Audi e-tron Electric 55 quattro vs Jaguar I-PACE Electric First Edition

Electrification promises many things. Cleaner vehicles that help to bring down global emissions. Instantaneous electric torque and a highly responsive drive. Cost savings in the long haul.

One other aspect should also be considered - the quality of motoring comfort. And in this regard, there are only two real options in the market right now - the new Audi e-tron, and the Jaguar I-PACE. 

Huh, what do you mean? 

Luxury can be defined by many means - the quality of materials, the level of craftsmanship, the availability of technological amenities, the list goes on. However, at least in my mind, one quality trumps all - the level of comfort and ease that the car can deliver for the driver and the passengers.

And, it is in this regard that I think Electric Vehicles (EVs) really have something going for them. By eliminating the noise and 'roughness' that comes with an internal combustion engine, EVs can deliver a different sort of experience, one focused on quietness, smoothness and relaxation. That's exactly what these two cars excel at. 

So, electric SUVs then...

On paper, the Audi e-tron and the Jaguar I-PACE are quite similarly equipped. As far as electric drive goes, the e-tron's electric drivetrain delivers 355bhp and 561Nm of torque, and can be boosted to 402bhp and 664Nm of torque.

The I-PACE packs slightly more punch, with 395bhp and 696Nm of torque. The e-tron has a 95kWh battery, while the I-PACE has a 90kWh battery. And, as far as range goes, both cars will realistically achieve over 300km on a single charge. They have similar consumption figures, also - the e-tron quotes 22.4-26.4kWh/100km, while the I-PACE quotes 23kWh/100km.

The two cars' interiors also share similarities. They both have a digital dashboard, and both cars have a two-screen setup in the centre console, though the Audi does feature the slicker and slightly user-friendlier interface.

Both cars are generously appointed with amenities, and both deliver an undeniably luxurious experience fitting of their respective badges. 

So what's to tell them apart? 

One key difference is size. The e-tron is a bigger car - it's 219mm longer and 51mm taller, though the I-PACE actually has a 62mm longer wheelbase.

The e-tron is a tad more spacious in the rear of the cabin and has a larger boot (660 litres compared to 638 litres in the I-PACE First Edition variant), but the downside is that negotiating tight roads and small carparks is a little more challenging compared to the I-PACE.

The I-PACE handles slightly better, partially due to its slightly smaller footprint and the fact that it weighs 300kg less. The I-PACE also delivers more vicious straight line acceleration, although for all intents and purposes that's more or a party piece than an everyday practice. Both cars make overtaking on the highway laughably easy.

Where the e-tron impresses more is in the execution of the electric drivetrain. It feels a tad more intelligent and sophisticated, responding appropriately to the traffic conditions and the way you are driving. As a result, the driving experience feels smoother and more refined.

Which is the better choice? 

Right now, if you want an all-electric luxury SUV, your choices likely come down to these two cars (the Tesla Model X is significantly more expensive). The I-PACE is priced at $371,999 for this First Edition variant, while the e-tron costs $367,500, so there's not a lot between the two in terms of price, either. 

And in this particular situation, there really isn't a bad choice at all. I really do like both cars a lot, and I'd have either of them in a heartbeat, if only I could afford it.

For around the same sort of money, both cars deliver similarly comfortable, luxurious and sensible all-electric experiences. The differences between the two are subtle, and either way you choose you're guaranteed a quality experience - elevating the level of comfort for the driver and passengers alike. 

Personally, I'd choose the Audi e-tron for its more refined drivetrain, though I really wish it was the size of the Jaguar I-PACE.