New Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW iX vs Jaguar I-Pace: verdict

Our verdict

Despite finishing last in this test, the I-Pace remains a worthy contender that’s quick and enjoyable to drive, while being by far the cheapest to buy and run. But in this company, its interior lacks that final degree of opulence and serenity, while its range and charging speed trail those of the class best.

Separating the others is a tougher task. The Q8 e-tron offers a superb ride and handling balance and its interior feels very classy. It’s just a shame it can’t make better use of its huge battery, due to its poor efficiency. The Q8 makes more sense in
S line trim, where you get to enjoy all of its strengths for a sigificantly lower price.

In contrast, the iX is at its very best in this high-end guise, combining dizzying performance and a gorgeous interior with exceptional cruising comfort and refinement. Having the most generous range makes it a great long-distance option, too. At this price point, the iX is still the electric SUV benchmark.

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1st – BMW iX

For Cosseting ride; incredible refinement; longest range and best efficiency; comfiest in rear seats
Against Light, aloof-feeling steering; option packs are pricey;  costliest to buy and run; no under-bonnet storage
Recommended options Comfort Pack (£2310)

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full BMW iX review >>

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2nd – Audi Q8 e-tron

For Spacious interior with best rear leg room; superb ride and handling balance; very quiet; relatively quick charging
Against Disappointing efficiency; cheaper models are better value; rear-view door cameras aren’t easy to use
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Audi Q8 e-tron review >>

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3rd – Jaguar I-Pace

For Agile handling; user-friendly interior controls; cheapest to buy and run
Against Slightly fidgety ride; not as hushed as rivals; smallest boot; Jaguar’s reliability record
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Jaguar I-Pace review >>

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Specifications: Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro Vorsprung

Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 402bhp
Peak torque 490lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.4sec
30-70mph 4.3sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 8.1m
70-0mph 45.2m
Noise at 30mph 57.4dB
Noise at 70mph 63.5dB
Kerb weight 2585kg
Tyres (std) 265/45 R21
Battery capacity (usable) 106kWh
Real-world range (est) 233 miles
Official range 306 miles
Efficiency on test 2.2 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 170kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 17hr
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 31min

Specifications: BMW iX xDrive50 M Sport

Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 516bhp
Peak torque 564lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 4.4sec
30-70mph 3.4sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 8.9m
70-0mph 51.6m
Noise at 30mph 56.7dB
Noise at 70mph 63.8dB
Kerb weight 2585kg
Tyres (std) 255/50 R21
Battery capacity (usable) 105.2kWh
Real-world range (est) 274 miles
Official range 382 miles
Efficiency on test 2.6 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 195kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 16hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 35min

Specifications: Jaguar I-Pace EV400 R-Dynamic HSE Black

Engine Two electric motors
Peak power 394bhp
Peak torque 513lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 4.7sec
30-70mph 3.8sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 8.8m
70-0mph 46.9m
Noise at 30mph 58.5dB
Noise at 70mph 65.6dB
Kerb weight 2226kg
Tyres (std) 245/50 R20
Battery capacity (usable) 84.7kWh
Real-world range (est) 212 miles
Official range 277 miles
Efficiency on test 2.5 miles/kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 100kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 12hr 45min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 44min

Test weather conditions Dry, 13deg C

Cars pictured

Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro Launch Edition with Chronos Grey metallic paint (£795)

BMW iX xDrive50 M Sport with Black Sapphire metallic paint (£795), 22in bi-colour air performance alloy wheels (£1485)

Jaguar I-Pace EV400 R-Dynamic HSE Black with Firenze Red metallic paint (£735) and Dynamic Pack (£3300)

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