The Jaguar I-Pace was released back in 2018. With a few tweaks along the way it has become a popular option for those looking to shop for a vehicle in the zero-emissions market. With a heavy focus on low or zero-emission vehicles now becoming prominent, leading marques are competing against each other to see if they can become the brand that establishes themselves either alongside, or above Tesla.
Various iterations of the I-Pace have been pitched, planned and designed all to be either paused or stopped altogether as plans to invade the SUV market in 2025 gathered pace. This means that come December 2024, production of the I-Pace will come to an end and in 2025, a new line-up will be released.
The question is, six years after launch, can it still provide owners with an EV that is up to standard? In this edition of our blog, we look at the Jaguar I-Pace, its reliability and its running costs and answer a few of the common questions potential buyers and new owners might have.
How much does a Jaguar i Pace cost?
The Jaguar I-Pace has often been referred to as a cheap model, especially when bought as a used car. We took a look around various dealerships and found that it’s possible to snap up a used model for less than £12,000 but as high as £50,000. Much depends on the type of I-Pace you aim for. The R Dynamic comes in three trims (four if you count the limited first edition) whilst the 400 Sport is a standalone model in the collection. Opt for any of these brand new, and you are looking at price points of £70,000-£80,000.
What are the different Jaguar i Pace models?
There are two different models of the I-Pace, The R Dynamic and the 400 Sport. Within the Dynamic collection, there are three trims. The HSE, the SE and the S. For an added touch of sophistication as some may call it, each trim also comes tagged as “black”. This is an exclusive edition which adds privacy glass, a panoramic roof and a gloss black finish on the wheels.
Regarding the trims, each I-Pace offers much the same in range, battery, horsepower and torque. It’s just some of the features get significantly upgraded the further up the trim list you move. The S for example is the base trim. This offers 18-inch alloys, eight-way powered sports seats and a parking package to help with safe parking. Leap up to the HSE trim and those 15-spoke 18-inch alloys become 5-spoke 20-inch wheels. A driver assist package with a 360-degree camera and 16-way heated and cooled electric driver memory front seats with 2-way headrests also add to the spec.
What is Jaguar i-Pace reliability like?
When it was first launched, much was said about how it will be the Jaguar that makes a lasting impression on the EV market and to an extent it did and still does. Unfortunately, reviews on reliability are mixed with owners across forums, review sites and other motoring outlets bemoaning a variety of problems. Many have complained about the charging system whilst others have noticed issues with air suspension. In fact, in the What Car 2023 reliability survey, the I-Pace ranked as the second most unreliable electric SUV of the year. There have been some recalls on the I-Pace and many of the teething troubles have since been rectified though.
Is the Jaguar I-Pace safe?
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with a vehicle, especially if there are reliability issues, is the safety of the car. Fortunately, this is not something Jaguar ever scrimp on and the I-Pace in all its editions scores well. Equipped with a host of safety features, it scored five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, emergency braking, rear traffic monitors, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and high-speed emergency braking are just some of the features you can find across the various I-Pace editions.
Is the Jaguar I-Pace expensive to run?
When the I-Pace was first launched it was lauded for its rapid charging capability, at 100kW, it put many to shame and almost stood apart. Nowadays though, we see 150kW or 300kW and accept that as the standard. This means that the I-Pace suddenly doesn’t quite compete.
Battery and mileage
All I-Pace models, according to Jaguar offer up to 292 miles on a full charge, which using a 7KW AC charger will take approximately 13 hours. Fast charging is available from home or roadside charging stations though which might not top you up to 100% but will certainly boost the battery significantly.
Tax
With zero road tax, you’ll be making a saving that combustion engine SUVs will soon swallow up, in addition, the lack of need for petrol saves vast sums on fuel as a charge is vastly cheaper than topping up on fuel.
Insurance
We then have insurance, which for electric vehicle owners is always a bone of contention. With the Jaguar I-Pace, it’s perhaps even more of a concern. Entry-level models find themselves in group 49 of 50 for insurance, making them expensive to insure. Upgrade to the enhanced editions and you’ll find each of them sitting in group 50. This is certainly worth considering before making a purchase.
One particular benefit that will help keep costs down and assuage the worry of reliability is the 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery. There is also the 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the car itself.
You will also benefit from the fact that electric cars have fewer moving parts to maintain than those in petrol or diesel vehicles. This reduces the level of Jaguar servicing required quite significantly. The I-Pace only requires a service every two years or 21,000 miles.
Overall, it’s a cheap vehicle to run, its just the cost of acquiring one that could hit the finances a hard. Especially if aiming for a new vehicle. If you can snap up a used model, you could have a very cost-effective EV on your hands!
Whilst there are some concerns about the reliability of the Jaguar I-Pace, much has been done to improve the vehicle. Many drivers still benefit from its natural handling, seamless performance and its responsiveness. It may be reaching the end of the line as a high-end SUV, but it still has plenty of miles in it. With used models at bargain prices, it could be the ideal electric vehicle for your family. If you already own a Jaguar and require the assistance of a Jaguar service centre, RCV can help. With over 40 years of experience, our team of skilled technicians can help you save money on main dealer prices. Contact us today to find out more about Jaguar MOTs and the host of services we provide to keep your Jaguar on the road.