Pricing
There’s no way you could call the Jaguar I-Pace a cheap car, even by the standards of other luxury models. But compare it to other 100% electric rivals such as the Audi e-tron or even most plug-in hybrid SUVs (like the Volvo XC60 T8) and it stacks up pretty well.
Comparisons with the Tesla Model S and Model X are also inevitable, and the Jaguar looks good value here too, even if they are bigger.
There are three simple I-Pace trim levels on offer – S, SE and HSE, while there are also two special editions called Black and HSE Black. All have exactly the same motor and battery, and the only differences are to the styling and level of luxury. The mid-range SE gets better wheels, LED headlamps and a powered tailgate, while the poshest HSE gets nicer seats and more choice of options including massive 22-inch wheels.
Part of the attraction of buying a car like the I-Pace is being able to personalise it to your taste which different trims and interior options. Do this at the peril of your bank account though as the extras soon add up. If you are not too fussy there seem to be some great deals on leasing rates for the I-Pace though. We found them at less than £600 per month.
Running costs
Running a luxury car is rarely cheap, but the I-Pace bills should come as a welcome surprise to anyone used to running a petrol or diesel car. The biggest savings will come if you choose one as a company car. New benefit-in-kind taxation rules which were introduced for the April 2020 tax year mean a higher rate (40%) tax payer will save around £11,000 per year by swapping a diesel F-Pace for an I-Pace. That’s a massive figure which will be a massive incentive to go electric.
The fuel and road tax costs will be less too, especially if you charge at home or work. Using the rapid charger network is pricier, although a top up will still be a fair chunk less than filling up with fuel. It won’t be as cheap or convenient as using a Tesla on its dedicated Supercharger network though; something to bear in mind if you intend to charge on the go often.