2022 certainly seems to be the year of electric vehicles! With more and more people switching to eco-friendly alternatives, driving an EV could be one of the easiest ways to help our planet. After huge advancements in battery and charging technology over the past decade, we’d argue that switching a gas-guzzling premium badged SUV for a pure electric one is a no brainer.
After all, electricity is much more affordable than petrol or diesel. Plus, electric vehicle incentives make driving an EV practical. With more choice than ever, you could be stuck on which EV to choose. Two of our favourite electric vehicles for 2022 are the well-proven Jaguar I-Pace and the BMW iX.
While there are plenty of all-electric choices, the Jaguar I-Pace has long held its head high among rivals from Audi and Mercedes. So should you hire a Jaguar I-Pace? Or, should you opt for the latest addition to the UK market, the BMW iX?
Introduction
At its launch in 2018, the all-electric I-Pace was possibly the most important release for the brand ever. We all know (and love) Jaguar for its punchy performance and classic styling, but how would their first electric car perform?
At first glance, the I-Pace is really different from Jaguar’s usual styling. Without a petrol or diesel engine to fit in the vehicle, the bonnet is much shorter and stubbier. It also sits slightly higher than a conventional hatchback, which works out brilliantly for efficiency.
This actually allows the I-Pace to travel slightly further on a single charge than some of its main rivals. At the time of its release, there weren’t hundreds of SUV models to choose from. The main being the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron. Now, the Mercedes EQC and BMW iX are giving the Jag a run for its money.
Speaking of the BMW iX, it’s actually the first all-electric model released from the brand since the original BMW i3 back in 2013. Again, an EV with a lot to live up to. Like the i3, the iX has been designed using a generous dose of aluminium, steel and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.
In terms of pricing, the luxury SUVs compare quite nicely. With the Jaguar starting at £63,000 and the BMW iX starting at £69,000. Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty.
Performance
Both BMW and Jaguar are known for their high-end cars that almost always have a kick. In terms of electric driving, most new EV drivers will find electric cars quicker off the mark than petrol or diesel cars.
Starting with the Jag, all I-Pace models are four-wheel drive thanks to the two electric motors. Together they produce 395bph, which accelerates the vehicle from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. That’s slower than the rapid Tesla Model S, but much quicker than even the fastest Tesla Model X models.
In comparison, the BMW iX is fitted with a 71kWh battery which produces 321bhp. This accelerated the vehicle from 0-60mph in only 5.7 seconds. Certainly not a slow car, but not as quick as the I-Pace.
Unfortunately, it’s not just speed where the BMW iX falls behind the curve. While BMW states that the iX has a range of up to 257 miles, in real world conditions you’re looking at below 200 miles.
Granted, it’s unlikely you’ll get the full amount of miles out of any electric vehicle, but the I-Pace does considerably better. With a WLTP range of 292, we’d expect you to get roughly 230 miles out of the I-Pace, before topping it up.
While the iX may not be much competition in terms of performance, it certainly holds its own in terms of design.
Interior and design
Inside, the BMW iX will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has been in a BMW i3 – and that’s a very good thing! One thing BMW are brilliant at is using upmarket materials throughout their vehicles. There’s sustainable sourced wood, microfibre fabrics and robust-feeling recycled plastics.
The iX also comes with the latest BMW iDrive infotainment system shown on a 14.9-inch curved touchscreen. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. We’re also keen to see that BMW has ditched the trend for touch-only infotainment! You can control all of the functions by touch, a rotary controller and with voice control.
Once behind the wheel, the iX is comfy and has a great driving position, which can be adjusted. You don’t sit up quite as high as you would in a BMW X7, but the window line is lower, giving drivers great visibility. Rear visibility isn’t as great due to chucky pillars, but all iX models do come with a reversing camera and sensors all round as standard.
So, how does the I-Pace compare? As in other Jaguar models, a 10-inch touchscreen is central to the interior. It certainly dominates the front of the vehicle, but it’s not quite as imposing as you’d find in a Tesla. Within the touchscreen, you can find some great features including climate control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Ultimately, we prefer the infotainment systems found in BMW’s electric models, including the i3 and iX. In terms of quality, the I-Pace feels really classy inside. The structure between the front seats feels more solid than that of the Tesla Model S, while the interior is noticeably plusher than in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Overall, the design of either of these EVs is going to come down to personal preference. We think the BMW iX has technology in the bag, but the I-Pace definitely feels and looks more upmarket.
Hire a Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX!
Unfortunately, we are yet to receive our order of BMW iXs so we don’t have them available to hire just yet. But, they are on their way! We’d recommend signing up to our newsletter here to be the first to hear about the latest electric vehicles joining our fleet!
In the meantime, you could hire a Jaguar I-Pace from EVision Electric Vehicles! We were lucky enough to add the I-Pace to our fleet when it arrived in 2018 so we can proudly say it’s a brilliant electric vehicle!
Hire a Jaguar I-Pace from just £40.04 per day here!
* All information correct as of 28/03/2022. All prices based on a 3 year hire.
