Are electric cars ready to replace combustion engine cars in terms of outright performance? Carwow decided to stage a test where they pitted two very different but similar vehicles - both with 294kw (400 horsepower) and all-wheel drive - against each other. It is of course the Audi RS3 Sedan and Jaguar's new electric SUV, the I-PACE.
As a refresher, Audi uses a 2.5-litre TFSI turbocharged 5-cylinder motor to produce 294kw and 480nm available from 1,700 to 5,850rpm. This is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a Haldex-based Quattro system. The result is 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of up to 280kph. What’s great about the RS3 is that it utilizes a torque transferring system that can send between 50 and 100% of the power to the rear wheels when required. The RS3 is available as both a 5-door sportback and a sedan, with the sedan priced from R933 500.
The Jaguar I-PACE though, is the British automaker’s new electric five-seater SUV, and it is expected to debut in South Africa in the first half of 2019. The I-PACE is all-electric and uses a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery to achieve a range of just under 500kms. A pair of electric motors on each axle produce 294kw and 696nm, and thanks to all-wheel drive, can rocket the crossover from 0-100kph in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Thanks to careful placement of the battery, is has a sports car-like 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. The I-PACE is priced at around US$69 000 in the USA, so expect pricing upwards of ZAR 930 000 when it lands in South Africa next year.
And with those facts out of the way, we ask, who is your money on in this test?
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FAQ
Q: What does the Jaguar I-PACE cost in South Africa?
The Jaguar I-PACE is expected to cost upwards of R930,000 when it arrives in South Africa, making it a direct competitor to the Audi RS3 Sedan which starts from R933,500.
Q: Is the Jaguar I-PACE worth buying over the Audi RS3?
The I-PACE offers instant torque delivery with 696nm compared to the RS3's 480nm, plus you'll save on fuel costs with its 500km electric range, but the RS3 edges it slightly in acceleration with 4.1 seconds to 100kph versus 4.5 seconds.
Q: How fast can the Jaguar I-PACE accelerate compared to petrol cars?
The I-PACE rockets from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds thanks to its dual electric motors producing 294kW, which puts it just 0.4 seconds behind the Audi RS3's 4.1-second sprint time.
Q: What is the driving range of the Jaguar I-PACE on a single charge?
The I-PACE delivers just under 500km of range from its 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which should easily cover most daily driving needs without range anxiety.
Q: Which has better performance, electric or petrol cars like the I-PACE vs RS3?
Both deliver similar performance with 294kW each, but the I-PACE's electric motors provide instant torque delivery while the RS3 offers traditional petrol thrills and can reach a higher top speed of 280kph.
Should You Buy It?
The best electric performance SUV around R930,000 in South Africa is definitely the Jaguar I-PACE. With 294kW, 696nm of instant torque, and a 4.5-second 0-100kph time, it proves electric cars can match petrol performance while offering lower running costs. Yes, you should buy the I-PACE if you want cutting-edge tech and don't mind charging infrastructure limitations, but the Audi RS3 remains the better choice for pure driving thrills and convenience at a similar R933,500 price point.
