

EVs Should Have A Special $7,500 Tax Break
We're being a bit cheeky here since our coverage often takes aim at tax breaks for luxury EVs, but the Jaguar I-Pace has a substantially better tax break for buyers. Jaguar buyers enjoy a $7,500 tax credit and there is no end in sight. Tesla buyers get just $3,750 now, $1,875 after July 1st, and nothing a year from now. Tesla's Model 3 sales have killed the tax break for Tesla shoppers.

All Vehicles Should Have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Tesla has a fantastic UI and an infotainment system that is simply groundbreaking. Yet, it does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. There are plusses and minuses to every infotainment package, but cars with price tags around $20K now are commonly offering both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The best thing about this technology is that if you are for some reason dead set against it, you can simply not use it. If you do use it, you know the upsides. Tesla does not offer this technology, Jaguar does, and we found it to be perfect in its operation. Oh, and AAA says that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be less distracting than automakers' native systems. So it's "safer."

Jaguar I-PaceA Note About Quickness
One thing that both the I-Pace and all Tesla vehicles share is amazing performance. The I-Pace can accelerate to 60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds, but if you are an EV fan and have driven some, you understand it is the instant torque that is the difference maker. The 510 lb-ft of torque the I-Pace packs enables amazing performance at this price point. Tesla does not have a vehicle in this segment yet, but when the company does offer it, will it have the same performance at this price point? We think the answer is "yes" but we will be waiting - and waiting - and waiting to find out.

Included Maintenence
Maintenance is not included with the Model X. Tesla offers plans to sell you the maintenance it recommends. Why does Tesla need to sting you for things like tire rotations and inspections after it charges you $160K? Jaguar includes maintenance - for all of its vehicles - for five years.

Tesla has its strengths, and they are well known. Autopilot. Superchargers. We felt it was fair to point out things that Jaguar has that Tesla does not. What have we left out?

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